I can totally understand how you felt and I think you did the right thing, leaving early. If they were offended (and I don't see why they should be, since you took your leave politely), or come to any particular conclusion about your leaving early, then I'm not wishing to be rude, but I have to say that's their problem. Just ignore 'em.

Easier said than done, of course.

Um. The 'a careless remark from that all powerful person whose careless remarks can still overthrow my commonsense, i.e., my mother.' part totally resonated with me. Just this week, I had a huge fight with my father. He is a lovely man at heart but can be an obnoxious control freak on the exterior a lot of the time. He irritated me greatly as I was seeing him off somewhere with my mother, and I slammed the door behind them so hard, I broke the lock. And then, I blush to admit this, as normally I am quite a meek and sedate person who hardly even raises her voice, and a pacifist to boot, I took a carving knife to the tyres of one of his motorbikes.

It's actually quite difficult to slash a tyre, it turns out. I made no impression on it at all.

So, having not lost my temper for about ten years, that was my reaction in similar circumstances to yours. I am thoroughly embarrassed at myself and am vowing not to get so het up in future. This is why you are a more evolved person than I am. :D