“If someone is being rude to you, smile. When you maintain your joy, the rude ones lose their power,” said Joel Austin. People often don’t realize the harm their words can cause. After all, if someone gets offended, it can always lead to a disaster.
However, you always have the right to defend yourself and express your opinion. Even in situations where someone is being rude to you or taking advantage of your hospitality, you can remain polite but firm, according to Power Of Positivity.
It’s not always easy to respond appropriately to rude people, especially if that person is your boss. If you don’t know how to deal with your mother-in-law, who can’t keep quiet about your weight, or your boss who casually piles on extra work, use these tips to respond to rudeness the next time.
9 ways to respond to rudeness effectively:
THANK YOU
A simple “thank you” speaks volumes when you encounter rudeness. Not only does it convey to the other person that their words didn’t hurt you, but it also reflects your maturity. You choose not to ignore the person or get angry.
In this case, your “thank you” signifies that you acknowledge the other person’s rudeness but refuse to let it affect you. It quickly stops the offender’s anger when they realize their remarks didn’t faze you.
In any situation, you choose how to react, so choose happiness. Your thoughts and actions will remain positive, and rude words simply won’t have any power.
I APPRECIATE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
This shows the person that you want to communicate like adults and not stoop to their level. Any rude comments reflect the other person’s shaky self-perception. Remember that when someone blurts out something tactless. They will try to spoil your mood, but you don’t have to allow it.
Show that you will only continue the conversation with dignity and respect. They will respect you more if you calmly respond this way. If that doesn’t happen, move on to the next tip.
THIS CONVERSATION IS OVER
If you’ve become too angry and are no longer capable of responding politely, simply end the conversation. You don’t want the relationship to be permanently damaged, but you also respect yourself too much to pretend that the person’s comments or questions are acceptable. Don’t engage in further discussion. This way, you can maintain your dignity by avoiding a heated argument.
WHY DO YOU THINK THAT WAS necessary, AND DO YOU REALLY WANT ME TO RESPOND?
Especially when there are other people around, this will likely put the other person at a loss. Instead of getting angry, they will see a composed and collected person ready to discuss things rationally and dignifiedly. Moreover, it will give them a chance to redeem themselves and apologize to you and to friends, family, or colleagues.
Others need to know that you won’t tolerate rudeness or tactless comments. If they answer “yes” to the second part of your question, you can simply say, “Well, it seems like it’s not your lucky day,” and end the conversation.
THAT ALMOST HURT ME
With a hint of sarcasm, this lets the other person know that you’ve chosen not to take in the negativity. Once they realize their rudeness doesn’t affect you, they are unlikely to say anything else to you.
YOU’RE RIGHT
What else can be said after such a response? You acknowledge their rightness and then end the conversation. Yes, you won’t get much satisfaction using this tactic, but you’ll put an end to the other person’s intentions, as they won’t be able to provoke you.
YOU ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING BAD TO SAY, DON’T YOU?
This redirects the focus from you back to the offender and forces them to reconsider their choice of conversation topic. It not only highlights their own words but also makes them think twice about what they’re saying.
I LOVE MYSELF, AND I LOVE YOU TOO
This can only be used in situations with friends, family, and your spouse. If you say this to your boss, it would be strange, to say the least. In any case, kindness always triumphs over negativity, and darkness cannot thrive where there is light.
When you express to another person how much you love life and other people, negative comments become irrelevant and quickly lose their power. Their sour mood and gloomy emotions won’t match your happiness and love for life. Your words will also contribute to fostering a more positive conversation.
LAUGH!
This reaction will definitely catch the rude person off guard and create awkwardness. For example, if your aunt brings up the topic of your job loss again at the dinner table, simply laugh.
It will make the atmosphere less serious and show that you don’t allow the rude comments of others to affect your mood or your outlook on life. In conclusion: You choose how to react in any situation, so choose happiness!
