How do you keep from being offended? And how do you make things right when someone does offend you?

Answer 1

I am not easily offended for several reasons: everyone, including myself (and yourself) will say stupid things from time to time. Whether those are mistakes or intentional, everybody does it. Second of all, if people have misplaced anger or opinions about an aspect of my life, that is absolutely fine. They are welcome to their opinion. I will definitely try to change it, but it's their opinion. I also have opinions that some might disagree with! And last of all, life's too short to sit and get offended by everything - we should all have tougher skins and learn to deal with the fact that not everyone is like us and is going to like us and agree with what we do.

If someone DOES offend me, I try and tell them right away in a polite and constructive manner so that we can go back to being friendly. Don't let it sit and get worse - tell them straightaway and make it right.

Answer 2

Being offended -- I don't easily take offense. The phrase "I take offense" is, I feel pretty accurate. People "take" offense, they don't "give" offense. Certainly there are people out there who say rude things all of the time without concern about another person's feelings but whether those words find an audience is really up to the person/people hearing it.

For me, I think part of not being easily offended is a healthy self-confidence and being comfortable with who I am.

If I'm offended, it's usually because someone has said something offensive/off color about another group and I feel the need to stand up for that group. In those cases I will politely/calmly ask why they made that comment and try to offer an opposing perspective and at least end it by saying that I hope they open themselves up more to see that they could be wrong. lol.

If it's something truly bad that has offended me personally, I try to say something then and there to resolve it. For me it's a lot better not to let it fester because then I start finding other things to be pissed off about with the person.

If that doesn't work, I just cry so they feel badly! ;)

Answer 3

You can't keep from being offended. Nobody gets offended on purpose, it's a negative reaction. If something offends you, it just offends you.

As to my reaction, that depends on what they said to offend me. A minor thing will generally pass me by; I have pretty thick skin :-) If someone doesn't know they've offended me, I'll talk it over with them. But if they deliberately offend me to cause me pain, well, no qualms here about giving it straight back.

Answer 4

I realize people are who they are and very many of them are ignorant so I overlook them and just pray. But if I am offended, I have no problem telling that person in a tactful manner. Some people do not care because being offensive makes them feel better about themselves, thus I just move on and that person is just an utter thought in my past.

Answer 5

I've got a pretty thick skin, so not too much offends me.

If someone does say something I feel is out of line, I've found a simple remark like "that's not funny" or "that's not very nice" said simply and calmly - no sarcasm or anger, is quite effective in getting my point across. In my experience, it's been extremely effective in getting people to THINK before they speak.

Answer 6

Buddy the only reason why people put u down ,,, offending u,, is to make themselves look better,, in their own eyes! Its a shame that we allow ourselves to be hurt by other peoples words or actions.. i say dont worry about it. be yourself , be happy and know who u are and like you for you! everyone has their own opinion i say let them keep it to themselves,,,,, i dont want hurt to hurt anyone so why am i going to allow them to hurt me,. and Words do hurt, but not if u laugh at them and let it go,, Dont do it to other people either thats beyond you,, be better then them and live your life the way you want to live it, not the way someone else see it, or thinks u should, Some people just like to be mean and u know mean people suck lol so happy holidays and be happy with u x0x0x0x0x0x bonnnie j

Answer 7

By being self confident enough to understand that it's what you think about yourself that matters not the other person.

If I had to live or work with this person I'd take them aside and tell them that you didn't appreciate the remark and that you don't not want it to happen again. If the person agrees shake hands and let bygones be bygones but if not.... Make other arrangements. Life is too short to live or work with buttheads.

Answer 8

You can't always keep from being offended because there's always going to be someone that will do it to you. When they do, you just have to forgive & forget & keep telling yourself that they either: were being jackasses & purposely meaning to get you mad, or they just made an honest mistake.

Answer 9

I realize that people just sometimes have no people skills. I do not pray for them though because I wouldn't understand why it would be something god would want to change as the others have so stated. I think God has his work cut out for without having to manipulate peoples politness around me. GEEZE What is wrong with these answers!

Answer 10

Let the person know that he/she has offended you.
Try talking rather than reacting in an ill manner.
Keep your guards up, the best defense crushes any offense.