Dear Elizabeth,
I have a few relatives who delight in nasty comments to everyone about everything. Any
suggestions on how to respond to these people?
Bewildered in Boston
Dear Bewildered,
Even if you have been kind, thoughtful, and courteous, some people just respond in a nasty
manner always. I think that they delight in making us uncomfortable. How to respond?
Sometimes the best response is no response. Other times I just respond with a “thanks” and
just walk away and avoid them for the rest of the family event, the “thanks” being my own
reminder that I should have stayed away from them in the first place. Another time, I tell them
that “I am agreeing to disagree” with them and end the conversation with that statement. The
“kicker” for me is when I tell them that I love myself and that I love them, too. The look on their
face says it all. Try these answers and see if they work for you. Good luck!