We’ve all encountered a rude person at some point in our lives. Rude people are an unfortunate part of life. Sometimes, their comments shock us, and we don’t have an appropriate reply ready. Other times, we want to punch them in the throat. Don’t do that.
Next time you are verbally attacked by a rude person, try using any one of these brilliant responses that will help you regain control, stand up for yourself, and even have a laugh in the process.
Do You Need a Hug?
Sometimes, rude people just need someone to be kind to them and offer them compassion. Hurt people hurt people, but healed people can also heal people. Try offering them a hug first and see how that goes!
They may either accept it, get even angrier, or walk away. At least you did your best to diffuse the situation.
Looks Like You’re Having a Bad Day
Tell them you’re sorry they’re having a bad day and that you hope things get better for them soon. It may calm them down, or it may make them angrier—only one way to find out. It’ll definitely give them food for thought.
Did Someone Pee in Your Cornflakes This Morning?
While this may not calm them down, it certainly might make them giggle a bit and realize they were, in fact, being rude. When said in a joking and light-hearted manner, it may quickly make the situation bearable or even laughable.
If you’re lucky, they may even apologize!
Sorry, Do I Know You?
This response obviously works best on strangers, but if you’re talking to a friend, co-worker, family member, or someone else you know well, this response will surprise them and stop them in their tracks. They will recognize that they are acting out of character or disrespectfully.
It may even make them laugh.
If a stranger is rude to you, they’re probably looking for a fight, not a new friend. After saying this, just walk away.
You Must Be a Bundle of Joy to Be Around
This response focuses on the person’s negativity and highlights the absurdity of their behavior. It may force them to stop and think about their behavior and possibly even recognize how toxic it is. Possibly.
It may even catch them off guard and make them laugh a little. Well, here’s to hoping.
Come Back When You’re Nicer
Let them know that you will not continue the conversation if they are mean or rude, and they can come back and talk when they’re in a better mood. After saying this, start walking away and see what happens. If they don’t apologize or change their tune, keep walking.
This ought to shut them up or make them angrier.
Well, That Wasn’t Very Nice
You can follow that up with, “Why would you talk to me like that? Have I done something to hurt you or make you angry? Let’s try this again.” It’s a softer approach that will show empathy on your part and may calm them down.
This also lets the person know that their behavior is unacceptable, disrespectful, and hurtful. They may care or not. Hopefully, it will force them to recognize their behavior and change it.
Sorry, I’m Allergic to Negativity
This response is lighthearted and playful but still gets the point across that you won’t tolerate negativity or hostility. It may shut them up, provoke them to tell you where to go, or get a chuckle out of them. Either way, they got the point.
I Can Give You the Number of a Great Therapist
Find out if they were bullied as a child, which is why they are being a bully and jerks now. Maybe they need therapy or some inner child healing exercises. They may not like this response, but it will definitely make them think twice about being rude to you again.
It might even help them call down a bit when they realize that someone cares enough to want to help them.
Today is Not the Day, And I’m Not the One
Shut ’em down before they even begin. You gotta stop this bully in their tracks before they even think of spewing. It’s also called a boundary. Show them you won’t put up with their crap. Period. Ever.
Sorry, I’m Too Happy Today To Put Up With Your Rudeness
This response will most likely make them laugh, but if it doesn’t, and you walk away, it will definitely leave them with a stunned look on their face like, “What the heck just happened”? Priceless, I say.
Or they may catch themselves and apologize profusely and beg you to come back.
I Don’t Think You Know Who You’re Talking To
Straight up, ask them if they have any idea who they’re talking to. “You talking to me like that”?? Make it sound like you’re a big deal. Well, because you are. We all are, and no one deserves to be spoken to rudely, ever.
This will surely shut them up and make them realize that they can’t talk to people rudely, at least not you.
I Hope You Have the Day You Deserve
My favourite response in the whole wide world. This will flat-out shut them up. Make sure you say it with a huge smile on your face and wave goodbye as you walk away. Use this great one-liner on strangers.
They may shout at you as you walk away. That’s their problem, not yours.
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