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How Not to Hurt the Feelings of Others

10 Simple Tips

By Kaila SellersPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
How Not to Hurt the Feelings of Others
Photo by Hello I'm Nik on Unsplash

We are all human, and we all have to hurt the feelings of others at least once in our lives.

For the most part, of course, we all try not to do that. Usually, we try so hard not to hurt someone, even by accident, that we are ready to make considerable sacrifices, just so as not to put a person in an awkward position.

So here are 10 things you shouldn't forget if you want your relationships with others to be as warm and non-conflicting as possible.

1. People around you don't feel like you

Do not assume that others will certainly share your feelings about this or that situation. So instead of assuming that others will certainly feel what you need about the particular situation, ask them what they think about what happened, and then make decisions based on clear information, not assumptions.

2. Do not place expectations on others without their knowledge

One of the easiest ways to hurt someone's feelings, including your own, is to assume that someone will certainly behave in a specific way and, in addition, "should" behave that way. And despite all the insults in this regard, you do this all the time.

You often think that you know how other people should behave and how they "should" live. But what and how foreigners do is not your job at all, so you should not expect too much from them, so as not to be disappointed in yourself and not to offend them.

3. Think about your intentions

Before you do anything, think carefully. If you are trying to get something from another person, you should think about what you need and what you are ready to do in response to this service.

If you do not want to hurt anyone's feelings, do not ask for anything from them in an orderly manner just because you want to. Think about what you would like not only for yourself but also for them, and come to a mutually beneficial compromise.

4. Do not use offensive words or phrases in your speech

There are many socially unacceptable terms in any language that most people might be offended by, so try not to use them even for fun (unless your friend really knows you didn't even think to you insult him, but even then it is better not to use them).

5. You and those around you are not necessarily hurt by the same things

You often make a very common mistake, believing that if you don't care if someone says something to you or does something to you, you can do the same thing and others will react to it with the same indifference. Believe me, most of the time it's not like that at all, and if you don't know this person like yourself, it's better to leave the morally dubious acts and half-jokes half-desecrated with you.

6. Don't be offended if someone starts a conversation on an "awkward" topic

Religious, political, and financial issues were once taboo and tried not to be discussed in public, but nowadays most people are far from sensitive to these sensitive issues. sexism and racism.

If you believe in one thing, do not regard your point of view as the only truth, and do not try to shed light on unbelievers of the truth. Believe me, the meaning of your life is not to convince anyone of anything, much less to save their souls.

7. Try not to exclude people from the discussion

When communicating with people in a large company, it is easy to notice someone and even forget that this person is nearby and hears everything, so in such cases, always try to keep in mind that you are communicating with a group of people. and don't say anything like that that could offend one of them.

8. Remember that you are not perfect either

Before you harshly condemn someone, make it rain with furious accusations, and ignite with righteous rage, remember that we are all human beings, and all we want to do is live in peace with one another and not do it. too many mistakes.

For some, this is better than others, but it does not give you the moral right to try on the cloak of a judge and a prosecutor, because you are not perfect.

9. Don't talk about your body - not just about yourself

If you feel that there are problems with your body, no one will stop you from doing something about it. But don't think that this topic will be just as interesting for those around you, and don't try to get approval and support from them, especially if your relationship isn't that close.

10. Don't communicate in the message what you need to talk about in person

In the modern world, we often use text messaging and communication using the messenger, even when we need to discuss an important topic.

But if you try not to hurt someone's feelings, make sure that you can convey to that person exactly what you want them to say, and that you can communicate with them in person or at least by phone.

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