What do you think you would have done?

I have a favourite... as long as I feel I can avoid anything physical.

You eat with that mouth?

That sounds like a case for tutting and knitting.

If I'd thought quickly enough, I'd probably have said just one word, "Classy!" However, you don't know how violent somebody like her could be, she sounds the aggressive type, so saying nothing was probably the best thing you could have done. I think the reason you are so bothered by it is because she made you feel impotent which is frustrating and belittling. Just pat yourself on the back for being the bigger person by not escalating a nasty situation

My friend used to use the phrase :"of course you're perfectly right" in arguements , think it would have been perfect in this situation

Modern life, blasted mobiles and people feeling scared, a very potent and routine scenario is hospitals. Best just to make a sympathetic response and not get into any tricky situation that isn't going anywhere that will benefit you.

We can all be witty with hindsight but it isn't worth worrying about in this situation.

She probably wanted a reaction. Depending on what mood I was in at the time I probably would just have shrugged and picked up a magazine or something. You probably did the right thing. You don't know if people have boundaries when they behave like that.
My bookkeeper used to live next door to people who would aggressively say 'what you lookin' at' whenever they went into their garden so they felt intimidated into not using it much. At least you are unlikely to see her again.

Why do people think you want to listen to their calls this happens a lot in cafes on buses and usually language leaves a lot to be desired . I have glared at times but because you never know what reaction you are going to get I find myself ignoring them. If people get in my face I raise my arm from elbow palm facing them this usually gets them to step back .✋

I used to have a lovely neighbour who's stock answer was 'Yes, Well', and without fail it diffused awkward situations and calmed things down .
I would have come close to bopping her one too ;-)

This sort of behaviour seems to be quite common in hospital waiting areas, A & E etc. Some people have a sense of entitlement but no sense of responsibility, others are substance misusers or are mentally ill.
Think of how difficult it is for the staff who have to deal with them.
I think its irking you Juney because it made you feel impotent but there were others in the area too who also didn't react. I'd put it down as a learning experience and let it go. I know I would feel just the same if this had happened to me so I'll try and take my own advice if it ever does!

I once took a step backwards and wrinkled my nose when a woman started shouting in my face at work. I was amazed at how that took the wind out of her sails; she lowered her tone about ten decibels and said 'What?? What??' So I murmured 'See you dental hygienist' while shuffling my case papers about and not looking directly at her - and she turned on her heel and left! I was quaking, and that has been my once in a lifetime put down. I only ever think of things later!

Yes, Grannyben, my late mother had a store of perfect comebacks too, and would always say just the right thing. Very occasionally I have channelled her and been very proud of myself. I'm still working on the best reply to this one.....

I would just have carried on facing her with the most distasteful I could find and not say anything she would soon look away hopefully with embarressment.

Actually I know that I would have done absolutely nothing and also that I would have been upset by it. I don't like confrontation and usually get by on the principle of "do as you would be done by".

In my face ..I would have said did you know your breath smells so much I would look forward to your farts....and maybe a reflex of the leg to kick an ankle

My mum would have said 'don't lower yourself to their level'. I agree with others you don't know what she may have been on. Best forgotten

Hate confrontation!

I would have prayed that I had my aging mother with me. I've never met anyone who can come out with an immediate remark, that can cut to the quick, quite like she can. I think it's years of practice but oh she is so good. If I was alone I would just mumble something and spend the rest of the day upset about the outburst. I had confrontation, clearly I'm not my mother's daughter

Or perhaps not quite right in the head?

Drink or Drugs, probably.

I hope I would have had the b***s to shove my face even closer and shout at her "It was the volume that I found must unpleasant! such a shame that you are deaf, poor you! I've heard all those words so many times that they are so boring."

But I would more likely have been struck dumb by the sheer gall of her.

Hmm...yes, perhaps a firm shove then!

If someone invades your personal space very aggressively I think a lot of us might have a primal urge to bop - most of us wouldn't do it though

Nor me Ana - that's why I'm surprised.

I believe that even that master of the scathing put-down, Winston Churchill, had them prepared in advance and contrary to appearances did not produce them off the cuff!
"How rude " sounds good, or maybe "Qué?"

(Must say, the thought of 'bopping' someone would never occur to me...)