I thought I had heard every mean spirited comment in the world, having played ball in the nether regions of the L.A. Angels organization when I was fresh out of high school.

But then, I had a teenager.

One sparkling Sunday morning, when I strolled to the fridge, about to rejoice with a glass of juice and the newspaper, my daughter said: Gee Dad, you look OLD today!

What can one do; get mad? Not a good idea!

Something creative surged through me and cascaded from my lips.

I replied, without hesitation: Thank you for that!

And at that moment, the sun grew even brighter and I could feel, was it a faint halo above my head?

Anyway, the line worked like a charm, and it kept working whenever I heard nasty remarks.

Any time you want a surefire way of perplexing, nonplussing, stymieing, or blunting the criticism of your teenager or grown-up critic, recite this line with dripping appreciation, and youll accomplish 5 wonderful things:

(1) Youll stun them with a quick reply.

(2) Youll show you havent taken the bait and grown angry.

(3) Youll demonstrate a genuine sense of humor.

(4) Youll show poise under pressure.

(5) And, youll feel great about yourself!

Now, lets tweak this line a bit.

You already have the text, and the timing. Those are two of the Three Ts, critical ingredients for winning communications.

Now, all you need is the right tone.

This line should be uttered with the same tone that youd use as if a dear friend invited you to summer at the Hamptons, play tennis with Jack Nicholson, or to play tennis with Jack Nicholson in the Hamptons.

In other words, the tone should emulate the pattern found in the phrase, Why Id LOVE to!

Go ahead and practice once or twice:

Thank you for that!

Actually, an insult is an invitation, entreating you to be a jovial, upbeat, happy sport that is resilient enough to bounce back from anything.

Even from the backhanded slam of a teenager!