Everyone has their own strategy, but there is no panacea.
Some people say, “if someone insulted my wife I’d punch him in the face.”
Okay, that is a certain kind of honor, but you are allowing that loser to drag you down with them; not to mention legal repercussions when you both get thrown in the slammer for the night.
I’m the type of guy who when someone flips me the bird when driving I just waive to them. Flipping it back or yelling at them accomplishes nothing in my experience.
Similarly, if I’m in any situation with a drunk and disorderly person I just ignore it. Sure, i could give them a speech about gentle ears or respect but it is always wasted on deaf ears in my experience.