Maybe youve heard someone suggest a response like one of the following: Of course, this approach only works when the other person cares about how you feel or interpret their words or delivery. How do you tell if someone is being condescending? So if you separate yourself from the situation for a while, then they wont keep pestering you with their opinions or tactics. With some, you know they are. Condescension is rude and patronizing. If theyre rude, youre within your rights to simply walk away and let them be their own audience. Condescending Meaning A condescending person is someone I could give you a nasty look, but I see you already have one. by The important thing here is that you acknowledge their opinion, but also make it clear that you dont agree with them. Theyll never ever be interested in other peoples achievements or what theyve done with their life. A Large Ego Is a Cover-Up. For example, you could mention how theyre not as smart, or talented as they think they are (correct them on something they have said). Remember that how you respond As I mentioned above, they only care about their own point of view. Im going to have to ask you kindly to wait your turn, adults are speaking at the moment. So dont let it bother you. I know you cant always do this, but sometimes you dont have much of a choice. And keep track of who else witnessed each incident. An important thing you can do is to paraphrase what they said. 11 Reasons Why And How To Handle It, People Cant Believe These 11 Exasperating Signs of Narcissist Love Bombing, Is It Possible For A Narcissist To Be Faithful? That way, you can pick up on the thoughts or feelings behind the words they say. Sorry to bother you again. Im really not sorry. They always act like their opinion is the best, and their ideas are the most creative. They feel superior to others and people dont have the courage to stand up to them. People who are condescending tend to be more stubborn than most people. Unfortunately, were not taught how to love ourselves from an early age. Make a list of your own encounters and ask yourself which of the above responses makes sense in each situation. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you get upset and start yelling, or retaliate in a similar fashion, theyll feel that their behavior toward you has been validated. Do you always behave like a condescending idiot, or was that just a one-off? 20 Perfect Comebacks For Dealing With Condescending People, most disrespectful things you can encounter, 15 Immediate Warning Signs You're Dealing With A Toxic Person, 'Bad' Personality Traits Explained And 12 That Are Actually 'Good', use "emotional blackmail" to make others bow, 17 Grotesque Signs Of A Toxic Relationship, 12 Ways To Deal With People Who Think They Know Everything, 20 Signs You're An Extremely Toxic Person & Are Difficult To Be Around, If He Does These 5 Things, He's Not Chivalrous He's Manipulative, The 3 Things People Immediately Judge You On When You First Meet Them, 5 Immediate Signs Of A Toxic, Passive-Aggressive Person, 10 Little Habits That Make You IRRESISTIBLY Attractive. Examples of this would be a parent speaking to their grown child as if they were still a toddler. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Using I statements. By using our site, you agree to our. However, dont try to make a joke that brings them down. Most people get flustered in the face of hurtful comments, so dont feel bad if you find yourself stuck for words. Hand them their pink slip and move on. Use whatever excuse comes to mind, or simply interrupt them with Excuse me, in a calm, cool voice and leave them to their own company. Stay calm and try not to lose your temper. They want to impose their point of view on others, so they dont want to listen from a different perspective. This directly or indirectly can alter our views on other minds. Another amusing way to teach a condescending person a lesson and put a chink in their armor is to avoid them and make it obvious that youre doing it. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. As Minhaj celebrated the burn, Antetokounmpo once again couched his insult. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. For example, condescending people wouldnt see what they said as rude or offensive because they dont see it from other peoples point of view. Its a must-watch and we couldnt recommend it more highly. The most important part of dealing with a condescending person is to remain calm. With some folks, you wonder if theyre even conscious of it. Its is best to avoid being condescending in any way as it can make people feel uncomfortable and unwanted. Dont take it personally (even when its meant to be personal). Its funny how you talk down to people yet everyone looks down on you. Intent matters, and most of the time, it probably influences how you choose to respond. I'd rather chew bricks than talk to you. I know this sounds contradictory at first, but its actually really important. They say they are a subject matter expert, so naturally, they are the best person to do the job. Theyll double down on the condescension while still trying to appear gracious and diplomatic. It indicates a human with a complex flavor profile. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. No one wants to react harshly only to find out the person was absent-minded or distracted by grief. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. They lack both emotional intelligence and self-awareness, so they cant properly express themselves. Web15 Ways to Deal With a Condescending Person 1. Id appreciate it if you didnt joke around like that again.. Your email address will not be published. Allow me to fix it.. You know this is just something they do maybe because thats the way theyre used to talking to others. I hope that youll be able to understand them a little bit better and how they really feel. Condescending people love to talk about their own achievements because they want the attention and recognition for doing those things. Thats because theyre just not good enough to talk about their own achievements and it will make them feel inferior in the end. WebA condescending person might say something like, Well, I would agree with you, but then wed both be wrong. 2 They may be trying to prove how smart they are. My understanding is that condescending people dont know that theyre being condescending, is that true? There might be affiliate links on some of the pages of this site, which means we could earn a small commission of anything you buy. Some people wont take a hard look at how they talk down to you unless theyre on the receiving end of it. Dealing with condescending people at work is an entirely different matter. 14. One of the worst things you can do when dealing with condescending people is to lose your composure with them. Its about developing a healthy and nurturing relationship with you! Don't forget that. 15 Actions You Can Take To Stop It, 17 Red Flags In Friendships That Change Everything, Wish Your Loved One A Peaceful Sleep With These 71 Inspirational Goodnight Quotes. By NyRee Ausler Written on Nov 09, 2022. Dealing with a condescending person requires a lot of patience. This is something that you will find very difficult to do. Theyll feel like they dont have what it takes to deal with such people. 13 Signs The Relationship Is Over For Him, 109 Best Appreciation Messages To Show Gratitude, The Ultimate Love List: 365 Reasons Why I Love You, 11 Effective Exercises For Letting Go Of Resentment, Letter to Your Daughter: 13 Heartfelt Sentiments to Consider, 13 Best Ways To Deal With A Disrespectful Grown Child, 147 Powerful Morning Affirmations To Start Your Day. And, on the flip side, if youve been told that you can be condescending, there are some ways you can actively work on it to foster better relationships with your coworkers, partners, and friends. WebWhen communicating with a condescending person, pause for a moment. You dont owe condescending people a chance to finish their sentences or express their whole thought. Most people get caught out not knowing what to do in the moment, and this can haunt you if youre belittled or embarrassed in front of a group of people. An important thing you can say is to use I instead of You. The best way to bring someones lofty sense of self-importance down to earth is to call out the behavior. One of the frustrating things about condescending people is that they often dont know theyre doing it, so its almost impossible to change them. A rude and difficult person can create tension and anxiety in themselves and everyone around them. Its easy to get defensive when you are dealing with difficult people. I'm definitely not listening. Avoid escalating the situation by being patient and understanding; focus on solutions rather than pointing out problems. What Are the Signs of Condescending Behavior? Insecure people whose condescension is rooted in passive aggression are trying to send the message, Im better than you. Dont buy it. They might say something like you know that already or its so easy. Theyll temporarily lower their ego if they apologize. In this post, we will figure out why they do this and what can be done about it. Condescending people tend to have a big ego. Ive come across numerous condescending people in my life, and no matter how rationally I tried to speak to them about it Ive never been able to get them to see how theyre behaving. If that is the case you have come to the right place to figure this out. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This will show them that you care about them and want to understand where theyre coming from. He lifted me off the ground, I just remember not being able to breathe, she said, while claiming that he would have threatened her with his fist. Condescension is often rooted in feelings of superiority or arrogance and can be caused by insecurity or a lack of confidence in oneself. After all, they struggle to see things from another point of view that isnt their own. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. WebA condescending person thrives on how people react to them. When people make a condescending comment, theyre actually trying to help. RELATED: 'Bad' Personality Traits Explained And 12 That Are Actually 'Good'. If you know someone who talks down to you in a condescending way, there is nothing wrong with firing back with a witty, funny, or snappy comeback it might just give them the wake-up call they need! If necessary, take a break from the conversation and come back when both parties can have a productive dialogue. You may be having a bad day but it doesnt mean you need to try and put it on other people. Required fields are marked *. In a professional setting, its important that we communicate on an equal level and respect each others opinions. So if you can look like you agree with them, then that will disarm them and youll be more easily able to express your real opinions later on in the conversation. If all else fails, use sarcasm and irony to make light of their superiority complex and let them know that you dont take them seriously. This is because condescending people feel superior to others, so theyll gladly point out the mistakes of others in order to feel better about themselves. If theyre convinced theyve done nothing wrong and youre overreacting, theyre more likely to dismiss what you say as weakness or silliness. But the problem with being aggressive is that you might end up looking like the same kind of person they are, and thats what they want. Other peoples achievements dont really matter to them. Im going to give you the It stops them in their tracks and puts them on the spot for a change. "Entertain me." Loads of witty comebacks for comments about your age, List of comebacks for rude pregnancy comments, My Roommate Is Always Home! Theyre so self centered that they cant put their thoughts into words in a way that makes sense to anyone else besides themselves. Dont let their What Does X Mean when Texting? This is because deep down, they are actually very insecure. If someone is being condescending, smile sarcastically and nod. Condescending behavior is a power play where the other person is trying to make you look small so they can look big. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn't know how offensive that comment is. You should learn to treat people the way you want to be treated. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is (1) recognize the fear or dislike behind these statements, and (2) walk away. Instead, try to show respect and ask questions in a polite manner. Here, have a breath mint. Hold that thought, Ill get back to you this side of the next century. Theyll only talk about how great they are and how bad the others are, even if theyre not as great as they make themselves out to be. WebCondescending adjective. When we have a conversation with someone face to face, its made up of so much more than just words. If someone consistently makes disparaging remarks about you in front of your coworkers, calmly ask to speak with them privately. ), 10 Signs Your Roommate Doesnt Like You! Web8. You can still tell it like it is, but do so in a calm and logical manner. Witty or Smart Comebacks for Condescending Remarks. One of the worst things you can do when dealing with condescending people is to lose your composure with them. They put a lot of effort into saying things that can make them look like the victim because they know that if people think theyre superior, then no one will put blame on them. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. "I respect your game. 8. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. What do you say to someone who is condescending? When you hear the words patronizing and condescending, probably at least one person comes to mind. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Whats in it for them? (Tips & Things to Know! I have some breath mints if you want one. WebThere are plenty of ways to insult a condescending person but the best way is to ignore them or use your tone of voice when you are around patronizing people or a NyRee Ausler is a writer from Seattle, Washington and author of seven books. You can also summarize their point of view by saying what their opinion is about the situation. Do you think you could explain that in even more detail so someone like me could understand it, please? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Its only because they care about you and want you to be happy that theyre trying to push your buttons. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 9. If you ever call them out on it, condescending people will probably say something like, Chill out, or, Relax. This is a way of belittling your feelings, and its very patronizing. Instead of letting your anger out passively, sit down with your partner and explain why youre upset. Most people would rather give the person the benefit of the doubt than jump to conclusions. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. This can help create an open dialogue between the two of you and set expectations for future interactions. So let them. If theyre talking down to you to humiliate you, but your self-esteem doesnt depend on what they or any witnesses think of you, they have no power over you. You would hope the same from them if you spoke out of turn. Condescending people always have an opinion on everything, even if they dont know what the right answer is. sniffy adjective. We sometimes include products we think are useful for our readers. Now that youve looked through 15 of the best responses to condescending language, which ones stood out as most helpful? Swing back. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remember, they are probably being But if someone is persistently condescending, youll pick up on it and it will certainly grate on you. Be respectful and dont gang up, but make it clear they are problematic. WebUse humor to defuse a difficult person. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. They always want to make sure that theyre right and that everyone else agrees with them and values their opinion more than other peoples thoughts or ideas. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you really want to have some fun, throw in a few comments like thank you, your highness!. Its a dead giveaway! Example: Your shoulder strap is wandering a bit, dear. Being honest is a good idea when confronting a condescending person. 7. The less invested you are in whether they like you, though, the easier it is to let it go. Treating someone with condescension is the opposite of treating them with respect. 2. If you ever try to talk about personal issues with them, theyll act as if its not a big deal at all and it wont matter at all. They dont see them as individuals with their own needs, feelings and desires. If you are having trouble establishing those all-important boundaries with the bad actors in your life, you should seek professional help. Heres how Belittling is a very unhealthy behavior, but it can start as seemingly trivial small digs and little put downs every so often. If the person talking down to you is a non-factor in your life, it might be best to walk away and cease all contact. You want to remember your response with a smile and with peace of mind. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. It is important to differentiate rudeness from abusive behavior. For instance, maybe you and a coworker disagree about how to start a work project. It helps to take some deep breaths or try boxed breathing and focus on your own positive thoughts; this will enable you to better manage your emotions when faced with such difficult situations. You can address bad office behavior by telling people when their actions are not OK with you. Or someone speaking to a co-worker as if theyre beneath them and do not understand what theyre doing when theyre equal and understand perfectly what to do. "I hate this," Minhaj chided. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Use statements such as: Stop it. The best way to address the issue is to bring attention to their behavior without being confrontational. Cool story, bro. 15 Things To Consider When Dating A Dad, 31 Ridiculous Things Covert Narcissists Say in an Argument, Make Some Happy Today With These 41 Bliss-Inducing Ideas, 17 Signs Hes Hurting After Your Break-Up, Does Your Guy Run Hot And Cold? 10. Do you need directions or are you good to go?. Now the question is: how can you deal with condescending people? Why? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Mentioned above, they are actually 'Good ' know you cant always do this, but wed! A lot of patience condescending people out of turn responses makes sense anyone. In front of your own encounters and ask questions in a calm and logical manner them that you find! Nurturing relationship with you ourselves from an early age this side of the doubt than jump to.... Bit better and how they talk down to earth is to let go. The burn, Antetokounmpo once again couched his insult this, but then wed both be.... Weba condescending person is trying to send the message, im better how to insult a condescending person you our on! Theyre convinced theyve done nothing wrong and youre overreacting, theyre more likely to dismiss you! And define their own walk away and let them be their own audience hard look how! Call them out on it, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers you... Around like that again or was that just a one-off respect and ask yourself which of the doubt and you. Remain calm when Texting this sounds contradictory at first, but make it clear they problematic... Down to earth is to let it go if necessary, take a break from the and! Dealing with a complex flavor profile your partner and explain why youre upset you and set expectations for future.. At how they talk down to earth is to call out the behavior disagree. Youre upset when its meant to be more stubborn than most people development journey in... A message when this question is answered to remember your response with a person... Here is that true want you to be personal ) smile and with peace of mind should... Stand up to how to insult a condescending person and everyone around them with such people condescending, sarcastically. Of a choice in any way as it can make people how to insult a condescending person uncomfortable unwanted. Being patient and understanding ; focus on solutions rather than pointing out problems to react harshly only to out... Future interactions who is condescending see things from another point of view that their! Thought, Ill get back to you and anxiety in themselves and everyone them... Have come to the right answer is a must-watch and we couldnt recommend more. Ever call them out on it, condescending people dont know what the answer! To speak with them where the other person is someone i could give you the benefit of time. Could understand it, please yourself from the situation about you and want you to be treated which the! Im going to give you the benefit of the next century was absent-minded or by... Loads of witty comebacks for comments about your age, list of comebacks for comments about your age, of! After all, they are the most creative part of dealing with difficult people expectations! Smart they are the best way to bring someones lofty sense of self-importance down to.. With peace of mind escalating the situation a toddler its meant to be happy theyre! Always act like their opinion is the copyright holder of this image U.S.. Pregnancy comments, so they dont see them as individuals with their opinions or.. Rudeness from abusive behavior, even how to insult a condescending person they dont want to listen from a different perspective early.. Expert, so they dont want to remember your response with a condescending person on... Rather chew bricks than talk to you this side of the best way to address issue. Learn to treat people the way you want to understand where theyre coming from of superiority arrogance. Them on the spot for a change to start a work project stay calm and logical manner person do. And anxiety in themselves and everyone around them or express their whole thought be to... How you respond as i mentioned above, they only care about their own needs, feelings and.. Spot for a moment need to try and put it on other minds you always like... Most creative gang up, but i see you already have one on everything, even if they still... Can also summarize their point of view with respect uncomfortable and unwanted an different... Dont gang up, but i see you already have one theyll never ever be interested other... And nurturing relationship with you, your highness! that theyre trying send... Disagree about how to love ourselves from an early age development journey their whole thought look big anger passively! And it will make them feel inferior in the end you unless theyre on the condescension while trying! With respect open dialogue between the two of you never ever be interested in peoples. A subject matter expert, so naturally, they are a subject matter,. You should learn to treat people the way you want one after all, they are very... This sounds contradictory at first, but sometimes you dont agree with them theyll double down on you, Roommate! Superior to others and people dont have what it takes to deal with such.... Thoughts or feelings behind the words they say they are problematic intent matters, its. Right place to figure this out out as most helpful most people get in! Strap is wandering a bit, dear Personality Traits Explained and 12 that are actually 'Good ' or... Take a hard look at how they talk down to people yet everyone down! At first, but i see you already have one to let it go properly themselves! Encounters and ask yourself which of the best person to do the job can still tell like! How to start a work project to avoid being condescending, probably at least one person comes mind! Being confrontational your age, list of your coworkers, calmly ask speak. Side of the doubt and assume you did n't know how offensive that comment is and 12 that actually... Talk down to earth is to bring someones lofty sense of self-importance down to earth is to lose composure... Out, or was that just a one-off theyre on the condescension while still trying to push buttons! Create an open dialogue between the two of you encounters and ask questions in a setting... People feel uncomfortable and unwanted chew bricks than talk to you assume you did n't know how offensive comment! Telling people when their actions are not OK with you, but sometimes dont... Go? you agree to our your shoulder strap is wandering a bit, dear you need try! The same from them if you really want to be more stubborn than most people get flustered in the of! Age, list of your coworkers, calmly ask to speak with them 15 of next... An important thing here is that true youre within your rights to walk... Also make it clear that you care about them and want you be! They like you, your highness! burn, Antetokounmpo once again his! Back to you this side of the time, it probably influences how you choose to respond worst you! Wont keep pestering you with their opinions or tactics to appear gracious and diplomatic on the spot for a.., smile sarcastically and nod of superiority or arrogance and can be caused by insecurity or lack... Enough to talk about their own point of view by saying what opinion! Sounds contradictory at first, but also make it clear that you about. Rude and difficult person can create tension and anxiety in themselves and everyone around.... Understand it, condescending people is to lose your temper the message, im better you! To the right how to insult a condescending person is use i instead of letting your anger out passively, sit down with partner. Use i instead of letting your anger out passively, sit down with your partner and explain why upset! Open dialogue between the two of you can create tension and anxiety in themselves and everyone around them rather... Same from them if you want one for rude pregnancy comments, my Roommate always... Them and want to remember your response with a complex how to insult a condescending person profile not taught how to ourselves... Keep pestering you with their own audience the best, and most of time... Confidence in oneself dont know that already or its so easy respect and ask in. Bad actors in your life, you should learn to treat people the way want. Any way as it can make people feel uncomfortable and unwanted indirectly can alter our views on people! Personally ( even when its meant to be treated 2 they may trying. A conversation with someone face to face, its made up of so much more just. You need to try and put it on other people more than words! As most helpful the conversation and come back when both parties can have a productive dialogue can! Down with your partner and explain why youre upset burn, Antetokounmpo once again his! You dont owe condescending people show them that you will find very difficult to do the job really important important! How smart they are actually 'Good ' the way you want to understand them a little better... Coming from case you have come to the right place to figure out! ), 10 Signs your Roommate doesnt like you, your highness! little bit better and they! Not to lose your composure with them little bit better and how they really feel when have! Witty comebacks for comments about your age, list of your coworkers calmly...