Image credit: Pink Pot Creative
In a recent job interview I was asked what things I can’t stand most, what really ruffles my feathers. I had the urge to yell from the rooftops “Haters!!! Get rid of em all!” But instead, I smiled politely I replied and told him negativity and unnecessary complaining. You know these people right? They’re all over Facebook, appear in Instagram comments, write aggressive messages on Youtube, you may even have them in real life! These ‘keyboard warriors’ are not afraid to tell you in exactly four sentences how much of a horrible person you are whilst using a wide variety of somewhat ‘colourful’ vocabulary. How to you approach dealing with the haters?!
Tip 1: DO breathe and take a break.
When first seeing a comment, it can be easy to aggressively type back in a state of rage, slamming one finger after another through your computer’s keyboard or your phone’s screen, telling the person exactly what you think they are or where you think they should go. Are you dealing with the problem? No. Are you making the situation better? No. Are you becoming a hater yourself? Yes. Quit it. Take ten and decide what to do about it later when the steam has stopped coming out your ears.
Tip 2: DO respond with love and kindness.
Phrases such as “I’m sorry that you feel…” and “Thank you for your comment but…” may be a good place to start. You don’t have to agree with the person, or argue your point (because they definitely won’t want to see that). Apologise and give a neutral response.
Tip 3: DO think about why you attracted haters.
Did you actually cause this problem in the first place? Critically evaluate what you have done to receive such feedback. Are you attacking others yourself, speaking negatively or promoting dodgy things? If so, you may want to think about changing. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and views but be careful how you choose to promote them. Don’t go all ‘holier than thou’ and emotionally bash other people for not being the same as you. Be respectful and be kind.
Tip 4: DON’T take it personally.
There are some people that should not be allowed to use the internet. They go on it for no other purpose than to rip on other people. Not cool. Remember that these people would most likely not say ANY of the things they type to your face. Don’t give these people time of day and if you want… delete them! There is no problem with deleting, banning and blocking!
Tip 5: DO surround yourself with positive people and hand over the problem.
Get around your besties, your fam and your spouse, whether it be in real life, a phone call or txt message. Have them uplift you and encourage you, and do the same for them! You will feel good. They will feel good. Winners! Being a Christian, I also love to give my problems to my Creator and spend a little time in His Word. It never fails me!
I hope these 5 tips were helpful and encouraging. Have a beautiful day!
Brittney x
People do feel free to say some pretty vial things sometimes! These are great tips for dealing with it.
Thanks Carlee! x
Brittany, these are great tips and I agree, step back, breathe and tackle it as nicely as possible. I find that we may interpret someone’s words incorrectly as they are typed on the computer and not said with facial expressions. It’s hard to know what exactly is being inferred, sometimes. i guess not if they are being blatant. Recently I had a bit of a misunderstanding on my blog, in the comment section, I was not going to even answer, but I felt that I needed to do it and hope that we could reach common ground, it was silly but obviously the commenter was taking offence, it went back and forth many times. I just wanted to say, give me your phone number so I can face time you, or something. I want you to see my face as I say this… Sometimes we just can’t connect!! Great tips and I’ll keep them in mind hoping I never have to use them!!!