L'esprit d'escalier defeated

The spirit of the staircase is something that everyone knows about, but can't define. It is a phrase that describes the moment after something happens when you come up with the best response that would have been perfect for that situation. Only, the moment has passed and you'll never get it back again. I have felt this many times, but after tonight I can finally say the spirit of the staircase did not get the best of me.

Let me set the scene:

Interior: Generic Coliseum/Arena/Civic Center/Square Garden...

The opening band has finished their set for the headliner, the house lights are on and people are shuffling to go to the bathroom, talk to friends, or go get that last beer before the show starts.

In the row behind my wife and me, less than three feet away, sit a group of young girls gossiping about people they know and using expletives in the conversation that aren't necessary. One girl in particular was terribly loud. Given the fact that she was so very close, this girl's outbursts and exclamations were aversive and painful.


Random Fat Obnoxious Loud Girl (that has had 2 Tropical Breezes by Bartels and James): Oh my god! I totally know that he's going to play [insert random John Mayer song]!!! Is that Ronnie!!??!
I can't believe he's here!!! That's f'n crazy!!!!

This continues on and on for 20 minutes until RFOLG's friend said to her:

RFOLG's friend: You are being really loud.

I felt the moment for a nanosecond and I turned around and it came out...

Me (who has had a six pack in the last 2 hours) : She's right, you are loud, you are very loud.

RFOLG: Wha? I'm...Are you talking shit?

Me: No, I am just confirming what your friend told you.


As a pacifist and with an aversion to confrontation, the previous scene doesn't seem to fit with my personality. An overwhelming feeling of confidence came over me after that moment. My wife slammed home the point that we were not to be messed with as she turned completely around after she heard a comment about a fight from the group that was directed at us. She poignantly asked:

My wife: Are you saying that to us??

The girls stuttered and explained away the comment and weren't heard from the rest of the evening.

It was a great night to say the least...

SET LIST

Belief
Good Love is On the Way
Why Georgia
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
Clarity
Vultures
Bigger Than My Body
I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)
No Such Thing
Waiting on the World to Change
Gravity

-- encore --
Who Did You Think I Was
Your Body is a Wonderland
Covered in Rain
Neon