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15 Comebacks for Dealing with Mean People

15 Comebacks for Dealing with Mean People


When you’re dealing with mean people, it is important to stay positive. Whether it’s a stranger, a co-worker, spouse, or any other person in your life, knowing what to say is important.

You don’t want to be rude in return, as it could only make the situation worse. Plus, it could irreparably damage a relationship that is important to you.

It’s important that you don’t let people be mean to you, though, no matter who they are. By speaking up and coming back with a quick response, you’ll let them know that the behavior isn’t acceptable.

If you have a person in your life who tends to be rude at certain times, remember these comebacks to use next time. These comebacks could stop their behavior on the spot, and they could help them be nicer in the future, too.

Tips for Dealing with Mean People

-Stay positive and calm

-Avoid being rude

-Don’t take on their same attitude

-Smile

-Be firm

-Think about what you want to say before you say it

-Be empathetic

-Take a deep breath

Comebacks for Dealing with Mean People

1. I’m sure you didn’t intend to sound so rude, but that’s how it’s coming across to me.

Disagreeable people sometimes don’t realize they are being rude. When it comes naturally to them, it may be useful to point it out. Then, they will likely think about how they are speaking to you or what they are saying.

This way, they know how they are making you feel. Plus, they’ll know that you are trying to still be nice and positively interact with them.

2. I can see that you’re having a bad day.

If you say this, they’ll start thinking about why you think they are having a bad day. They’ll realize that the way they are speaking is giving you a bad vibe.

Sometimes a simple comment like this is the perfect comeback. The person you say it to may start speaking more nicely when it is pointed out to them.

Another way this comeback could work is that it could make the person believe that you said it because you are worried. This could soften their personality a little when they are communicating with you.

3. What is your motive for asking that?

Sometimes people ask rude questions just to make you uncomfortable. They may want to embarrass you in front of others or they just want to hurt your feelings.

When you are in this position, ask the person what their motive is. By turning it around and asking them this question, you’ll likely get your point across. They’ll know that you are not interested in discussing it.

Plus, if others can hear the conversation, it could shame the person who asked. Even rude people don’t want to be called out in front of others.

4. I’ll consider what you said, but I’d like to end this conversation now.

Even if you don’t agree with what was said, saying that you will consider it should normally do the trick. This way, the unfriendly person understands that you don’t want to talk about it and will hopefully stop. Then, you can forget it ever happened or you can take some time to consider it later.

Keep in mind that most rude people say things that aren’t true and have a goal to hurt you. If you choose to consider what they said, don’t take it too literally.

If you find that there was some truth to what was said, you can make a change. On the other hand, if there wasn’t any truth in it, just move on and forget it.

Then, the next time that person brings it up again you can answer honestly. You would simply tell them that you considered it already and you don’t want to talk about it again.

5. I’m finished with this conversation.

Sometimes, you just have to be blunt. If you’ve tried reasoning with the person and tried other comebacks, it may be best to end the conversation.

It isn’t as rude as ignoring them, but you’re letting them know that you aren’t going to be talking anymore. There is no use in arguing or going back and forth, so end the conversation and move on.

6. Have a great day!

This is another way of ending the conversation. As you’re ending the conversation or walking away from them, a positive statement is the way to go.

They can’t be angry at you for telling them to have a nice day. Plus, you’ll be able to walk away as a better person.

7. Thank you.

If someone makes a rude comment about you, just thank them. While you aren’t appreciative of their rudeness, it’ll let them know that you heard them. When you don’t react in the negative way that they were likely hoping for, they’ll be disappointed.

Most people won’t keep trying to get under your skin if they see that it isn’t working. So, when you give this simple reaction, they may let the conversation go.

8. I’m trying to empathize with you, but you’re making that difficult.

When someone is spiteful, it could be because something difficult is going on in their life. For this reason, reminding yourself that they could be having a bad day may help.

If they cross a line, however, it’s important to speak up and let them know. Let them know that you are trying to be understanding, but that you are struggling with their rudeness.

9. Could you please stop being so negative?

If you often deal with this person and you know that this is always the way they behave, speak up. Don’t let them get you down or ruin your day. Instead, call them out and ask them to stop being so negative.

It isn’t rude, but it gets the point across. Maybe your question will help them think about their behavior in the future, too.

10. I don’t appreciate the way you’re speaking to me. Could you please speak more nicely?

You should always be clear that you don’t like the way you are being treated. You can do it in this way because it’s stern but polite. If the person continues speaking that way after you’ve nicely asked them to stop, it’s time to walk away.

11. Excuse me?

By asking the person to repeat what they said, they’ll realize that you didn’t like what they said. Oftentimes, they won’t repeat it. If they do, try one of the other suggested comebacks.

12. I appreciate your opinion.

Sometimes, people like to give their opinion when it isn’t wanted. Their opinion probably doesn’t even matter to the situation, which can be beyond irritating to you.

Instead of getting angry or rude in return, thank them for their opinion. After you’ve thanked them for sharing, they shouldn’t have anything more to say. Remember, their thoughts and opinions on your life don’t matter, so try to stay positive.

13. Are you okay?

When you ask someone this question, a couple of things may happen. First, they’ll likely ask why you’re wondering.

If they do ask, you could explain to them that they seem like they are in a bad mood. Or, you could be vaguer and just tell them that they seem different.

The other thing that may happen is that they may open up to you. They’ll see that you care and that you aren’t angry at them for being in a bad mood. If something is wrong with them, you’ve just opened the communication that maybe what they need.

14. Anything else?

This comeback will let them know that what they are saying isn’t bothering you. When their comments don’t affect you, they’ll be disappointed. Furthermore, when you invite them to say more, they’ll be even more discouraged.

This should stop them from being mean to you at the moment. Plus, it’ll also make them think twice in the future before they are rude to you again.

15. Say nothing at all, just smile and laugh.

Sometimes, the best comeback is to say nothing. Even better, smile or laugh at what the spiteful person has to say. No one wants to be laughed at, so reacting this way will be the perfect response for any rude person.

Final Thoughts on Comebacks for Dealing with Mean People

You will inevitably experience mean people in your life. No matter where you go, you are sure to encounter it on a somewhat regular basis. You have to stay positive, though, and graciously deal with them.

These comebacks for dealing with negative people can help you change the behavior of that person. The comebacks will stop the behavior immediately, and could even influence that person in the future.

Hopefully, with your stern but kind comebacks will help the spiteful person think before they speak in the future. In the meantime, however, these comebacks will help you get through your experience with that mean person.

Lifestyle

20 Comebacks When Dealing with a Selfish Person »

20 Comebacks When Dealing with a Selfish Person »


We all know a selfish person who makes everything about themself. Regardless of your intentions and actions, there is little you can do to make such people happy. No matter how hard we try to please them, something will always bother selfish people.

For instance, if you bring up a conversation about your accomplishments or problems, they bring it back to themselves. Eventually, you end up listening to their issues and opinions. That’s one of the reasons why selfish people are downright annoying.

That’s one of the reasons why nobody wants to be around self-centered people. 

Dealing with a selfish person is tricky. But, the first thing to do is to define and identify a selfish person

Here are the two primary characteristics of a selfish person:

  • Selfish people are always concerned exclusively or excessively with their image, health, and goals.
  • They have no respect for the feelings or needs of the people around them

When dealing with such people, it is foolish to expect any gratitude from selfish individuals for your help or right actions.

As much as you love or like your selfish friends or relatives, there is little hope that they will show any regard for your feelings or change their habits. While some of them can show-off moments of generosity, most of them lack the willingness or skill to be considerate. Understanding this trait will make you understand why a person fails to pay attention to your needs.

It’s not that they are not responsive. Such people can choose how they want to respond to a specific need. For instance, when you need their help, they can choose to ignore your request or pretend to be busy.

So please take a look at our collection of 20 of the most effective snappy and most effective comebacks that work when you are confronting a selfish person

20 Comebacks for Dealing with a Selfish Person

selfish person 1 – Thank you for listening to me and making it all about you!

Don’t you just wish you could say that to someone who keeps talking about themselves? Selfish people have a habit of ignoring the other person’s needs, and that’s one of the reasons why they never pay attention to your problems. Instead, they keep mentioning their own experiences. This one is best for all such occasions.

2 – Aren’t you exhausted from talking about yourself?

Just when you need someone to share your sorrows (or even joy), a selfish person keeps on ranting about how miserable they are, only to gain your sympathy. That’s not something you would want to listen to after a stressful or long day.

3 – I just returned from the center of the universe, and I wonder why you weren’t there?

Do not shy away from reminding selfish people that the entire universe does not revolve around them alone. Self-centered people have a habit of being caught up in their problems. There is no harm in giving a reality check to them every once in a while.

4 – The world does not revolve around you!

That’s another way of sending the same message across. The only problem is that a selfish person will pretend not to listen to it or simply ignore it. 

5 – Please tell me less about yourself

What a polite way to stop someone from going on and on about their likes and dislikes. That comeback works great on a first date when a self-centered person forgets to ask about your preferences and life goals.

6 – No, my status is not for you

Confront your stalkers or ex-partners. It’s common for a selfish ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend to drop in a few lines in response to every status of yours. Whether it’s on Facebook or any other network, it’s essential to silence them and make them realize you have other important things going on in your life.  

7 – Just get over it

What a sweet way to tell someone to shut up? You won’t feel bad, and the other person shouldn’t. After all, that’s what they need to do to make your (and everyone else’s) life more manageable.

8 – Do I only exist when you need something?

Ever had that friend who is nowhere to when you need them. But just when they need you, they will pop out of nowhere. Even if you have relocated or moved to another workplace, they will find you whenever their need arises. 

selfish person

9 – You are just like us!

A selfish person often things he/she is above everyone else. Probably, the last thing they want to listen to is that they are just everyone else! You are not disrespecting them or abandoning them. Instead, you remind them that they are not out of this world. 

10 – I can fix my appearance, but how will you adjust your personality?

Anyone who points out to how you look, dress, or appears deserves this comeback. A selfish person who wants to throw you off guard usually starts criticizing your appearance because they don’t have any other reasons to show their disapproval. You can’t change their habits but can put them in their place. 

11 – Did I ask for your advice/opinion?

Most people have solutions for all your problems and like offering tips when you need them the least. But whenever you offer them a piece of advice, they reject or refute it immediately.

Such people are insecure because they try to hide behind a false sense of supremacy. So, the next time they offer you their ‘valuable’ advice, don’t be afraid to ask this question.

12 – You’re wasting your time

Selfish people don’t mind wasting your time. But when it comes to their precious time, they would never imagine wasting it. That’s one of the reasons why this comeback works best for people who can’t stop making negative comments about your job, personal choices, and opinions. 

13 – Don’t you have anything nice to say?

Selfish people love focusing on your shortcomings. Why not shift the focus on them to change the subject? Trust us; this comeback works every time.

14 – I won’t even comment on that

Sometimes the best comeback is not saying anything at all. Selfish and toxic people need to feed their fragile ego. When you are indifferent to their comments and viewpoints, it shows that they have no power or control over your thoughts and emotions. 

positivity quote

15 – Thanks, but no thanks

Not everyone deserves your gratitude. One of the worst habits of selfish people is that they expect you to be thankful to them, even when they haven’t done anything for you. It’s not a bad idea to remind them that you don’t need their advice, approval, or opinions. 

16 – What on earth made you think that?

The best trick to answer a rude person is to pose another question. You can always counter negative emotions and comments by questioning the other person. With this comeback, you may be able to silence a nosy friend or colleague.

17 – Are you aware that there are two people in this room?

One of the habits of selfish people is that they think they are the only ones present in the room. That’s probably the reason they don’t even pretend to listen to you when you are talking. 

What a way to make them realize that you know what they’re trying to do?

18 – Are you always this funny?

Sometimes, narcissistic and selfish people use sarcasm or humor to mask insults, but just enough for you to identify their offensive remarks. This comeback stuns them because they expect you to smile or laugh sheepishly. 

Whenever someone says something that sounds more like an insult than a joke, end the conversation with this comeback. 

19 – Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you. What were you saying?

No, you’re not rude. You are giving a selfish person another chance to reword his/her question or statement. This comeback shows that their comments do not affect you, and you are not open to their negativity.

20 – That makes one of us

Do not offer any explanations to prove your point. Simply disagree and move on! Your time is precious, and you certainly don’t want to waste it on people who have no respect for your thoughts and beliefs.  

selfish peopleFinal Thoughts on How to Deal with a Selfish Person

Dealing with a selfish person becomes easy when you know what to say to them and how. Letting go of their negativity will not make them assess their habits and make any changes. However, using comebacks such as these will help you to stay positive. 

Moreover, selfish people don’t care about what you think or say. They live in a fantasy world and form their opinions that you can’t change. However, do not let them get in the way of your happiness. No matter how much you love someone, define boundaries so nobody can hurt you ever.