What are some of your defense mechanisms?

Walking away while someone is still talking

It doesn’t apply to all situations, but I’ll try to bring up something positive to negate the negativity that’s been thrown out there

Denial, distraction, suppression…all the internal pressure building techniques

I simply shut down.

Emotional detachment/avoidance and biting cynicism

Could be worse, but knowing is half the battle. I'm able to reel things in a lot better these days

I Apologize for everything even if it is not may fault

I shut down sometimes..

Pepper spray.

Kung Fu.

Keep quiet, listen

Observe

Only answer questions you were asked, don't give over information

Uplifting music. I can’t control others but I can my own mood.

Sullen silence

Overlapping fields of fire

Distance

Fighting

Stink eye

Hide

fire arms...razor wire...mace

Breathing slowly.

Smile

Hold hand together.

Avoid conflict

Listen.

Say little.

Do something else very quickly

Jokes.
A swear word or two.
Taking off my sock, giving it to the person then walk off.

See that bottle over there? Now you know

Offensive humour and punch that will reset a hard drive.

A portcullis with gutters for boiling oil.

Spiked pits fillled with rotten flesh.

And a trebuchet. Because it's a lovely word...

Isolating mostly or punching a pillow

I deploy the attack shrimp.

Self deprecating humor

Stay quiet and walk away.

You mean .. like .. a .45 acp w hollow points? ;-)

Shut down

Sw

You’re dead to me!

I start putting myself down. This is not intentionally manipulative, but I do recognize it is manipulative, and subconsciously, I'm definitely doing it to get people to contradict me. In particular, I will insult my intelligence.

Unfortunately, this has a very real chance of backfiring if somebody decides to agree with me.