An effective 'punchline'

[Tinytimmy123]

I am retired but have a sideline as an invigilator in a local school. Its very rural and suits me very well. Unfortunately one of the people I work with, who is about 20 years younger than me, can be very abrupt and condescending with her attitude and remarks. Its like she is nice one minute then when you let your guard down she is unnecessarily rude.

So basically im looking for some good 'short and sweet' responses to put this to an end. I don't want a stand up row or anything just subtle but effective punch lines that others have found effective in how to deal with this kind of behaviour.

Im probably just not good at confronting people. My mum was great at this kind of thing in a very nice way, she would say things like...'im sure you didnt mean to sound so sharp but...' which would bring the person up short without being overly confrontational. Wish I'd written them down. 😔

One I’ve used on a colleague when trying to tell me what to do “who died and made you god?”.

Mind you, I’m not at all subtle and really don’t care if I offend people, so may not be a good choice.

Have you tried looking her in the eye with a beatific smile which quickly descends into utter disappointment? Give her the impression your life is very peaceful and happy until she’s in your sight. She can’t quote you on anything and you could always pass it off as her interpretation.

To settle the debate re my age. Im 60. I did retire @ 3 years ago. This person is early 40s at the latest. I was employed after her, so gave her her place as the longer serving and more experienced, but it seems that regardless of the circumstances of who is in charge, she cant help.herself.

It did occur to me it was a bit of ageism but oddly her usual day job is working ( although not directly) in a support environment for people struggling with life.....bereavement, depression, isolation. So you would think she would be a bit more sensitive ...but not.

Its all a bit sad really. I just want to do the job well, do something a bit different from the job I used to do, its local, easy to get to, easy to fit round my life and dog,. I have no desire for a power trip, couldn't give 2 figs about bossing anyone around ...just do my job, go home, and forget about it. For the most part everyone else I ve worked with has been great, helpful, chatty and kind. Theres always one.

My life is peaceful and happy until she comes into it...so it shouldn't be a stretch on my acting abilities ! 😀

😅..love this...maybe need to hone a few blunt trauma responses.

Where is the funny emoji? Didn't there used to be a funny emoji option on mumsnet?

Go for it! Who would listen to her complain that you gave her “a look”.

"Thank you, Einstein" works quite well.

I'm male, I think it's different for us, we will often have the let's step outside to sort it scenario when pushed.

For me personally that's not a problem. However I'm pretty quick witted & quite relish a situation like yours tbh. To put a bully or just a nasty person in their place is great, too many pricks in life get away with it unchallenged. If I'm given it, oh you are certainly gunna get it back 10 fold. Don't dish it out unless you want it back.

In your situation maybe a walk back to them & an "awww that's nice, but was that much funnier in your head?" You could leave it there, but I'd probably follow it up with "yeh you should work on your delivery it's odd but it appeared to be a shit joke from a small minded arsehole"

Honestly I've got a million.

You could run a course for the likes of me that could do with having a few one liners on hand. ✍

I really don’t think we ‘women’ need a course from Paul mansplaining how to be snarky….