One of my mantras is that email is a fine way to impart information but a lousy way to communicate. Intent can be misconstrued. I can think of two clients (at least) that I have lost because of hasty emails by my staff that were misconstrued. Sometime talking is better. Maybe you should have your dad call the person he has been communicating with with openness and start over.
As for what I do when I am attacked personally, I usually go with the crane kick. When you do it right, no can defense.
