You don't have to do anything with a mean person, so don't waste your time. When someone is being mean or unresponsive, you can remove yourself from their presence and go somewhere else, finding people who love and support you. Dealing with non-communicators is like pulling teeth – people these days (mostly) have lost the art of kindness when interested in someone.
If you are stuck at work with a disrespectful friend, date, or other who won't leave you alone or if they live next door and constantly invite themselves over for dinner (or worse), it's time for severe boundary-setting. Set boundaries about when and where it's okay for them to talk with you--and stick by those rules!
You need to protect yourself and practice boundaries.
Protect your time.
Practice boundaries.
Have a plan for dealing with mean people, and stick to it!
You should only waste your time on someone else's drama if you have the energy and patience. Otherwise, we suggest avoiding it at all costs.
Mean people are rude, disrespectful, and completely ignorant in the communication area. They don't care about you or your feelings and will do everything they can to make you feel bad about yourself. They have little regard for others and their needs; they only care about themselves! You are better than that!
It's not just their behavior that makes them mean, but also how they communicate with others:
They don't listen—When someone is mean to us, it's easy to get defensive because we feel like we're being attacked or insulted by what they say or do. However, this isn't always true (or fair). Sometimes, when someone says something hurtful or critical about us, it may be because they don't know better! That doesn't make them less wrong, in any case.
Building a relationship means two-way communication via phone or in person:
There's no better way to communicate than in person or on the phone because you can hear the other person's tone and body language. Texting is impersonal and not ideal for relationships--you need to be able to listen to the other person's voice!
If someone can not commit to that run, they are a poor friend, and you must protect yourself. If your kids text you disrespectfully and don't respond when you ask them not to text at all or very sparingly, they are also disrespectful. A relationship requires two-way communication, and texting is only proper communication if it is with your kids, who are still learning about their phones!
Building relationships means talking on the phone or in person; there is no other way around it!
We are all entitled to our opinions, but it's time to walk away when someone is mean or disrespectful. They are not worth your time if they cannot commit to two-way communication. You deserve better than that!
Hold your heart to the highest level!