What to do when people talk down to you

Has anyone ever talked down to you?

This could be in a personal or professional setting.

Perhaps the other person is a subject matter expert or feels that they are one.

Perhaps there is unconscious bias at play.

Regardless of the exact circumstances, it never feels good when people speak to you as if you’re unintelligent, out of touch, confused, or beneath them.

This happened to me recently. It’s happened to me a few times with Liberate. Let’s be honest, I’m new to this (I’m a first time founder) so a lot of people think they know more than me and usually they do.

I always go through all of the emotions: anger, sadness, disgust, fear, joy (that I don’t behave that way), and eventually – acceptance.

There are a few perspectives that help me before, during and after these interactions:

1. No one can make you feel inferior with your consent (Eleanor Roosevelt said that).
2. Peoples’ behaviors and actions are most often a reflection of themselves, not you.
3. No one can make you feel inferior with your consent (Eleanor Roosevelt said that).
4. Time heals all wounds. Don’t get me wrong, I rarely forget these interactions. When I think of them a year later I can be retriggered and feel all of the emotions all over again. BUT in the moment it feels like an attack, like something I need to lace up my Hokas and run away from. And some time later I usually grimace at the memory while also acknowledging something positive I learned from the experience.

You are worthy of time, attention, and respect from everyone. That is a birthright.

If you don’t get it, take 3 deep breaths, remove yourself from the situation if you can, and explore another perspective. I try to always assume the best intent.

Resources:

1. Cool-off with breathwork
2. Calming music
3. Hypnosis to boost confidence

With love and light,
Liv