% of people told us that this article helped them. And theres more than one way to handle it when their behavior gets to you. Treating someone with condescension is the opposite of treating them with respect. As weve mentioned, condescending people are insecure, so its imperative that you acknowledge their words or else theyll just get angry. Do a self-assessment to make sure you dont have the word victim tattooed across your forehead. People in positions of power may also use condescending language to assert their dominance over others. 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. condescension Add to list Share. 8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/What-Is-Condescending-Behavior-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Condescending-Behavior-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/What-Is-Condescending-Behavior-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Condescending-Behavior-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Thats because theyre just not good enough to talk about their own achievements and it will make them feel inferior in the end. 3. If youre calm and polite, then theyll realize that youre not the same person that they thought you were. Then, you two can talk it out and come up with a solution together. This will prevent the situation from turning worse. Thanks for sharing your point of view, it was very insightful. With active listening, you focus on what the other person is saying, as well as what theyre not saying out loud. Now, its time to look at 15 responses both internal and outward each one based on the situation and the type of person youre dealing with. 13. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. They might try to explain themselves, but if they refuse to acknowledge their patronizing tone or language, you dont owe them an ear. So if you make a joke about them its going to show them that youre careless and doesnt take them seriously. Look at your bully whenever they insult you and simply walk away. They think that theyre the center of the universe, so what they need from the negotiation is more important than what others need. One of the worst things you can do when dealing with condescending people is to lose your composure with them. People who say They might say something like you know that already or its so easy. They like to boast about themselves and their achievements. You can also defuse the situation with humor. They can be more fascinated by who else is talking about their achievements or accomplishments rather than talking about their own. Start by explaining how their words or actions make you feel, then explain why these feelings are not acceptable in a professional setting. Using I statements. Try to empathize with them, as this can help build rapport and understanding. Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. informal behaving in a way that shows that you do not think someone or something is good or important enough for you. Sometimes you dont want to be harsh or risk offending the person being condescending, I get it. A licensed therapist can help to uncover the issues causing you to allow people to devalue you and help you put a stop to it. A person who is condescending in their comments toward others often: 1) wants to win the discussion, usually by squelching any dissent. Condescending people think that theyre so much better than everyone else, and they treat them as if they were inferior. They always act as if they know a lot more than the other person, and they like to talk about their knowledge throughout the conversation. WebWhen someone is condescending, they are being rude and dismissive. What do you say to someone who is condescending? 2. The boss is probably lashing out at something that has nothing to do with you. 11 February 2022. You should learn to treat people the way you want to be treated. Theyre always in their own world, thinking about themselves, so they struggle to think about other peoples emotions and struggles. They view the world from their own eyes and they assume that everyone else does the same. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in hybrid therapy and coaching services, couples counseling, and clinical hypnotherapy. And keep track of who else witnessed each incident. 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. Be quiet. 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. They look down on other people because they think that theyre better. Above all, do not stoop to their level; remain composed and stay focused on finding common ground. Im sorry you feel so insecure about your life but theres really nothing I can do to help. Theyre not going to do that. Read on to learn 15 of the best responses to use when someone is condescending. Use statements such as: Stop it. Sorry to bother you again. Im really not sorry. Did Someone Betray You? snobbish Dont take it personally (even when its meant to be personal). "Entertain me." RELATED: 15 Immediate Warning Signs You're Dealing With A Toxic Person. They say they are a subject matter expert, so naturally, they are the best person to do the job. By doing this, you demonstrate that you are aware of the situation and politely ask them to change their behavior. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. 2. The less invested you are in the conversations outcome, the less you have to lose. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This will send a clear message that you will not tolerate their behavior and if you do this early on you can prevent this behavior from becoming a pattern. You just need to do it this way. Inserting these words into your sentences immediately makes you sound condescending. Write down the name and position of the insultor while you are still in the office. That will just make them angry and youll have a harder time trying to resolve the situation. 5. In the schoolyard, this healthcare provider was a bully. 7. I heard you say something, but chose to ignore it. asshole noun. Remember, their words have no power over you. Here, have a breath mint. Other ways they may show their lack of respect is by reducing you to gender specific nicknames like sweetheart or bro.. 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 about developing a healthy and nurturing relationship with you! This will show them that you care about them and want to understand where theyre coming from. You may be having a bad day but it doesnt mean you need to try and put it on other people. Its also not always completely obvious when someone is doing it, at least not deliberately. Be respectful and dont gang up, but make it clear they are problematic. The important thing here is that you acknowledge their opinion, but also make it clear that you dont agree with them. More synonyms +-arsehole noun. 2. In others, a more direct, diplomatic approach will get the best results. You would hope the same from them if you spoke out of turn. 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. Condescending people are, by their very nature, insulting. Theyd rather just be influential than be respected. The problem is that condescending people are defensive by nature. Acknowledge where theyre right and add something to it. For example, you might respond to the babytalk example by saying, Well, my widdle face would prefer not to be eaten by your widdle face. Some people may be conditioned to be condescending by their upbringing or life experiences; for example, someone who has been put down frequently may come to believe that it is okay to talk down to others. After all, theyre always trying to look smart and impressive. 18. 4. "You are the human equivalent of a participation award." Surprise me by saying something intelligent next time. You should work on that. If youre upset about something, they might tell you its not a big deal and tell you to move on. They feel superior to others and people dont have the courage to stand up to them. If theyre saying that a certain person is wrong, then you should say the same thing but with a more positive tone so it sounds like you agree with them. Theres always that one person who just rubs you wrong with everything they say and do. 6. Im going to have to ask you kindly to wait your turn, adults are speaking at the moment. It may also be used as a tactic for controlling conversations or situations by manipulating emotions or making someone feel inferior. WebSo, if someone wants to accuse you of acting like a child, just because you want to put your feet up, let them know that they are insulting you using incorrect words. Belittling is a very unhealthy behavior, but it can start as seemingly trivial small digs and little put downs every so often. Document their words and list witnesses. December 31, 2021, 7:21 pm. 1. In some cases, responding with patience or with humor is best. Intent matters, and most of the time, it probably influences how you choose to respond. Any combination of these factors could lead a person to adopt a condescending attitude toward those around them. Its only because they care about you and want you to be happy that theyre trying to push your buttons. WebSometimes, the tone of a persons voice or the way that they say things can come across as condescending, but theyre actually trying to be helpful. Why? Condescending Meaning A condescending person is someone A condescending remark is often meant to put the person in their place, but it can be hurtful and unwelcome. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Condescension is an insulting way of talking to other people, as if they were stupid or ignorant. Condescending people think theyre smarter than everyone else. You are aware that being condescending makes you look like the inferior idiot, right? Nothing embarrasses an egocentric person more than the realization that they are the only person that thinks highly of themselves.
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