07/09/2022
3 ways to properly respond to an insult
1. Insult
This is one of the first desires that arise after an insult. But a retaliatory attack is appropriate only if it:
witty;
takes place in the circle of relatives or friends;
defuse the situation rather than exacerbate the conflict.
In all other cases, even if you consider yourself a wit worse than Oscar Wilde, answering an insult with an insult is not the best way out. So you sink to the level of a boorish opponent and make it clear that his words hurt you, that is, there may be some truth in them.
2. Make a joke
The difference between a witty insult and a joking response is that in the latter case, you are making fun of the situation itself. The advantages of this strategy are obvious: the insult loses its toxicity, the tension subsides, and the audience (if any) takes your side.
In this case, you can also take a pseudo-self-deprecating position. This will confuse your opponent and mask the sarcasm.
Example 1: A colleague says that you have prepared an ugly presentation.
Answer: You are probably right. Next time, I won't ask my five-year-old son for help."
Example 2: A stranger calls you names.
Answer: “Thank you, this is very valuable information. You opened my eyes to my shortcomings. Something to think about over lunch."
3. Accept
In some cases, it is really worth analyzing words that seem offensive to you. Especially if they come from people close and respected by you. In this case, take their remarks not as an insult, but as criticism that can make you better.
It would be useful to think about the motives of people, to find out what exactly made them use harsh language. Perhaps this is a violent reaction to your far from angelic behavior.
