Inspired by a recent Lyft ride gone wrong, we sat down to think about how to respond to rude comments.
How many times do you walk away from a conversation wishing you would have said something to make it stop? Or, have you ever been on the receiving end of some shady comment where you can only respond with an uncomfortable laugh because you can’t even believe what was just said?
Megan and I both could share a few gems. In fact, we did. Are you part of our Shorties Facebook Group? Click the link to join and you can read both our incredibly awkward conversations as well as a few from the others in the group.
What to say or do when someone is rude AF
Who knows why people say the things they do. I know I’ve said a few things a million times over that someone thought was inconsiderate or inappropriate. I do it because I am uncomfortable with small talk and it usually leads to me putting my foot in my mouth. I’m human. But, some people say things to inflict pain and to provoke. Maybe they don’t have a filter. What is the best way to handle rude comments? Here’s a few tips:
Four ways to respond to rude comments
Body Language
Physically remove yourself from the situation. Or, if you can turn, swivel or pivot your way out of the conversation, do it. A turned back says a lot.
Stick Up for Yourself
You can advocate for yourself without being confrontational. For example, I once had a friend ask me to go on a girls trip because she wanted me to be her “one-piece bathing suit wearing wing woman” amongst a group of “skinny bitches.” I was obviously insulted. Yes, I wear a one-piece bathing suit but I’m also fun. I politely declined by saying that I’m not anyone’s side piece.
Forget the Playground Rules: Don’t Share
It’s totally OK to tell someone that you don’t feel comfortable talking about gossip or wages or whatever. If they don’t like it, it’s their problem.
Tell Them You’re Uncomfortable and Be Clear As to Why
Event though it can be really hard to do, honesty is the best policy. You can say “this conversation is making me uncomfortable.” Or, you can say “I don’t agree with that and I’m going to step out of this conversation.”
We’d love to hear your awkward stories and how you handled it. Leave us a comment or head over to our Shorties Facebook Group and jump in there!
