Has someone ever outright insulted you or given you a backhanded compliment and you are curious how to take the high road and respond elegantly without letting them walk all over you?
Today I would like to address how to respond when someone isn’t insulting or impolite. This is really hurtful. It can be hard, even to carry on the conversation. We may want to respond emotionally and that may be satisfying in the short term, but that does not speak to the standard we have committed ourselves to.
Ignore it as if it didn’t happen. You’re not acknowledging their rudeness and you’re showing that you’re above their behavior and that is powerful and empowering.
Perhaps you misunderstood something or they didn’t think before they spoke. This allows for greater clarity to understand their intent and you can constructively address the unkind or rude behavior in an assertive and non-emotional manner.
You can do is you can set a boundary.
Express that you felt the comment was hurtful or unkind and that you would appreciate more respectful communication going forward.
“I believe I misunderstood what you said.”
“I’ve heard your opinion and appreciate we all have a different point of view however, I feel hurt by this comment and I do not wish to continue this topic.”
You can also excuse yourself.
There is no need to sit with someone who doesn’t respect you and openly insults you.
“Thank you for this conversation. There are other people that I must say hello to.”
I hope you find this post helpful if you ever find yourself on the wrong end of an insult. Please do feel free to send me your feedback and questions! I would love to have a discussion on this topic!
Stay Elegant,
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