What should I do when someone insults me and curses my parents, and should I return the insult or remain silent?

If someone is cursed, it is better to turn away from the ignorant. If one cannot do so, then he may defend himself to the extent of the injustice done to him, without transgression or oppression. Cursing the parents of the curser is a transgression because they are blameless, and "no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another." The scholars have stipulated that the one who is cursed may only defend himself with the like of what he was cursed with, unless it was a lie, slander, or cursing of his ancestors. While self-defense is permissible, patience and forgiveness are better.