8 Ways of Dealing With People Who Try to Put You Down.

Some people, consciously or unconsciously, exhibit attitudes that can be hurtful to others. These can range from disparaging gestures and constant criticism to ironic remarks, name-calling, and rejection. These are all examples of behavior that have no positive impact on our well-being. However, while we can’t prevent others from acting this way, the way we react when these things happen can make a difference.

1. Avoid turning to anger.
Some people may become angry in response to a belittling attitude, but this also reveals a lot about us. It could actually be the most common reaction because we perceive this as a threatening attitude. However, as you might expect, it is also exactly what we should avoid. For one, anger leaves us in a vulnerable state. That is because we demonstrate that the other person has succeeded in belittling us. And secondly, anger also leads to more conflict. When acting out of anger, we’re not really thinking clearly, and we could end up becoming the very thing that made us feel bad in the first place.

2. Keep your distance from the situation.
People are not always aware of their own behavior, so they may make negative comments that change the positive attitudes of others without realizing it. In reality, they could just be projecting their own fears and prejudices onto us. While it is not recommended to simply allow this to occur, acting on it may be easier said than done. That is because, in such a situation, perhaps the best course of action is to simply accept that what that person says is about his or her situation, not necessarily yours. By doing so, you will be able to empathize with the other person and avoid being hurt by their comments.

3. Take your time to respond.
When it comes to reacting, time is precious. When you believe another person's comment or action has offended you, take a deep breath and wait before reacting. This will give you a better understanding of what happened and may allow you to make better decisions. Instead of coming back viscerally, you might just take the high road and give a peaceful response to such a negative comment.

4. Accept or reject an insult, but always in a friendly way.
Some people are extremely critical, use hurtful nicknames, or point out other people's physical or personal characteristics in an attempt to elicit a reaction or level of discomfort. However, it is up to us to determine how we interpret and respond to those comments. To avoid any conflict and neutralize these types of aggression, you can use the following 2 options.
Accept the comment: Let the person in question know, in a calm manner, that what he or she is saying is true and that you’re fine with that.
Deny the comment: Still, with a positive, kind, but assertive tone, tell the other person that what they are saying is incorrect, but it does not bother you.

5. Ask for an explanation.
Insults are not always obvious and recognizable, and they can even be disguised as compliments, but that does not mean we can not stop them, even in such a situation. All you have to do is ask for an explanation as to why the person said what they said or what they meant by it. In the best-case scenario, it was not intended as an insult, and everything was a misunderstanding. However, if it was an insult, you can at least open up and have a friendly conversation rather than generating resentment.

6. Ignore the person that’s bullying you.
Here’s another useful tip to keep in mind when someone has overstepped their boundaries and you feel disrespected: simply ignore them. That way, the other person is more likely to understand that you will not respond to their offensive or negative comments. It is also a way to inform them that they had no effect on you. You can even continue the conversation by omitting the details you find inappropriate. In some ways, doing this allows you to set boundaries without saying anything.

7. Use your sense of humor.
Fighting anger with joy and humor can be an effective alternative at the appropriate time and place. Turn microaggressions into comedic situations by telling the other person a joke. This is a good way to make it clear that you are not going to play their game, which may help relieve the tension. However, keep in mind that this may backfire if the other person interprets it incorrectly.

8. Keep a safe distance from toxic people.
Sometimes you will run into people who are simply looking for conflict. Don’t judge them too harshly — after all, at times, it’s us who might not be able to control our emotions and end up making something big out of nothing. In either case, the best course of action is to maintain a healthy distance from these individuals. We can avoid contact with them for a short period of time, or if we must meet them, do so under certain conditions to avoid a major confrontation. These precautions could assist us in maintaining our mental health and well-being.

What is your strategy when you encounter someone who exhibits this behavior? How do you manage to maintain peace?