To think all MNers should repeat after me...

[Diamondback]

"Actually, that's really rude."

For all those occasions in life (and from reading the AIBU threads, it seems i'm not the only one who gets them) when someone says something so rude that you just don't know what to say.

We all operate on the principle that other people will be as polite and reasonable as we are (or wish we were!) so when someone is really rude, we just don't know what to say and end up spending hours later wishing we'd said something.

So practice this one line and be prepared, so the next time someone tells you you're fat, or your baby is ugly, or that you're just lazy, repeat after me... "Actually, that's really rude."

Add your own useful phrases here; I'll start with "I'm not going to discuss that with you."

OOO, this is relevant to me.

I have to take dd to a hospital appointment tomorrow after cancelling her last one at very short notice, due to an appointment coming through for ds2. His problem was more immediate. What can I say to the awful doctor if she asks why we didn't go? I left an answer phone message saying something had come up.

Can mine be, 'Actually I think thats really rude'?

[meek emoticon]

trainsetter - easy: Sorry, was due to an appointment coming through for ds2. His problem was more immediate.

Thank you. Last time we saw her she was very rude and not very good with my dd at all so I am dreading going.

Yes, I like "How very rude". It has a tinge of superiority/being patronising to it too.

Do we have to do lines

"Actually, that's really rude."
"Actually, that's really rude."
"Actually, that's really rude."
"Actually, that's really rude."
"Actually, that's really rude."

oh I like "How very rude"

It will be my new catchphrase

Is there a certain look that goes with this 'Actually, that's really rude'?

I do like "How rude" followed by my 'DD that was very naughty' face (you know the one I mean).

2kids, my preferred look is a very sweet smile followed by a slight look of sympathy for the poor person who's just put their foot in it (I'm so evil ).

Maybe cock the head to the side and try "Actually, that's quite rude" if you're feeling gentle.

It's firm, it's straightforward and it's not aggressive.

Actually, I started with this one, after my ex-boyfriend started giving me a proper grilling on my new partner's finances. I stuttered a bit and tried to change the subject, but he just kept asking me questions about our personal finances, so eventually I just stopped and said "You are being really rude. My partner's finances are private." That stopped it straight away!