Surrounded by 8 pit pulls today, I barely escaped with my life

[IrishAyes]

122. What I find incredible

is how some people can't understand the difference between sticking up for yourself and overreacting. Lowbrow language and dares are not the mark of self confidence or self control. Unless a person was raised in a barn, there comes a time to act like an adult. I'm sticking up for myself right now against you and no doubt others, but I don't need to beat my chest and roar either. Or throw out dares reeking with the broad hint of potential violence - as bullies do.

Lowlife is as lowlife does.

If you or anyone else wants to live a supposedly adult life flaring up everytime someone yanks your chain, go right ahead and be my guest. But don't expect my sympathy or respect in return. You're not protecting your rights when you automatically get back in somebody's face; you've let someone turn you into a puppet on a string. Maybe that's considered a necessity on the mean streets. It's foolish and premature in a more civilized setting, the kind of scene some people might try to fake but can't. No mature, confident, self-respecting individual reacts street style to every challenge. My dad used to say only a jackass answers every donkey that brays.