Coping with jerks, I think, is a skill you start learning young;
sarcastic aunts and uncles, big sisters and brothers, who enjoy
passive aggressive torment... then "the teachers that shouldn't
be there" (there's always a few) who take out their personal
problems on the kids under their care, and then by 3rd grade -
well, that's when Sarcasm becomes the Rule of Thumb; South Park
got the age right. From then on, you survive and crumble and
thrive alternatively; a lot of growing up is "running the
gauntlet" - getting pelted from both sides and trying to make it
through while smiling. And.. I kind of think growing up is
something you do your entire life; we never stop learning the
strange ways of other people - or ourselves :P (waxing
philosophical tonight; a sure sign of needing more coffee!)
