Why can't some people mind their own business?

[Soubriquet]

I actually had an older man in the street this morning and call me a bloody idiot as he rushed on by me because I crossed the road with my two children when it wasn't a green man. Despite it being safe to cross with no cars coming.

I was in a rush anyway because my Dd needed a wee but still why do I need to stop and wait if there are no cars coming?

I replied to him "oh give over. It was safe, my Dd needs a wee so mind your own business you interfering sod"

Dd then piped up with "your not an idiot mummy are you"

So I said no. Some people just need to mind their manners. All within ear shot

Bet he wouldn't have said anything if it was a man who did it with his kids.

Simple, you teach your kids to wait for green light AND road safety awareness.

You've taught your dc that it's ok to ignore road crossings designed to keep them safe AND that it's acceptable to have slanging matches in the street with strangers, all in one day. YABU.

Yep. One of my good days of parenting

But he was right?

And what was I supposed to do? Let this man get away with calling me an idiot because I used my common sense? No way. I stuck up for myself

No, but it's quite possible to stick up for yourself without sinking to the depths of reciprocal name-calling. Just because he started it, it doesn't mean you have to drop down to school playground level too.

I think what OP said was fine. Better for her kids to see their mum standing up for herself (and she didn't use profanity).

There are so many threads on MN where the OP felt 'too embarrassed' to say anything, and then they kick themselves afterwards.

Well as I saw a man being hit by a car when crossing on a red man but thought it was safe to do so YABU