How to respond to an insult. Eight Tips

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Sometimes we have to hear offensive words addressed to us. And very often it happens at the moment when we are least ready for it. Insults can be heard everywhere: in a traffic jam, in any queue, in transport, etc. What should you do if such a situation arises?

How to respond to an insult

Defending yourself against attacks, you can be under a flurry of both blows and counter-attacks. But there are ways to protect yourself and not to drop your own dignity. So the next time you get criticized, use the tips below. So, about how to respond to an insult.

1. Find out the reason

As a rule, the one who criticizes is himself filled with resentment. Ask the person what is bothering them. After all, resentment may not be addressed to you at all. Look at the situation from the outside and try to understand the reason.

2. Analyze what was said

Suzette Elgin, in one of her books, suggests decomposing phrases that offended you into separate parts and notmake yourself a victim while responding to a reproach. For example, the remark that if you loved at least a little, you would definitely lose weight, you can retort like this: “How long ago did you decide that I don’t love you?”

3. Use the symbol

Come up with some kind of conventional sign, and you don't even have to think about how to intelligently respond to an insult. For example, you can always carry a small towel with you. When people start criticizing you, just cover their heads. The person who criticizes you will be ashamed and less likely to want to try again.

4. Use humor

If you do not know how to respond to an insult, then this is one of the best tips. For example, if you are told that your pants are made of fabric that is upholstered on chairs, then you can answer like this: “Well, in this case, sit right on my knees with me.” Humor is one of the best defenses against insults.

5. Come up with answers ahead of time

Quite often people use formulaic phrases in their speech. Therefore, in order not to get confused next time, practice in advance. Make a list of the most common rudeness, and figure out how to respond gracefully and dignifiedly.

6. Don't mind

If they tell you that you have gained five kilograms, then answer that not by five, but by ten. If the offender does not back down and asks what you will do with being overweight, then inform him that you have been going fat for several months, or maybe years. Strengthoffensive words will be determined only by our own assessment, and if we agree with criticism, then the offender will be left with nothing.

7. Turn to face the offender

Being direct is one of the most powerful tips on how to respond to an insult. Ask your abuser why he is doing this and whether he is aware of the impact of his own words. After that, the person who offended you will understand that his plan has been revealed, and immediately retreats, since he was caught red-handed.

8. Ignore

Listen to the insult, take a deep breath, pretend it was not directed at you, and immediately forget about it. The ability to forgive is one of the most important human abilities that helps to move on.