Verbally abused by teenager, would you say something in this situation or not?

[Hannahxc1]

I've just picked up a few bits for tea from Sainsbury's and as I'm walking through the doors to leave the shop I hear "come on you fat cow hurry up for fuck sake"

I look back it's a teenage girl (16-17) in a group of three and it was me she was talking to.

I wasn't dordling, I was moving perfectly quickly. I didn't have a trolly or pram holding me up. There was no congestion of people waiting to pass. She just wanted to be confrontational and was clearly looking for attention from her friends.

I was caught off guard and didn't know how to respond so I just rolled my eyes and walked off, but I'm still annoyed 15 minutes later and think I should have said something to the little witch.

Would you have?

The thing with mouthy teens is they have no idea who you are and even less of an idea who their parents know. I have used this in the past to kids I don't know from adam. "bet your mum will love that you insulted one of her friends. Wouldnt want to be you when I tell her". Then disengage. Leaves them really nervous if, of course, their mother gives a shit about their behaviour.

She sounds vile and like she was showing off. I tend to smirk at people when they act like that. Pity them.

As all grocery shopping is now done solo (so no children to worry about) I probably would have flipped her the finger and stared her down.

I really don't give a shit when threatened and that makes people pause because they don't know why I don't give a shit and generally back down.

Probably not good advice for others though sorry. Your first instinct in these situations is generally the most reliable so you did fine.