(nods) Boy, am I familiar with this one.
That said, I have found that saying the actual explanation with all of the nonverbal signals of the false-but-satisfying condemnation is startlingly satisfying for me. My closer friends have learned to accept it as a legitimate move in our conversations; most of them respond to my explanation and ignore my bodyparl.
It puzzles third parties, though.
So a haughty back-turn combined with "I had a bad day and I'm taking it out on you" is satisfying? Hmm, I'll have to try that.
How do you notice when you're rationalizing? Like, what *actually* tips you off, in real life?
I've listed my cues below; please add your own (one idea per comment), and upvote the comments that you either: (a) use; or (b) will now try using.
I'll be using this list in a trial rationality seminar on Wednesday; it also sounds useful in general.