Overbearing people

Ask a Therapist Mental Health Conditions
1

I met a few people that are very critical and come across as very rude.
I used to think it was my ego that was being challanged but i think its them that has the ego issue cause they just want to One up On everything and break you down to feel that you’re not enough or what you do is not good enough

And i think i already had enough of this kind of people. The more you try to state your case the more they break you down and i found the solution is to just Silent Treatment - Ignore them. Dont ask for their opinion. Period.

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Hi @Manoesperanza,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I can sense the frustration and annoyance you’re feeling from these interactions. It’s completely valid to feel this way when you’re met with criticism or rudeness, especially when it feels like someone is constantly trying to diminish your efforts or worth. It’s exhausting and can feel deeply unfair.

What you’ve identified—about how these people may be projecting their own insecurities or ego issues onto you—is insightful. The strategy of stepping back and choosing silence can be a healthy boundary, especially when engaging with them only leads to more negativity or emotional exhaustion. Not everyone deserves your energy, and choosing not to engage doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re protecting your peace.

At the same time, I want to encourage you that these encounters are opportunities to strengthen your resilience. Conflict and criticism, while unpleasant, can sometimes reveal areas where we can grow stronger in our confidence. Instead of taking their words as truth, what if you used those moments to reaffirm your own values and strengths? You don’t need their approval to know you’re doing good work or that you’re enough.

Here are a few suggestions that might help ease the frustration while maintaining your dignity and peace:

  1. Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel hurt or annoyed. Don’t suppress these emotions—give yourself space to process them.
  2. Focus on your values: Remind yourself of your goals and the standards you hold for yourself, rather than the opinions of others.
  3. Choose when to respond: Silence can be powerful, but sometimes a calm, composed response can also set boundaries. For example, “I hear your opinion, but I’m confident in my approach” can show them that their words don’t shake your self-assurance.
  4. Seek constructive feedback: From those you trust and respect, who genuinely care about your growth. Not all criticism is bad, but you don’t need to take it from everyone.
  5. Reflect and move forward: After encounters like these, try asking yourself, “What did I learn from this?” It could be about handling similar situations in the future or just a reminder to keep choosing your peace over conflict.

You’ve already taken a great step by recognising that their behaviour isn’t about you—it’s about them. That’s a powerful realisation, and it shows your growing self-awareness. Keep holding onto that, and don’t let their negativity dim your light. You’ve got this, and we are here to support you as you navigate through these moments.:muscle:

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