I have noticed several times over the last couple of years that I will respond lovingly to a person who is being unloving, mean, or disrespectful.  However, I don't realized until later that the person was intending to be mean. 

First, I think I should have said this or that in retort instead of that kindness!

Second, I think Why do I want to have responded unlovingly?  I am moving in Love automatically.  That's what I want.

It is an illustration of how a lifetime of unloving habits is a tool used by the ego to preserve itself.