Problem: Article: While the content of your retort matters, so too does the style with which you deliver it. Avoid condescension or superiority in tone of voice. Also avoid sounding hurt or insulted, as if your comeback has been forged in the fire of your burning rage. Speak your witty comeback clearly, quickly, and with confidence. Include a slight smile in your voice and eyes, because you need to veer to the funnier, humorous side of what is happening to be a successful wit. (or at least minimize it). Swearing isn't typically considered witty, but rather a visceral expression of emotions. It might make you feel better as tension is released, but mostly it makes you seem immature. It's also not going to hit the target of undoing their argument or statements. However, your opponent's swearing can definitely be used as a target of your wit, such as making a biting comment or saying in a monotone: "Oh, you're swearing now? How mature," and leaving it at that. Closely related to swearing, name-calling simply makes you look envious, lost, and overly emotional. Name-calling might again seem like a great outlet for your anger and frustration, but it works to your opponent's advantage all too easily and isn't that witty. If you must name-call, stick to their argument rather than them. For example, say "That's a very odd way to see the situation," rather than "You're an idiot." Or try "Well, I'm now thoroughly convinced of your ignorance in the matter" instead of "You're so ignorant." A witty comeback that seeks to assert your superiority or greater status will usually backfire, because it will turn into a matter of the other person insisting that "you think you're too good for me," and so forth. Once you're in this type of argument, things usually spiral ever more out of control. Responding along the lines of "Yes, I used to have that same problem in school ... preschool, that is" can take on more or less of a snobbish air depending upon the context and your delivery. It is hard to walk the fine line between being witty and snobbish, but the key factor is to retain your sense of humor and see the triviality of the situation. of people who take things personally. Sure, they shouldn't keep playing victim and acting as if their whole world will fall apart if you so much as poke them, but you have to take people as you find them. In some cases, it's plain unfair, unkind, and uncaring to provoke a weak arguer with witty comebacks. Perhaps it's your intent to teach such a person a lesson. But at least do consider the consequences of demolishing a verbal opponent who is likely to fly into a sulk, funk, or rage as a result. On the other hand, if they're being a complete jerk, then perhaps it is the lesson they need regardless of their weak armor. Be aware that dismissing someone verbally removes your validation from them. Don't do it too often, as putting them down is direct and alienating; be sure there is a real need for it. Once done, it's done, and if you wish to open dialog with someone you've put down, be the first to offer the olive branch and to make it clear that you bear no grudges. Say something like "I really like the way you kicked the ball the other day, but I didn't appreciate your attitude following the game. I felt I had no choice but to put your bad mood in its place. I hope you'll forgive my direct approach." Despite the whole "sticks and stones" saying, words have the ability to hurt. So, be sure that your words are still considerate of the dignity of the other person. In turn, don't let their words get to you; if you choose to be wounded, then you will find yourself struggling to overcome the verbal barbs. Refuse to permit their words to become any more than just words, and get on with your day in the knowledge that you have maintained your dignity, spoken with integrity and intelligence, and respected yourself and the other person.
Summary: Retort in a composed, serene, and confident manner. Avoid swearing Tone down the name-calling. Steer clear of being snobby. Be considerate Don't hold grudges. Respect yourself and the other person.

Problem: Article: You may not actually be able to distribute all of your assets as you see fit, based on certain state laws and prior legal arrangements. You should consider previous legal contracts you have entered, and whether you live in a common law or community property state. In common law states, anything with only your name on the deed, registration papers or other title documentation is yours to bequeath. In community property states, 50 percent of all accumulations during a marriage legally belong to a spouse, and a will can't supersede that. There are nine community property states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Alaska also allows couple to opt into a community property system if the couple so chooses. Other legal documents, such as pre-nuptial or ante-nuptial agreements and living trusts, can also affect what you can legally bequeath in your will. Examine any previous legal documents and the laws in your state to determine if they affect how you can distribute your assets. State the way in which your assets will be divided among people using percentages, which should add up to 100 percent. For example, one line might read: To my mother, Barbara Smith, I bequeath five (5) percent. Wills that "unnaturally dispose" of the testator's assets should always be overseen by an attorney. Unnatural disposition includes cutting your family out of the will, giving all of your assets to someone that is not in your family if you have living family members and giving your assets to someone that you have not known for very long. If you want a beneficiary to receive a specific asset, you may state that as well. Then that particular asset will not be included in the percentages of your estate (the remainder) that is divided among other beneficiaries. For example, one line may read: "To Barbara Smith, I give my house at 123 Cherry Lane, and to Chauncey Gardner, I give 50 percent of the remainder." Make sure that you are as specific as possible with your disposition. Include any addresses of real estate, descriptions of any personal property and full names of beneficiaries. Include statements that clearly explain who gets a beneficiary's gift if that person dies before you. For example: "To my mother, Barbara Smith, I bequeath five (5) percent should she survive me; otherwise the share of Barbara Smith shall pass instead to Chauncey Gardner should he survive Barbara Smith and myself." If you want a deceased beneficiary's gift to just go back into the pot and be divided among your living beneficiaries in shares proportionate to what you provided for them, you can use conditional language such as: "To my mother, Barbara Smith, I bequeath five (5) percent should she survive me." If you do not name an alternate to specifically receive Barbara's gift, her gift will "lapse" and go back into the pot. Your will should designate who will serve as the guardian to any minor children, if applicable, in the event of your death. You can also include conditional gifts in your will that are contingent upon something. For example: you can condition a gift on the beneficiary graduating from college, but you can't condition a gift on the beneficiary marrying a certain person that you want him/her to marry. If the conditions specified as a prerequisite to receiving the gift are against any other laws, the court will not enforce them. You may choose to stipulate how your remains should be handled, where you will be buried, and how your funeral will be paid for. For example: "I direct that on my death my remains shall "
Summary:
Determine the assets you can legally bequeath. State the division of your assets. Specify distribution of particular assets. Include provisions for beneficiaries dying before you. Designate a guardian to minor children. Allocate conditional gifts. Make special requests.