When someone insults themselves, is there some unwritten law saying you have to contradict him/her?

Question

Like if someone says
"God, I'm so fat"
when its clear to anyone who has eyes that he/she (most likely she) is thin, do I really have to go "You are not fat!" every single time

Answer 1

It is just common courtesy to contradict such statements, it is polite. Such little white lies are designed to make everyone feel better about themselves, the complainer because you are saying it is not true and you because you are not insulting somebody but making them feel better. Imagine a society where everyone would tell each other the truth all the time! I myself would not like to live in such a society.

Answer 2

There is no unwritten law that you have to contradict.You are going out of your way just to help some one feel better.You offer some consolation words being careful not to offend them.Some insult themselves to create self pity and seek consolation in it.But there is nothing worse than self pity and even worse if one does not have self respect then no use of you consoling them.Its better if you avoid such people who insults themselves.They dont deserve to be consoled.Turn a bling eye on them.

Answer 3

Well, Chris Farley tried to live his life insulting himself. He committed suicide with a drug overdose because he was so happy with how he was feeling about himself.

Insulting anyone, even yourself, is destructive---period.

Answer 4

You don't have to lie about the obvious.
How about, "Your are more than your size...I appreciate your loving ways ",(or sense of humor or something else positive).

Answer 5

haahah i think so.. people who do that.. have low self- esteem.. so they need a little boost sometimes.