Conflict resolution

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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When insulted publicly, pretend you did not hear the comment and politely ask the person to repeat it.
It creates awkwardness for the insulter and focuses attention on them; often they will deny saying anything.
- May make the other person angrier rather than defusing the situation.
- Ineffective against trolls or individuals who are intentionally aggressive.
11 people, independently
- Agree with an insult and add fabricated details to escalate it to absurdity, making the original comment seem unimportant.3
Recognize that insults often result from the insulter projecting their own rejected traits or misery onto you.
People who lack self-reflection tend to express their own issues by insulting others who they perceive have those same traits.
4 people, independently
- Reframe insults as reflections of the insulter's own insecurities and emotional state rather than your actual identity.5
Agree with an insult if it contains truth to disarm its sting.
Accepting a true flaw openly makes the barb fall flat and demonstrates confidence.
- Only effective if the insult is actually true.
3 people, independently
- Deflect insults without engaging by responding with neutral acknowledgments like 'yes', 'ok', 'i know', or 'OK. And...?'.3
Reframe body-shaming comments as projections of the commenter's own insecurities or issues with their own body.
They may be projecting to feel better about their own weight or because they envy your body.
3 people, independently

Withhold both positive and negative attention by keeping interactions as brief as possible while staying polite, or simply ignore them and continue on.
Some people crave attention, whether it is good or bad.
3 people, independently
If you encounter passive-aggressive remarks, interpret them literally and as compliments with deadpan sincerity to confuse the aggressor.
It confuses and frustrates them, shutting down their control or forcing them to be open and honest.
- Some manipulative people may turn this response around on you, making you feel like you misread the situation.
5 people, independently
Reduce contact with passive-aggressive people by keeping them at a distance or cutting ties completely.
People seldom change without strong motivation, and tolerating disrespectful behavior lets it linger in your mind.
- Only tolerate the behavior if you have a sufficient reason to do so and can remain unaffected.
3 people, independently
Do not absorb the other person's anger; realize it is their issue, not yours, and be at peace.
3 people, independently

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Take action even when afraid, understanding that bravery coexists with fear.
3 people, independently
Recognize that the majority of people are focused on themselves rather than observing you.
4 people, independently
Be tactful, calm, and use a smooth tone when confronting someone.
3 people, independently
If someone shares an offensive joke, request an explanation of its humor without becoming defensive.
5 people, independently
Choose your battles wisely rather than fighting everyone or fearing everyone.
3 people, independently
Directly inform people that commenting on someone else's physique is impolite.
3 people, independently
Deflect intrusive body comments with humorous deflections such as claiming the information is classified, joking that you subsist on stupid questions, or mentioning importing tapeworm eggs from Mexico.
3 people, independently