How to Stop Taking Things Personally

  1. Realize that other people’s rudeness is not about you. When someone is rude, it’s likely to be a reflection of their own issues.
  2. Ask yourself what else the comment or behavior might mean. For example, if someone doesn’t smile or say hello, they might be shy.
  3. Take comments or criticism in a constructive way. Ask yourself if there’s any truth to it, and what you can learn.
  4. Take a different perspective. Ask yourself how an unbiased outsider would see the situation.
  5. Realize that you can’t please everyone.
  6. Know that you’re not defined by your mistakes or criticism.
  7. Realize that your self-worth depends on you. It does not depend on what others say about you.

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