apologies for oncoming remarks.

but i just want to express my thought on a methaphorical sense, so as not to appear subjective.

here goes;

"you don't stoop infront of a barking dog and bark on it as well... else you'll both end up barking to nowhere."

diplomatic way of response is much plausible on situations like you just had. there are plenty of materials that can be googled on this aspect. and using it the next time around may work wonders.

cheer up!!