8 tricks for dealing with people who try to belittle you

Some people, consciously or not, tend to have attitudes that harm others. These behaviors range from light insults and ironic comments and criticisms to more rude attitudes that can do us a lot of harm. That is, the ways of belittling the other can be more or less direct and are capable of hurting the interlocutor with greater or lesser intensity. But while we can’t stop anyone from acting like this, the way we react can make all the difference at these times.

Today the awesome.club wants to share with you some advice to face these situations without generating more conflicts.

For some people, the first impulse when facing a contemptuous attitude is anger, which says a lot about them. This is a very common reaction, but also not very convenient. On the one hand, anger leaves us in a vulnerable state, as it shows the other that he has achieved his goal. On the other hand, it can generate an even greater conflict. By letting anger speak louder, we don’t think clearly and can turn into the person who made us feel bad in the beginning.

Sometimes people are not aware of their behavior and make negative comments that can change our positive attitude, projecting their ideas on us. It’s not good to let that happen, but it’s not always possible. Simply accept that what the other person is saying refers to their reality, not yours. That way, you increase empathy and don’t let the situation affect your mood.

When it comes to reacting, time is golden. When you feel that someone else’s comment or action was offensive, it’s best to let some time pass before doing or saying something. In this way, you will be able to look at the situation in a broader way and will be able to make more appropriate decisions and not on impulse. This tip is important to be able to act peacefully and intelligently.

Some people are very harsh when it comes to criticizing others, which ends up generating an uncomfortable situation and a negative reaction. However, it is our responsibility to know how to react. To avoid conflict and neutralize aggression, there are two ways to act:

To accept: let the other know that he is right, always calmly.

To deny: also calmly and in a positive and loving way affirm that what the other person is saying is wrong and that you still don’t care.

Sometimes insults are not very clear and can be disguised as compliments, but that doesn’t mean we can’t ask. The only thing you should do is ask for an explanation. Ask why the person said that and try to understand what they really mean. That way, you can make room for dialogue without resentment.

When someone crosses the line, a good trick is to just ignore it. By doing this, the other person will likely understand that you won’t waste time with their insults or negative comments. That is, you show that her words do not reach you. And you can even keep talking to her, setting boundaries without having to say a word, but only when it’s worth it.

Fighting irritation with good humor can be a good alternative, but only when your head is clear. Turn microaggressions into comedy situations by responding with a joke. By doing this, you make it clear to the other person that you are not going to play along with them, which ultimately reduces the tension of the situation.

In some cases people seek conflict, in others we are the ones who cannot control our emotions. Either way, the best thing to do is keep a healthy distance. By doing this, you avoid bigger problems that can affect the relationship and our mental health.

What do you usually do when you have to deal with someone who doesn’t treat you well? Do you know any other strategies?