How do you respond to patronizing behavior?

Think of it as sugarcoated antagonism. Patronizing people talk down to you.
...
If someone's trying to provoke you, the worst thing you can do is show them it's worked.
  1. Don't Take It Personally. First and foremost, keep calm and carry on, as they say. ...
  2. Call Them On It. ...
  3. Neutralize Your Body Language. ...
  4. Ask For Clarification.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fastcompany.com


How do you respond to someone who is patronizing?

So rather than take offense, assert yourself in “a calm, positive way,” she suggests. A simple “thank you for your help” will suffice, concurs Gregory Jantz, PhD, a renowned psychologist and book author. “If you answer in your own natural voice, with respect and good manners, you reset the tone,” he explains.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on prevention.com


Is patronizing someone disrespectful?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “patronize” as “to speak to or behave towards someone as if they are stupid or not important.” Similarly, Oxford Languages defines it as “to treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority.”
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mindtools.com


How do you respond to a condescending question?

You could say “Did you hear what you just said!” and or follow up with, I would appreciate it if you would show me the same respect you would like to have. I wouldn't suggest giving a taste of his own medicine, as there are those that really just don't understand what they sound like.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on businessmanagementdaily.com


How do you respond to a Patronising colleague?

4 Ways to Handle a Condescending Co-Worker
  1. Know It's Not About You. One way to ease the tension of having to deal with a patronizing coworker is to understand that it's not personal. ...
  2. Evaluate Their Comments For Helpful Feedback. ...
  3. Ask For Further Explanation. ...
  4. Address Their Behavior With Them.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on zippia.com


Condescending Example



How do you professionally tell someone they are being condescending?

Be professional. Use “I” language (“I feel devalued as a person when you speak to me in a condescending tone”) instead of “You” language (“You are so condescending in the way you talk to me”). It's less confrontational and easier to receive. Be willing to accept feedback that you may have a growth area of your own.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theladders.com


How do you deal with colleagues who put you down?

You can address bad office behavior by telling people when their actions are not OK with you. Calmly and professionally call out the patronizing person without making a scene or being dramatic by pointedly yet politely saying, “Gee, that comment sounded a bit condescending to me.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on themuse.com


What's the difference between condescending and patronizing?

Condescending - "having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority." Patronizing - "apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority; condescending."
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on preply.com


What is an example of patronizing?

An example of patronize is when someone speaks slowly to an older person who can hear perfectly well. To assume a tone of unjustified superiority; to talk down to; to treat condescendingly. Patronize means to be a regular customer of a business. An example of patronize is going to a specific café every morning.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yourdictionary.com


What causes a person to be condescending?

They're looking for a way to to demonstrate their superiority and comfort themselves that you're no threat to them and that they're worthier than anyone else. Others who condescend may, in fact, think too much of themselves, and use condescension to make themselves the focus of attention.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lizkislik.com


What is a patronizing attitude?

Definition of patronizing

: showing or characterized by a superior attitude towards others : marked by condescension patronizing comments No more endearing is his patronizing jocularity …—
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merriam-webster.com


How do I stop patronizing people?

How to stop being condescending
  1. Listen more to others. ...
  2. Be humble. ...
  3. Be encouraging. ...
  4. Ask if others want your advice. ...
  5. Empathize instead of giving advice. ...
  6. Take the perspective of a student. ...
  7. Avoid condescending body language. ...
  8. Give others credit.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on socialself.com


How do you tell if someone is patronizing you?

Signs of condescending people to watch out for
  1. 1) Thinking too highly of their intelligence level. ...
  2. 2) Assuming they know everything. ...
  3. 3) Giving unsolicited advice. ...
  4. 4) Putting a brave front. ...
  5. 5) Boasting about their achievements. ...
  6. 6) Belittling pet names like “sweetie” or “chief” ...
  7. 7) Putting you and others down.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hackspirit.com


How do you deal with a condescending family member?

5 Keys to Handling Judgmental and Opinionated Family
  1. Set Boundaries Diplomatically. ...
  2. Say: “Thank You” to Terminate the Topic. ...
  3. Change the Topic. ...
  4. Change the Topic With an Ally. ...
  5. If All Else Fails, Walk Away and Keep a Healthy Distance.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on psychologytoday.com


How do you say well done without sounding Patronising?

5 Answers
  1. Keep it simple and direct.
  2. Say what you mean exactly.
  3. Keep it targeted at the right audience.
  4. Don't praise in public if it makes them uncomfortable.
  5. If it's possible, praise in front of peers.
  6. Don't use the same phrases of praise every time.
  7. Reference the exact behavior you're praising.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on workplace.stackexchange.com


When people say don't patronize me?

If someone patronizes you, they speak or behave towards you in a way which seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you in some way. Don't you patronize me!
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on collinsdictionary.com


What are some condescending phrases?

Some Useful Condescending Phrases
  • Thank you. ...
  • The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
  • I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
  • Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
  • I have plenty of talent and vision. ...
  • I like you. ...
  • What am I?
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on marvin.cs.uidaho.edu


Is patronizing passive aggressive?

Definition: Belittling, Condescending and Patronizing - This kind of speech is a passive-aggressive approach to giving someone a verbal put-down while maintaining a facade of reasonableness or friendliness. Many people with Personality Disorders suffer from low self-esteem and look for ways to feel better.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on outofthefog.website


What is patronizing tone?

adjective. If someone is patronizing, they speak or behave toward you in a way that seems friendly, but that shows that they think they are superior to you. [disapproval] The tone of the interview was unnecessarily patronizing. Synonyms: condescending, superior, stooping, lofty More Synonyms of patronizing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on collinsdictionary.com


What do you call a person that talks down to you?

condescend, lord (it over), patronize.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merriam-webster.com


How do you outsmart a manipulative coworker?

Here are eight steps to take to help you handle dealing with a manipulative coworker:
  1. Define your experience. ...
  2. Assess your feelings and use your support system. ...
  3. Try to resolve the conflict together. ...
  4. Let a manager or superior know what's going on. ...
  5. Focus on positive workplace relationships. ...
  6. Lead by example. ...
  7. Practice mindfulness.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on indeed.com


How do you not let mean coworkers bother you?

10 Tips for Dealing With Toxic People at Work
  1. Take excellent care of yourself. ...
  2. Intentionally establish boundaries. ...
  3. Meditate. ...
  4. Physically distance yourself. ...
  5. Realize they're not worried about how this affects you. ...
  6. Redirect yourself toward the positive. ...
  7. Rise above. ...
  8. Know when and where to draw the line.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on payscale.com


How do you not let negative coworkers bother you?

Remain professional.
  1. Make the employee feel heard. ...
  2. Identify the positives within their negative comments. ...
  3. Refer them to helpful resources. ...
  4. Reach out to human resources or your manager if needed. ...
  5. Excuse yourself from the conversation politely. ...
  6. Distance yourself from negative situations. ...
  7. Try to compromise on group projects.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on indeed.com


How do you deal with two faced coworkers?

Ways to Deal with Backstabbing Coworkers
  1. Keep calm. Once you discover that backstabbing coworkers are acting against you, intense feelings of anger, pressure, and sadness usually develop. ...
  2. Find out exactly what happened. ...
  3. Meet with your boss. ...
  4. Talk to that co-worker. ...
  5. Create a plan to protect yourself.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on biospace.com


How do you deal with Patronising friends?

Say something like, "Can I talk to you alone for a minute about something?" Calmly (yet assertively) let your friend know that what he/she said felt condescending and hurtful. Use "I" statements rather than speaking in absolutes: "I feel like you forgot how much it hurts me when you talk to me like that."
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wikihow.com
Previous question
Is a 517 MCAT good?