Normally I don't have to deal with hit, but lately (probably holiday related) I've had to deal with lots of people from my past. I'll be the first to admit I was a total dick back then, but whatever it's different now.

Still, though, my immediate reaction is always to fight. So if a girl from my past preemptively calls me a dick, I'm gonna fight that shit. But I shouldn't, this makes me look like well... a dick.

So what is the proper response to not come off weak in accepting it or weak in fighting it?