How do you react to a family member insulting you

[Anonymous]

Sorry but this thread made me laugh because it's just so terrible and unbelievable that family would treat family that way and say those kinds of things. Who are these people?

[Anonymous]

They clearly have some other issue with you than what they are naming, OP. If you can't "just get along", limit your contact. Easy.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest you react the same way you would to a neighbor - someone you have to be around occasionally. You act cordially but focus but on more positive people/relationships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I it general insults or personal ones. If they are insulting a category or group that you happen to be part of (lawyers, Southerners, Christians, poor people) then ignore it - it is just their prejudice.

It's still offensive. I still call them on it, especially if it's really monumentally stupid: "You know, Dad's Southern." "Hey, you know where I work? At a government agency! And I work hard, doing something useful."

If it is personal - you are fat, lazy etc... then I would address it right away.

"Thanks for sharing. Not that I agree with your statement, but it gives me some real insight into the sort of person you are."

[Anonymous]

If it is something direct:
"Did you really just say that?"


If it is something passive aggressive:
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean by that. Care to explain?"

Either way, you could always follow up later one-on-one.

You: "Do you have a few minutes to chat?"
Rude Person: Sure.
You: "You've made a few comments to me lately (either directly or off the cuff). It makes me really uncomfortable and I don't want it to keep happening. If I've done something to offend you, let me know. Or is there some way we can resolve what ever is going on?