When someone looks down on you or tries to make you feel insignificant, keep these things in mind.
Arrogance, superiority, pretentiousness—whatever name you give it, some people genuinely believe they’re above others and don’t hesitate to show it. When you encounter this kind of behavior, there are practical ways to respond and maintain your composure while managing relationships with people who carry that attitude.
1. Set boundaries.
Boundaries safeguard your mental and emotional well-being, but how you uphold them is just as important. The most effective approach is to remain courteous yet assertive. Reacting with anger only gives the other person leverage—they can use your outburst to paint you as irrational and turn others against you. By staying polite, you take away their opportunity to do so.
2. Stay confident in yourself.
People who believe they’re superior often try to elevate themselves by putting others down. This behavior can be painful, leaving you feeling small or inadequate. Stay centered and don’t let someone else’s actions define your self-worth. Remind yourself of your own strengths and talents to maintain confidence. If you allow their words to diminish you, you risk withdrawing inward — which only makes it easier for them to push you down further.
3. Don’t take it personally.
A superiority complex is a reflection of their insecurities, not your value. Secure people don’t put others down, they lift other people up because they know they are valuable people. The way other people treat you is often a mirror reflection of themselves. How do you not take it personally, though? It’s easier said than done, but focus on the fact that they wouldn’t behave the way they are if they were happy and secure with themselves.
4. Respond with empathy.
Empathy means stepping into someone else’s shoes to understand their feelings and perspective. It doesn’t mean you have to tolerate mistreatment or excuse poor behavior. Rather, it’s about recognizing what might be driving their actions — what kind of experiences or pain could lead someone to act that way. Such insecurity rarely comes from a healthy place; it’s often rooted in deep hurt or trauma. While that doesn’t justify their behavior, understanding it can help you stay calm and centered when dealing with them.
5. Lean into their behavior.
CONTINUE READING...>>
To see the full instructions for this recipe, go to the next page or click the open button (>) and don't forget to share it with your friends on Facebook.
