How To Deal With People Who Try To Bring You Down
I got a nasty email recently, which is really unusual around here. Most of my readers are incredibly kind and encouraging, and aren’t the kind of people who shoot off mean emails at 3 a.m.
I confess, I wanted to type back the most awful, non-Christian response to the meanie in my inbox.
But then I got ahold of myself. Her email was a stark reminder of a culture of meanness that has cropped up around us. It’s a meanness that is fueled by narcissism, by a wave of cynicism, and an over-appreciation for snark.
Meanness and narcissism hold hands. Meanness says, “What I feel matters most. I have no empathy for you. If you are in the way, I will run you over.” It also may indicate insecurity in the heart of the offending person.
This week, you and I will both face people who will step on our toes. Someone will drop a passive-aggressive comment in your Facebook feed. Your spouse will pick a fight. The TSA agent will get snippy.
But you? You will have a choice what to do next.
Read more about “How to Deal with People Who Try to Bring You Down,” in my post for incourage.me.
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Your post on kindness reminds me of the classic movie “Harvey,” where Jimmy Stewart’s character says, “Years ago my mother used to say to me, . . .’In this world, In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.’ Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”
Hands down, one of my favorite quotes ever!
I’m so sorry you received such a nasty email, Jennifer. Sometimes it’s hard to look past a mean remark even when there are many loving remarks. Sometimes those words can even ring in our ears years down the road. But please know you are a very special person in God’s eyes and in mine. 🙂 You are preapproved! 🙂 You give such great advice on how to deal with it. To be kind even though we may be biting our tongues and wanting revenge. And waiting a day is definitely always a good idea. 🙂 Love and hugs to you!
Ick! It’s so yucky when people are mean. I am going to try and continue to choose kindness. I needed this reminder this week. Thank You!