Originally Posted by
pharasz
I used to think that as well. But now I realize that even that is not good because you are interacting with an abuser - they want a reaction from you and any acknowledgment of their existence or behavior is giving them power. Don't give them the satisfaction of knowing you even heard them or know they exist. The best response is none at all. Be deaf and dumb.
That's just a shorter way of saying what GriddleCakes said.
No, I was saying that I
do wave back. I can't just ignore abusive cagers, I've tried. It works for a bit, but eventually my frustration and righteous rage builds up and blows. So I respond kindly to their rage as a way of defusing my own anger. Ain't nothin' I can do about their anger, that's their problem. Ignoring is great if you can do it, but pretty much anything you can do to not escalate the situation would be a good tactic.
Originally Posted by
Scheherezade
I've been blowing lots of kisses lately, how could you stay mad at that?
That's cute and hilarious, and would totally kill any rage I might theoretically be sending your way. But I'd be afraid of trying that around here, lest I get stomped by some reactionary redneck. Maybe dragged behind a truck, strung up on a fence, and left to die. My state is too red for me to risk even falsely flying that flag. I'll stick to the friendly wave and occasional peace sign, thanks.