Sure, running out of the room might delay the conversation, but that will certainly make matters worse. Sometimes, you just have to take your lumps.

Should you deny that you weren't listening? Yes! Go on the defensive. "Of course, I was listening. I was just thinking of the best response. Now I've lost my train of thought. Will you please repeat the last few things that you said?"

To be fair, when she puts "fat-free half-and-half" on the list, is that the regular fat-free half-and-half or the vanilla-flavored fat-free half-and-half? And does she want a pint or a quart? And what the hell is fat-free half-and-half made of anyway?