There are many subtle and smart ways to respond to a person who talks bad about you behind your back, although sometimes it’s best to say nothing. The first thing you should do in these cases is recognize your worth and not allow that situation to affect your self-esteem or your self-control, since, in general, these types of people are envious of what you do and have no other way to face their problems. emotions than talking bad about you.
We know that it is an uncomfortable situation that generates a lot of discomfort and breaks trust. The good news is that in this Psychology-Online article we will tell you what to say to a person who speaks badly about you behind your back. In addition, we also explain what you should do so that people do not speak badly of you. Our intention is for you to find the most successful strategies so that you can defend yourself in a memorable and firm way.
What to do when a person speaks badly of you
When a person speaks badly about you, the first thing you have to do is stay calm so as not to complicate the situation. And then, what can you do when someone talks about you behind your back? The answer is simple, and we summarize it in these 8 tips:
- Don’t react impulsively: When you discover that someone is talking badly about you, it is normal to feel a mix of emotions, such as sadness, anger or frustration. However, it is important that you do not react impulsively or lightly. Take a moment to breathe deeply and think about how you want to approach the problem. Here we explain.
- Look for the source of the problem: instead of simply accepting what the other person is saying about you, it is important that you try to discover who is speaking badly about you and why. If you understand the reason behind the criticism, you will be able to address the problem more effectively.
- Talk to the person directly: If possible, try to talk to the person who is speaking badly about you, but do it in a calm and respectful way. The idea is that you can explain your point of view. However, keep in mind that it is not always possible to talk to the person concerned or that an agreement cannot always be reached.
- Maintain dignity: Although criticism can be painful, it is important that you hold your head high and act with dignity at all times. Don’t fall into the other person’s game and avoid acting in an aggressive or vindictive manner and remember that your behavior says a lot about you as a person.
- Don’t engage in gossip: Although it may be tempting to respond to negative comments with more negative comments, it is important that you avoid engaging in gossip and gossip. Don’t waste energy talking bad about the other person, because that will only make the situation worse. Instead, try to stay positive and focus on yourself.
- Surround yourself with positive people: In difficult times like this, it is important to surround yourself with positive and constructive people. Seek support from close friends and family, who will help you get through the situation and remind you that you are valuable.
- Be true to yourself: do not allow negative comments to change you as a person and maintain your values and be true to your convictions. Don’t be influenced by what others think of you and don’t change your behavior to please other people.
- Learn from experience: Use this experience as an opportunity to grow and learn. Try to identify what you can do better in the future and how you can avoid similar situations. Also don’t forget that no gossip or rumor defines who you really are.
What to say to someone who is talking bad about me
Before responding to someone who is speaking badly about me, analyze with a cool head whether or not it is worth responding to that person. If it is someone you are fond of and you think a conversation is needed, it is good that you take the initiative. However, in most cases it is best to try not to make the situation worse.
Whatever option you choose, below we leave you some phrases so that you can give a forceful response to that person who speaks badly about you behind your back:
- «On my back I don’t have a mailbox. “Whatever you have to tell me, tell me straight.” This is a direct and open way to tell that person that you are willing to face any unhealthy comments they want to make to you.
- “What you say about me speaks more negatively about your personality than about me.” Without a doubt, this phrase reflects that you are more important than someone who has to use rumors to get attention.
- “I’d rather you talk about me behind my back, at least I know you’re behind me.” This phrase suggests that it is better for someone to speak badly about you behind your back, since at least it is known that they are worth less than you because of the way they act.
- “What you say about me behind my back doesn’t define me, but it does define you.” This tells you that someone’s words don’t have the power to define who you are, but they do speak about the person saying them.
- “If you have something to say to me, talk to me directly instead of behind my back.” This phrase suggests that you are confident enough to face criticism.
- “What you say about me behind my back only shows me that you are not brave enough to say it to my face.” Directly, you tell that person that he is a coward and does not have the courage to face you by looking at your face.
- “People who talk about me behind my back only show their own insecurity and lack of confidence.” Some very wise and direct words that suggest that people who speak badly about you behind your back do so because they feel insecure or lack self-confidence.
- “If you have problems with me, don’t talk to me and case resolved.” With this phrase you are getting rid of that person once and for all.
- “I prefer to have a friend nearby who is capable of slapping me, than to be around people who stab me in the back.” It is a phrase to accept criticism, as long as it is said head-on and honestly.
- “If you need to talk bad about me behind my back, clearly my life is more important than yours, don’t you think?” This would be an epic way to tell that person that their life is so pathetic that they have to use what other people do to get other people’s interest.
How to stop people from talking bad about you
It is difficult to control what others think or say about you, but what you can do is keep your own emotions and the way you react to these types of problems under control. Additionally, there are some things you can do to minimize the chance of people badmouthing you, such as:
- Be authentic: People often speak ill of others when they perceive that they are not acting sincerely or authentically. By being yourself and showing yourself as you are, you can make people have a positive impression of you and there will be no reason for them to speak negatively behind your back. In this article we show you.
- Always be respectful: treat others as you would like to be treated. If you are respectful of others, they are less likely to speak badly of you and other people are less likely to have a lot of affection for your personality.
- Maintain a good reputation: Make sure you have a good reputation among your friends, family, and coworkers. If people know that you are a trustworthy person, they will respect you.
- Avoid negativity: If you are surrounded by negative people, they are more likely to speak badly of you. Therefore, try to be with positive people and avoid gossip and negativity.
- Do not speak ill of others: do not do what you do not like to be done to you, therefore, avoid at all costs being the one who talks more about someone behind their back.
- Carefully choose the people you deal with: Focus on your goals and don’t give so much importance to those who don’t deserve it.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Estanqueiro, A. (2006). Principles of interpersonal communication: to know how to deal with people (Vol. 59). Narcea Editions.
- Gil, S. (2020). Social skills (Vol. 4). Flamboyant Publishing.