Before you get your backs up; we know — arguing of any kind can’t really be considered gentlemanly. But, although you may not like it, these conflicts and confrontations should be a part of your daily life. If they’re not, then you’re living life too safely. After all, a couple of ruffled feathers prove that you’re making an impression.

And, so long as you’re not initiating these sparring sessions, it still pays to have a couple of barbed and well-chosen retorts in your back pocket. This way, you can shut down any argument as quickly — and quietly — as possible. So have a read, and commit a couple of these civilised slights and snubs to memory. You’ll thank us later.

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