Sometimes we have to hear offensive words addressed to us. And very often this happens at the moment when we are least prepared for this. Insults can be heard everywhere: in a traffic jam, in any queue, in transport, etc. What to do when a similar situation arises?
How to respond to an insult
Defending yourself from attacks, you can find yourself under a barrage of both strikes and counterattacks. But there are ways to protect yourself and not to lose your own dignity. Therefore, the next time you become criticized, use the tips below. So, how to respond to the insult.
1. Find out the reason
As a rule, the one who criticizes himself is overwhelmed with resentment. Ask the person what is bothering him. After all, resentment may not be addressed to you at all. Take a 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 laying out offended phrases into separate parts and not making a victim of yourself while answering a rebuke. For example, the remark that if you had loved at least a little, you would have definitely lost weight, you can counteract this: “How long have you decided (a) that I don't love you?”
3. Use a symbol
Come up with some kind of symbol, and you don’t even have to think about how to smartly respond to the insult. For example, you can always carry a small towel with you. When people start to criticize you, just cover their head. A person who criticizes you will be ashamed, and he is unlikely to want to make repeated attempts.
4. Come to 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 in chairs, then you can answer like this: "Well, in this case, sit down on my knees directly." Humor is one of the best defenses against insults.
5. Come up with answers in advance
Quite often, people use template phrases in their speech. Therefore, in order not to get confused the next time, practice in advance. Make a list of rude things that are especially common, and figure out how to respond to the insult beautifully and with dignity.
6. Do not mind
If you are told that you have gained five kilograms, then answer not ten, but five. If the offender does not back down and asks what you will do with being overweight, then inform him that you are going to be a fat man for several months, maybe years. The strength of the offensive words will be determined only by our own assessment, and if we accept the criticism, the offender will be left with nothing.
7. Turn to the offender
Directness is one of the most effective tips on how to respond to an insult. Ask your offender why he does this and if he understands the degree of influence of his own words. After that, the person who offended you will understand that his plan is revealed, and immediately retreats, because he was caught red-handed.
8. Ignore
Listen to the insult, take a deep breath, imagine that it was not addressed to you, and immediately forget about it. The ability to forgive is one of the most important abilities of a person, which helps to live on.