When someone asks a rude question, try to take it seriously. Don’t jump to assumptions, probe first: “What do you mean?” or “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

If they smirk or try to provoke you, respond with the calm precision of the Oxford Dictionary. No drama, no fire, just clarity. Then let it go. Let the whole exchange fade like the hum of a mosquito you swatted last night: inconsequential, forgotten, already dead.