I think we've all encountered at least one or two people in life, male or female, that will push a person's buttons just to see what they'll do. I'll admit, I'm not sure exactly how to deal with them.

At least in my case, it happens in steps...the other person always starts with a sly remark under the guise of a joke. From there, I have two choices: I can ignore the remark or throw a funny, sly remark back.

Often, the antagonism from the other person steps up from there. We gradually stop being funny towards each other and then become contentious. I've heard the old advice about ignoring or confronting people who antagonize you in an attempt to get you mad, but here's the thing: they'll push until you are angered, even if you do confront them before that.

I've also heard the old advice about avoiding such people, but this is impossible when you have to work with such people. In the dating world, some women antagonize men all the time -- even when they're interested (or because) they're interested.

Stepping away from conventional advice, what's the best way to deal with antagonistic men and women?