The universe owes me a shot in the chops.

[Jackofalltrades]

That's really not so bad. I once threatened to kick the ass of a guy who kept hitting on my girlfriend via AIM and on Livejournal. He was from the area and I got to meet him in person at a club meeting we apparently shared, and it turns out he has MS. I felt like a prick at first but then he started bragging about his house on Beacon Hill, his new BMW, and whatever else he had better than everyone else. While in my presence, he kept hitting on my girlfriend. She was clearly getting uncomfortable, and went to the bathroom. I pulled him aside and told him point blank, "I don't care if you have crutches, I will still beat you if you keep harassing my girlfriend. She has warned you several times and this is the last." She came back not knowing what happening and, lo and behold, he apologizes for being a jerk. He has been nothing but a gentleman when in her presence since.

So really, if you don't know, then you be too hard on yourself.

[Dips]

Oh, boy. I know how it feels to step in it so thoroughly like that. And there's not a darn thing that can be done to take it back that wouldn't make it worse. I've done that myself and it just feels horrible.

Of course you know you didn't anything wrong on purpose; the kid was acting bratty and you were naturally responding to that. But it still says A LOT about your character that you feel bad about it. It's what makes you a good person.

A lot of people wouldn't worry a bit that something they did or said may have accidentally hurt another person. They'd just shrug it off and figure it didn't matter because they didn't mean it to be hurtful.

Even if the parents heard you and took it for the worst possible meaning (which may not even be the case), they'll get past it and put it behind them.

And you'll feel better eventually too. Whenever I've done something like that, I find it comforting to know that at least I won't make that same exact mistake ever again. I know I'll make plenty of other ones, but not that *particular* mistake again.

[Seshat]

Agreed. Disability is no excuse for being a bully or an asshole.

I think that if I'd been in your situation, AND had been quick-witted enough, I'd have said 'well, I meant his bully behaviour. If he can't control it, they need to.' And said it loud enough for the parents to overhear.

Of course, I'd probably not have been quick-witted enough.

[Chromatix]

Perhaps this would have worked: "...you know what I mean."

[JLRodgers]

I have a very simple philosophy about people: anyone can be a jerk.

It doesn't matter what disease they have (granted there's some diseases that the person can't control things as well), if you're a jerk don't expect people to treat you nice - and don't be shocked if they call you on it. If the disease doesn't make the person an uncontrollable jerk -- call it like it is.

[Amethyst Hunter]

What everyone else said. Not sucky.