Well hard for me to give advice on a problem I have also. I do think it is best to step back. Stay out of debate forums if you don't want to get bruised. They tend to make you act first and think later.
Stress number one cause of illness, so if we just relax more and think how to answer it is better. You will find that sugar attracts people more than sour grapes. So sometimes we have to bite the bullet and just plain don't respond.