“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Dealing with tactless people takes a little insight into their behaviour. Instead of personalising their tactless remarks or behaviour, see it as an issue with them, not you.
The truth about tactless people
Some people really have no sense if what is/isn’t appropriate to discuss. There are a few reasons for this. Either they lack empathy and do not consider that their comments will be hurtful or their ‘tact filter’ is damaged in some way — perhaps due to past experiences or learned behaviour.
Whatever the reason, it can be upsetting being at the receiving end of another’s tactless comments. Often the person being tactless will mean no intentional harm and will have no idea of the damage they have caused.
Despite the fact that what they have said will have hurt or offended you, imagine this person going through life constantly uttering verbal “faux pas’” and creating unease wherever they go — that’s much more of a burden to live with.
Nurture self belief
That is why it is so important to have a strong sense of self. This way, when others try to ruin your confidence or have a go at you, you can listen intently, take on board what…