Is it possible to hold your head high, have dignity, and not be totally rude, when someone offends you? Yes, it is. I have done it. I try to teach my kids to take the high road. Someone may have wronged you, and you can respond with dignity and even smile at them. I like to think of it in terms of being the better person.
You can still look them in the eye, forgive what they did, and not forget it. You can show them how you want to be treated. I have been wronged. I won’t go on about it. The person said something totally unprofessional in front of others about me. I saw her today. She asked me a question. I said “Hi.” I answered her question with one word and then went about my business.
I will not make a big deal about it. I will do my best to handle the situation. I will not put the other person in their place. I will take care of it with grace and dignity. I do not want to maintain a hostile environment. I will use my humor. I will use my heart. I will use my head. If all else fails I will walk away with my head high.