Lauren Conrad’s Guide To Handling Name-Calling With Class

Confront It Head-On
Not all name-calling situations need to be confronted, but if your feelings are seriously hurt it might be worth it to stand up and say something. You always, always have the right to defend yourself in any situation where you feel you’ve been wronged. Name-calling is no different. But, however you deal with confronting it, do not reciprocate in the name-calling yourself. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or someone you’re in a professional relationship with, you should confront that person and talk to them directly, if it’s truly bothering you. Remember to stay calm and don’t act when you’re feeling angry or emotional — that’s when you might say something you will regret.

Take The High Road
There have always been name-callers, and there always will be. That is not in your control. What is in your control is how you react. Win by being nicer. Don’t stoop down to their level. Don’t come back with an equally hurtful attack (as much as that seems like a great way to blow off steam at the time). Chances are if someone calls you a name, they’re calling other people names too. Set an example that name-calling is not ok by taking the high road and demonstrating that you will not reciprocate that kind of behavior yourself. As my mother always said: Kill them with kindness.

Don’t Sweat It Too Much
Whether you’ve confronted the situation or taken the high road and let it go, try not to let it get you down. Who cares what that person thinks of you? If they’re judgmental enough to say something negative about you, they might not be someone you want to be associated with anyway. Oftentimes when people call you names, it’s more about what they’re going through than how they actually feel about you. Try to step in their shoes and think about what they’ve been going through that would lead them to say something hurtful about you. Personally, when I’ve been called names in the past, I simply try to laugh it off. It’s hard to remember this when you’re in the middle of a tough situation, but keep in mind that laughing it off will make you happier the long run.