What to say to these comments?

Where I work quite a few people complain about others like calling them stupid and other negative comments.

I know most people say they walk away and don't respond or ignore.

I think it is best to reply back so they realize that everybody is human and that what they said was wrong. I do know some people think the opposite and aim it towards you, say that you are wrong or get angry. That's when I would walk away. Which would it be wrong to ask them why they think it's fine to call others stupid.

I also was thinking that maybe say things like "Yes, others can do stupid things though we all have those moments." Or if someone is implying by saying something sarcastic, saying something like "Thanks, for reminding how hurtful insults can be" or telling them that I disagree.

What would you say?

I have been lucky to work in places that have not had that kind of insensitive people working there. I have to admit if anyone said that to me I would probably be to shocked to answer.

I really like those. It's also, your way, of saying, hey, I don't want to hear it, around me.

Some people are looking for a fight or an argument, and will deliberately say something that they know bothers another person. That's why we often say it is best not to engage with that sort of person. They know they are wrong. They already know you disagree. But if they get you to respond, then you might end up getting in trouble because you fell for their tricks and it looks like you started the argument. Nobody made you the boss of them, or put you in charge of deciding what's okay to say. You were doing that with your brother, now you're doing it at work. Just worry about doing YOUR best, seriously. I understand how you feel. I think maybe you feel a little left out? I was - I just didnt realize it, I was so used to being excluded at home. Do you have any friends at work? I would hide out there!

I was not implying to be in charge of them. I was making up comments to say to people at work and just in general. By responding back you can change the way others will give respect back to you and others. It's respecting yourself and others at the same time. Some people do not know that by the way they speak that it comes out negative and you saying something can help them change. I know you can not change others, though by speaking up it can help you change yourself and the way others behave around you. And it helps them.

I don't feel left out. I don't like seeing the disrespect at work and I know I can't change them though I can help some. Even just disagreeing can help them see what they had said. And if it doesn't do anything then it doesn't.

Yes, others do look for a fight; especially when you can tell they are angry and how they behave daily. That's when you can speak calmly. It also has to do with the way you respond, don't let their negativity get to you; speak calmly and not out of emotion (don't react) but compassionately. Be assertive! Then you can disengage if they start yelling or wanting to cause drama.

And I do agree you shouldn't do it all the time. I don't do it that often around my brother, though I have noticed a difference in him after a while of speaking up every once in a while to him and helping myself around him.

Thanks for your comment!

I take a lot of calls at work and people are more apt to say things like this to me on the phone.... On the phone or in person I tell them the same thing.

This kind of conversation is not appropriate for the work place so I am going to have to stop is here. Then walk away. Or if I'm on the phone they get one more warning. I ask if they would rather talk to my supervisor. If they are just repeatedly insulting me to try and start a fight I end the call...

Some people will always just try and start trouble. There is no reason to get sucked into it.

Yes, I do agree on that. If after a while speaking up and they just continue then that's when I would just laugh and walk away, unless I know how they behave already. lol

I am laughing now thinking about insults people have told me and I just look at them and laugh and continue doing my work.

Also a zen tip is to only look at the positive that you can take out of criticism even if it's an insult or something mean. If there isn't anything positive to take out of still don't feel hurt from it; it's "their" mind not yours.