We all know that feeling. That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when someone says something that just cuts you to the quick. Maybe it’s a casual remark, or maybe it’s a full-blown put-down.
But either way, it hurts. And what hurts, even more, is when that someone is someone close to you, someone you care about.
A friend, a family member, or a co-worker. Someone who, for whatever reason, has decided to take it upon themselves to make you feel small.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to take it. You don’t have to sit there and take their abuse. You can reply to let them know that it hurts and you won’t tolerate being belittled.
If you’re in a position of being belittled and not knowing what to say or how to respond, don’t fret as we’ll be going through the golden responses you can utilize to call a belittler to caution.
20 Things To Say To Someone Who Belittles You
When someone belittles you, it can be difficult to know how to respond. You might feel like you want to scream at them, or you might feel like you want to cry. But, neither of those responses is likely to be productive.
Instead, try one of these 20 responses the next time someone belittles you. We’ll be going through various suitable ways you can respond and then further suggest things to say to
Whether it’s someone who is fond of belittling you or someone who has never done it to you, these replies are suitable.
1. I’m really hurt by what you said
Let the person know that you heard what they said and that it hurt you. This can be difficult to do, but it is important to validate your own feelings.
It can be hurtful and frustrating when someone belittles you, but it’s important to try and stay calm. Acknowledging their words shows that you’re not going to let their negativity get to you.
This can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s important to remember that you’re stronger than they are.
If someone belittles you, it’s good to say you are really hurt by what they said. This shows that you want them to understand how you feel and that you’re not going to tolerate their behavior. It also lets them know that you’re not going to take their crap anymore.
2. Why did you say that?!
Try to get to the root of why the person felt the need to belittle you. Maybe they are going through something difficult themselves and took it out on you. Or maybe they are just a generally negative person.
If someone belittles you, it is important to ask them why they said what they said. This will help you to understand their motivation and to determine if they are truly trying to hurt you or if they are just having a bad day.
It is also important to remember that people who belittle others are often doing so because they feel insecure.
3. I felt disrespected and devalued when you belittled me.
You can also say that I felt disrespected and devalued when you belittled me
This shows that you are honest with the person about how their words affect you. Let them know that their words made you feel sad, disrespected, scared, or embarrassed.
When someone belittles you, it makes you feel small and unimportant. It feels like they are trying to put you down and make themselves feel better, their words can make you feel a range of emotions.
You might feel anger, frustration, sadness, or even helplessness. It can be hurtful and make you question your worth. But you are worthy and you are important. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
4. Stop it!
If you don’t want to continue being around someone who belittles you, tell them so. You have a right to set boundaries and to be treated with respect.
It can be difficult to stand up for yourself when someone is belittling you, but it is important to do so. Let the person know that their words are hurtful and that you would like them to stop.
If they continue, you may need to walk away or end the conversation. It is okay to set boundaries with people, even if they are close to you.
5. I don’t think it’s helpful for us to talk like this. Please respect me enough not to do it again.
This statement clearly lets them know that their words aren’t welcome and that you expect them to be respectful in the future.
6. I understand that you don’t agree with me, but belittling me isn’t going to help either of us.
This statement makes it clear that their behavior is unacceptable and also encourages a more constructive conversation by suggesting an alternative way of communicating.
7. This conversation is over – goodbye!
If the situation becomes too uncomfortable or hostile then ending the interaction can be the best solution. This statement is a clear sign that you don’t wish to continue with the conversation and puts an end to any further belittling.
8. I don’t need your approval – I know my worth.
This statement conveys confidence and self-assurance, as well as sending a strong message that it doesn’t matter what the other person thinks of you because you already know your own value.
9. You seem really sure of yourself, but I’m not so convinced.
It’s never easy to stand up for yourself when someone is belittling you, but it can be an important step in taking back your power.
Telling someone who is trying to put you down that You seem really sure of yourself, but I’m not so convinced may sound like a simple statement, but it actually carries a lot of weight.
It communicates that while the other person might think they have something figured out and are superior to you, there’s still room for doubt in their mind.
When we’re being belittled by another person, our natural response may be to feel insecure or intimidated. We might even begin believing what the other person is saying about us and start doubting ourselves in the process.
But when we tell someone who is trying to belittle us that You seem really sure of yourself, but I’m not so convinced it sends a message that we don’t believe their negative words about us and are standing up for ourselves.
This can be an empowering experience and help us regain our sense of self-worth.
It’s also important to remember that when you tell someone who is belittling you this phrase, you’re not necessarily saying anything bad about them.
You’re simply expressing your own feelings and doubts in response to what they said or did. It’s easy for the other person to take it personally, but if they do, then they may need to look at why they felt the need to put you down in the first place.
10. This should be the last time you ever try this with me
When someone belittles you, they are trying to put you down in order to make themselves feel better. This is not acceptable behavior and you should not tolerate it.
If someone belittles you, tell them firmly that this is the last time they will ever try this with you. Let them know that you will not tolerate being treated this way and they will need to find another way to cope with their own insecurities.
11. I don’t deserve to be treated like this.
When you are belittled by someone, it can be difficult to know how to respond. However, saying I don’t deserve to be treated like this is a powerful statement that communicates that you will not tolerate being treated poorly.
This response lets the other person know that you have boundaries and will not allow yourself to be treated in a disrespectful way. Additionally, this response can help to diffuse the situation and prevent it from escalating.
12. I won’t put up with being disrespected like this.
When someone belittles you, it can be difficult to know how to respond. However, saying I won’t put up with being disrespected like this is a good response.
This lets the person know that you will not tolerate being treated disrespectfully and that they need to treat you with more respect. Additionally, this response can help to empower you and make you feel more confident in yourself.
13. I deserve to be treated with respect.
When someone belittles you, it can be tempting to stoop to their level and start exchanging insults. However, this will only make the situation worse.
Instead, try to defuse the situation by calmly saying something like, I deserve to be treated with respect. This shows that you’re not going to tolerate being treated badly, and it might make the other person think twice about their behavior.
14. I won’t tolerate being treated this way.
When you are belittled by someone, it can be tempting to either fight back or to take the abuse. However, there is a third option which is often the best choice.
You can simply state that you will not tolerate being treated this way. This puts the other person on notice that their behavior is not acceptable and that you will not tolerate it.
It also shows that you are confident in yourself and your worth, which can be very empowering.
15. This is not acceptable.
When someone belittles you, it is not acceptable. This is a good response because it shows that you are not going to tolerate that type of behavior. It also lets the other person know that you are not going to put up with it. This is a good way to stand up for yourself.
16. I won’t stand for this.
Saying I won’t stand for this. is a good response when someone belittles you. It shows that you are not going to tolerate their behavior and that you are willing to stand up for yourself. This can be a very effective way to stop someone from belittling you and to get them to respect you.
17. I’m not going to put up with this anymore.
This could be said if this person does this frequently.
Saying I’m not going to put up with this anymore is a strong response that shows you are not going to tolerate being treated this way.
This sends a clear message that you are not going to be treated as a doormat and that you deserve to be respected.
18. This has to stop.
When someone belittles you, it can be difficult to know how to respond. However, saying This has to stop. is a good way to assert yourself and let the other person know that their behavior is not acceptable.
This response shows that you are not going to tolerate being treated disrespectfully and sends a clear message that the belittling needs to stop.
19. I won’t be treated like this.
When you are belittled by someone, it can be tempting to just take it and try to move on. However, standing up for yourself is important.
By saying I won’t be treated like this, you are telling the other person that their behavior is not acceptable. This can help to put a stop to belittling and also help you to feel better about yourself.
20. This ends now.
Saying This ends now. is a good response when someone belittles you. It shows that you are not going to tolerate their behavior and that you are not going to take it anymore. It also sends a message that you are not going to let them get away with it.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to know how to respond when someone says something that belittles you. You might feel like you want to say something to put them in their place, but it’s important to remember that words can hurt just as much as actions.
The best thing you can do in this situation is to take the high road. Instead, try to diffuse the situation with humor or by simply walking away.
We’ve highlighted some golden responses you can utilize. These responses show that you’re not going to take their bait, and they may just make the other person realize how rude they’re being.
Whatever you do, don’t let someone else’s words get to you. You’re better than that.
