How to Effectively Deal with Insults

Amy Taylor February 18, 2013

There are many people who are so fond of insulting others. They find it pleasurable and exciting whenever they torment someone else’s feelings. But did you know that most of them enjoy teasing and offending others because deep within them are great insecurities they are trying to hide and supress. So don’t give in to their insults! There’s something you should always remember: it’s not you who has a problem. It’s them!

Before anything else, let us first identify the different types of insult out there. First, there’s the verbal insults which obviously involves hurtful words, phrases and statements directed towards you. Verbal insults may come in the form of jokes, and ironic and sarcastic comments. They can also be in an indirect form, such as a raised eyebrow, fake smile, and other insulting facial expressions and bodily gestures. Secondly, insults may come in physical form, such as slapping, punching, and other violent actions.

So how do you deal with all these kinds of insults?

Accept it. This may seem to be the weakest defence against insults but many times, it proves to be the strongest! Before reacting to the insult, you have to ask yourself three things – Is the insult true? From whom did it come from? Why? If the insult is true, there is nothing to be angry or upset about. Instead, experts suggest we try to decipher the realisations and insights from them. This way, we turn those insults into a starting point to change. If the person who insulted you isn’t worth your respect, or you think he or she doesn’t have the right to say it even though the insult was true, just ignore it. He doesn’t deserve a space in your mind! Indifference is the best and most hurtful way to resist an insult.

Never resort to anger. It is natural to feel mad whenever someone insults us. But as mentioned earlier, some people enjoy it when the one they’re insulting is showing he or she is affected. Showing anger means three things. First, it means you take the insult. Second, the insult is true. And third, it hurts you. Never let these people know you are affected!

Show humour. Instead of showing anger, agree with them in a joking way. Humour is beneficial for three reasons. First, it diffuses the tension of the situation. Second, it brings the audience on side. And third, it undermines the insult. Remember, this person hopes to make you feel bad. So if you show you are unaffected, you leave them powerless!

Let it go. If you can inject humour in your response to an insult, better not say anything at all. Just ignore it. The insult should mean nothing to you. This is the best way to beat your opponent! You’ll see, once they get tired, they will eventually stop!

Sure you can’t please everyone. You will always have ‘bashers’ as you have ‘followers’. But knowing how you deal with people who want to put you down is critical if you don’t want them to end up controlling your life.

Dear Readers,

What other tips on dealing with insults can you give?

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