How to Survive an Insult

An insult is an emotional projection of anger.

Whether you are a child, teenager or adult, insults can be hurtful. Unfortunately, learning how to survive an insult is a part of life. People insult one another every day, sometimes multiple times a day, intentionally or unintentionally. Regardless of the intent, insults still hurt. By understanding a few basic principles, you can easily survive an insult and move forward without it hampering your self-esteem.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Stay calm after being insulted. Remember to not lose your temper. You will only make the situation worse by responding to an insult irrationally. Returning an insult with another insult will only generate more insults. Give yourself a moment to process your thoughts.

2. Understand that people tend to inflict insults because of their own anger. Make an effort to avoid taking the insult personally. Evaluate what the person has said and what has caused such an insult. Ask yourself whether you insulted the person first and whether he is retaliating.

3. Explain that you do not appreciate what the person said and explain that it was insulting. Keep an open mind, as may not have realized she was insulting you. Forgive the person if it was a mistake, and move forward. Leave the conversation if she continues insulting you intentionally. Understand that you do not need people in your life who believe insulting you is OK.

References

• Highest Potential Self: Dealing with Insults; Mary-Anne Reed; July 27, 2009
• Guide to Psychology: Anger
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Coping with Criticism if You're Socially Anxious; April 21, 2008