When a situation like that comes up the conversation can, and is suggested to be taken to the Parking Lot Board. That board was set up for this exact purpose.
"Sort of" is such a harmless thing to say. "Sort of". It's just a filler. "Sort of" - It doesn't really mean anything. But after certain things, "sort of" means everything. Like after "I love you" or "You're going to live" or "It's a boy".