Practice extreme self care…….say what you mean and mean what you say. Sometimes we tell ourselves that it is more functional to be silent when someone has hurt our feelings or treated us poorly but when we do that we are the only ones who continue to hurt. When someone is rude, or inappropriate with their behaviour or communication we are often rendered speechless, in disbelief that they could be so disrespectful or lacking in empathy for our feelings. While ancient wisdom encourages us to pick our battles…..allowing people to disrespect you is not a battle to be ignored.
That is precisely the time when it is important to understand their intention; and with full understanding, provide them with feedback. Otherwise they may be blissfully unaware that their behaviour or communications have offended you, which solves nothing. Stuffing our feelings and our anger only harms us, for there are few things that will erode our self-esteem more quickly than tolerating behaviour that insults our intelligence and belittles us. Speak up for yourself, be authentic and never let any situation get to the point where you subjugate yourself in favour of someone else.
Stephen R. Covey said “Don’t argue for other people’s weaknesses. Don’t argue for your own. When you make a mistake, admit it, correct it, and learn from it -immediately. The more deeply you understand other people, the more you will appreciate them, the more reverent you will feel about them. To touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.”