How to Be Confident when Someone Insults You
Take a deep breath., Evaluate the insult., Avoid returning insults., Regain composure., Laugh it off.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Take a deep breath.
Designate a moment for yourself to refocus by inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.
Turn your thoughts away from external criticism and back toward yourself.
Close your eyes, and focus on breathing slowly and steadily until you feel less overwhelmed.To keep your mind on your breathing, try inhaling for a count of three, holding your breath for a count of two, and exhaling for a count of three.
Repeat as necessary.
You may also want to find a place to sit down or rest your body for a minute while you refocus. -
Step 2: Evaluate the insult.
Take a moment to think critically about what the person said.
Is there any truth to it? Is there a reason, such as previous conflict, why this person might want to try to intentionally hurt your feelings?For those parts of the insult you find to be true, acknowledge that it is ok to be imperfect.
Know that all people have flaws, and it is acceptable to evaluate and work on them.
For those parts of the insult that you don’t find true, remind yourself that they are not factual and do not reflect you.
Tell yourself a personal truth to counteract the insult.
If, for example, someone says, “You’re stupid,” remind yourself of work or academic accomplishments such as graduating at the top of your class or getting a coveted promotion. , It can be tempting to match insult for insult.
Ultimately, though, whatever your goal is, be it to get through a presentation or simply to keep enjoying time with friends or family, it is best served by refusing to engage whomever insulted you.
Remind yourself that the it ultimately does no good for you to insult someone in return.
Tell yourself, “The best way to upset this person is not to insult them in return, but to let them know their words have no impact on me.” , Do not be afraid to excuse yourself momentarily, or otherwise pause and calm yourself to regain composure.
It is normal to have a negative reaction to an insult, and those around you will understand if you need a moment to collect yourself.Take a moment to practice deep breathing, or repeat a positive quote or mantra to yourself.
Allow yourself as much time as you need to healthfully work through tears or feelings of anger.
Avoid exploding emotionally, and instead give yourself time enough to calm your immediate feelings. , Laughter causes the release of endorphins, a group of hormones that can stimulate happy or euphoric sensations.
Take a moment to laugh at yourself, and allow the endorphins to replace that sense of panic with better feelings.Remind yourself that no one is immune from insults or criticism.
Even if you are not laughing at the insult, find some personal imperfection and allow yourself to laugh about it.
Try a “fake it ‘til you make it” approach.
Even if it doesn’t seem funny, laugh at yourself in difficult moments.
With time, it will get more sincere. -
Step 3: Avoid returning insults.
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Step 4: Regain composure.
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Step 5: Laugh it off.
Detailed Guide
Designate a moment for yourself to refocus by inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.
Turn your thoughts away from external criticism and back toward yourself.
Close your eyes, and focus on breathing slowly and steadily until you feel less overwhelmed.To keep your mind on your breathing, try inhaling for a count of three, holding your breath for a count of two, and exhaling for a count of three.
Repeat as necessary.
You may also want to find a place to sit down or rest your body for a minute while you refocus.
Take a moment to think critically about what the person said.
Is there any truth to it? Is there a reason, such as previous conflict, why this person might want to try to intentionally hurt your feelings?For those parts of the insult you find to be true, acknowledge that it is ok to be imperfect.
Know that all people have flaws, and it is acceptable to evaluate and work on them.
For those parts of the insult that you don’t find true, remind yourself that they are not factual and do not reflect you.
Tell yourself a personal truth to counteract the insult.
If, for example, someone says, “You’re stupid,” remind yourself of work or academic accomplishments such as graduating at the top of your class or getting a coveted promotion. , It can be tempting to match insult for insult.
Ultimately, though, whatever your goal is, be it to get through a presentation or simply to keep enjoying time with friends or family, it is best served by refusing to engage whomever insulted you.
Remind yourself that the it ultimately does no good for you to insult someone in return.
Tell yourself, “The best way to upset this person is not to insult them in return, but to let them know their words have no impact on me.” , Do not be afraid to excuse yourself momentarily, or otherwise pause and calm yourself to regain composure.
It is normal to have a negative reaction to an insult, and those around you will understand if you need a moment to collect yourself.Take a moment to practice deep breathing, or repeat a positive quote or mantra to yourself.
Allow yourself as much time as you need to healthfully work through tears or feelings of anger.
Avoid exploding emotionally, and instead give yourself time enough to calm your immediate feelings. , Laughter causes the release of endorphins, a group of hormones that can stimulate happy or euphoric sensations.
Take a moment to laugh at yourself, and allow the endorphins to replace that sense of panic with better feelings.Remind yourself that no one is immune from insults or criticism.
Even if you are not laughing at the insult, find some personal imperfection and allow yourself to laugh about it.
Try a “fake it ‘til you make it” approach.
Even if it doesn’t seem funny, laugh at yourself in difficult moments.
With time, it will get more sincere.
About the Author
Michelle Lee
A passionate writer with expertise in DIY projects topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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