What do you do when someone disrespects you?

Question

Quite frankly, I return the favor. However, sometimes that is not the best way to settle things. So, I'm wondering what are some better ways to deal with disrespect.

Answer 1

personally i kill them with kindness. the more hateful people are to me the nicer i am to them. it gets to them even more than being rude back.

Answer 2

Its a big effort to keep your calm when someone disrespects you. I know it can be soo stressing, specially if the person your dealing with is someone you need, to achieve some purpose that you may have (like clients, business associates), but then like you said, whether business or without business (like freinds, family) it wont really serve any purpose. Those are the moments when you are really tested of your patience. And it helps if we would not react immediately, and for a few moments after that. It started off as an experiment, and it really works. It was worth the try. Like someone disrespects, stay calm, the first few minutes would be tough, but stay calm, and immediately pretend you did not notice, and carry on with your conversation, on the original topic that is being discussed here. Always maintain your focus, look the person in the eye, eyes can say a lot. Being calm, maintaining eye contact, and continuing with your conversation, would really convey that you really didnt find whatever that person said or did, tasteful. You can think about what you feel for that situation or for this other person, later on. Once you are alone, and keep a mental note, ''okay, ill get you another time'', that would make you feel better. And really, you would notice that that moment has passed, your purpose achieved, and probably see some positive approach from that person, you really dont need to think on lines of a vendetta, and that was only to curtail yourself for that particular moment.

To some extent it works, but sometimes, people can be soo bad, that you really have to let them know that, and sarcasm would be the best way. It would be a lie to say that everyone can remain calm, and composed all the time in all situations. I dont think thats possible. But a try is worth it, and also seeing from the other persons perspective, that what you 'heard' or felt as an insult or disrespect, is probably something else misinterpreted.

Answer 3

This is a very complicated question, but a good one, nonetheless. I had to think and think to come up with a good response. I could write a large essay on this subject, but I don't have room, so here's the short answer:

First, I consider the source. If it's someone who doesn't know me, then to show me disrespect is illogical and irrational and, therefore, I place that person in the sub-human category (bottom feeder). Disrespect is a word that has all kinds of negative connotations in my mind because it has started so many fights. I don't like the word and seldom use it. I simply ignore these folks... to challenge them and "return the favor" is to invite trouble. I prefer not to join the sub-humans. Respect and disrespect are things you earn. Ask yourself if you did something to earn the disrespect. If the answer is "no", then the person showing you the disrespect is an idiot and should be ignored. You can't teach them anything by returning the favor. If you show respect to people who earned it and the disrespectful person sees this, then they might learn something. But don't hold your breath. The world is full of sub-human people.

Answer 4

Sometimes I get really mad and return the favor. Other times I just don't care. I mean there's probably people who make you feel worse than others. Sometimes a good thing is to just say how you feel. They might think that this is a funny joke even if you don't. Also try to not be mean to them because they might just be returning you the favor. But I think that the best way is to be really kind to them. especially if the person is really aggressive, this will serve a few purposes: 1. You are being nice and showing them that their comment had no effect on you 2. youre showing them that being disrespectful is bad. many times people tease and annoy just to see your reaction. if you show them you don't care, chances are they'll stop faster. 3. youre self disciplining youreself and at some point this will be second nature and you won't feel at all upset. hope this helps!

Answer 5

Depending on who is the disrespect full person. If it is someone you care for or a close family member, then You would like to keep the communication channel open and make it clear that their behavior can change the relationship.
Ask: " When You say ..... I feel (bad).....
If you keep on being disrespectfully to me,
Do you Think our relationship will get better or worst?
If you want it to be better, What would you have to do?
On the other hand, if it is a person You do not care for,
just be firm and give a short verbal warning of the consequences
not desired by that person. If it is a young person just contact the parents.

Be happy, life is short.

Answer 6

It depends on the situation, relationship and the person itself. How ever it is clear the person has some problems within, putting someone down helps them feel better, i know more than you, signs of poor self esteem, they have no self respect, and hence disrespecting others is far easier.
I would first try to be polite until i am sure this person is surely disrespectful, then i would let them know what they are feeling from within, and that they are wrong, I would certainly like to be a point in their lives for change, Ask them to talk to some one whom they can trust and get help, so they can have more healthier relationships and have more friends. Letting them know how they will be loners in the future is a good thing for them to work on.

Answer 7

Don't get upset and mad. Even though it is easier said that done, sometimes you have to walk away. There will be a time when the person who disrespected you will need you or want something from you, and at that point you will have to kill them with kindness and say no. Or if you would rather not take that approach, (at the time of the disrespect or later), you could just kindly, calmly and collectively tell that person how you do not appreciate their remarks and put them them back in their place.

Answer 8

it matters who is being disrespectful. If this is a close friend, you may want to confront him, as he may not have realized you feel disrespected, and you should tell him. If he is a stranger, then hes probably just being a jerk by nature and you shouldn't worry too much about it. Just ignore him. If it persists, you should confront him. However, if its a person like your boss, who has control over your life, you may not want to work for him. File a complaint or ask to talk to him about what he doesn't like about you, and if he doesn't start respecting you, then you should quit your job. It's very important to make sure that your friends and employers respect you, but if its just a random person, then don't worry about it. I believe that the worst way to deal with anyone who disrespects you is to act the same way towards them, because that's not going to make them like you any more.

Answer 9

Sometimes when someone disrespects another, they may not even have a clue they have. Some people are just mouthy and don't think before they speak or act. If its done more than once then avoid contact with that person as much as possible. And if you want to let them know, pick a time when you're not heated about the situation. "It's not always what you say, it's how you say it."

Answer 10

I don't expect to have an all encompassing answer because there are varying degrees of disrespect. For example someone that tells you off may require a simple "same to ya buddy" and walk away. If they make an intentional derogatory comment about your mother, they deserve a good punch in the nose. Seriously, if they are stupid enough to go that low, all bets are off. I guess it depends on how much you respect them or disrespect them. Do they even deserve a response, I mean it's so easy to tell someone to "F" off, but would you really want to give them the satisfaction?

Answer 11

U can't solve anything with violence. Remember the laws of physics...what comes up,must come down...the same goes for anger. First of u must stop urself and analyze the situation. Ask urself if this person really has reason for his attitude or is he just having a bad day. U don't want to say something stupid because u will regret it later. It's just best to walk away. Unless it's something really worth while. Remember the song that Kenny Roger's sang about Old Yellow. Now when them Kaplen boys started in on Becky, now that was a fight I wouldn't have missed!