which is worse: pass by silence vs middle finger (feelings, people)

[mayhem_223]

Imagine you see down on sidewalk someone you despise or can't get along with the person. If you run into this person randomly somewhere in random place, do you prefer to ignore that person or show a mark of disapproval such as shaking head, frowning, bras d'honneur or showing a middle finger.

For me silence seems to show a lot that you don't like the person but it does not necessarily show you're angry. Showing middle finger does but on other hand it seems little silly and funny. Ever tried to flip at your reflection in your mirror? It makes you laugh doesn't? If that's how it makes other people react its probably not the best weapon to show your true feelings.

[nightlysparrow]

Silence is interesting because the person never really knows what you're thinking. This really gets to some people more than outright demonstration.

[Charles22]

How about the jerk neighbor across the street? I sometimes look in his direction but he never gets a wave or even a nod. I say hi to his wife and the kids when I see them on the street, but dad gets nothing.

[ocnjgirl]

IMO giving the middle finger only devalues and degrades YOU. My question is, why is it so important to you that the person know you are angry at them? Why would you give that person the satisfaction of knowing that whatever they did still gets to you so much that you need them to know they are still getting free rent in your head? Personally I'd smile and nod and keep walking, that is real power, IMO.
Don't know if you've seen the trailers for the new Jackie Robinson movie, but one line I found quite profound - Jackie asks Branch Rickey if he wants a player with the courage to fight back...Branch replies "I want a player with the courage not to fight back". Something to think about.