If You’re Offended By These 12 Things, You Might Be Taking Things Too Personally

If You’re Offended By These 12 Things, You Might Be Taking Things Too Personally

1. “Inappropriate” jokes

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Humor is a tricky thing. What’s funny to one person might not be to another. If you find yourself getting offended by jokes, it might be time to take a step back. Not every joke is a personal attack. Sometimes, it’s just a joke. It’s important to remember that humor is subjective and varies from person to person. So, the next time a joke rubs you the wrong way, try to see it from a different perspective. It might not be as personal as you think.

2. Social media snubs

Social media is a great way to connect with people, but it can also be a source of stress. If you’re getting upset because someone didn’t like or comment on your post, you might be taking things too personally. Remember, social media is just a small slice of life. It doesn’t define your relationships or your worth. So, don’t let a missed like or comment ruin your day. There’s more to life than social media.

3. Constructive criticism

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Receiving constructive criticism can be tough. It’s natural to feel defensive or hurt. But if you’re taking every piece of feedback as a personal attack, you might be taking things too personally. Constructive criticism is meant to help you improve, not to bring you down. It’s a tool for growth, not a weapon. So, the next time you receive feedback, try to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow, not as a personal attack.

4. Plans being made that don’t include you

Finding out that your friends made plans without you can sting. It’s easy to feel left out and take it personally. But remember, people have their own lives and sometimes, plans just happen. It’s not always a deliberate attempt to exclude you. So, instead of sulking, use this time to do something you enjoy. There’s always a next time.

5. Disagreements that feel like personal attacks

Disagreements are a part of life. They’re what make us unique and diverse. But if you’re taking every disagreement as a personal attack, you might be taking things too personally. Remember, it’s possible to disagree with someone and still respect them. So, the next time someone disagrees with you, try to see it as an opportunity for a healthy debate, not as a personal attack.

6. Unanswered texts

Re-opening business after lockdown. Cafe is open and serving customers who keep the social distance

We’ve all been there. You send a text and don’t get a reply. It’s easy to take it personally and start questioning everything. But remember, there could be a million reasons why someone didn’t reply. Maybe they’re busy, maybe they missed it. Don’t let an unanswered text turn into a personal issue.

7. Not being the center of attention

Everyone likes to be the center of attention sometimes. But if you’re getting offended because you’re not always in the spotlight, you might be taking things too personally. Remember, everyone has their moments. Sometimes, it’s your turn to shine, and sometimes, it’s someone else’s. Enjoy being an audience for a change. It’s less stressful and you might even learn something new.

8. Being single when everyone around you is coupling up

woman covering her face with hands yellow sweater

Being single is not a sign of failure. It’s a phase of life. It’s a time to enjoy your freedom, to discover yourself, and to focus on your own growth. If you’re taking your relationship status personally, you might be taking things too personally. Remember, your worth is not defined by your relationship status. You’re complete just as you are.

9. People not liking you

Portrait of happy young people sitting by a lake with beers. Group of friends hanging out at the lake.

It’s a hard truth to accept, but not everyone has to like you. And that’s okay. If you’re taking it personally every time you find out someone doesn’t like you, you might be taking things too personally. Remember, you can’t please everyone. Focus on the people who do like you and appreciate you for who you are. The right people will see just how amazing you are.

10. Rejection

Stress, depression or burnout teacher on school floor with

Rejection is a part of life. It’s tough, it’s painful, but it’s not the end of the world. If you’re taking every rejection as a personal failure, you might be taking things too personally. Remember, rejection is not a reflection of your worth at all — it just means this person/situation/opportunity wasn’t right for you. Use it as a learning experience and a stepping stone to success.

11. “Tone” you infer in texts/emails

 

You might read a text or an email and think it’s harsh, while the sender might have meant it in a completely different way. If you find yourself feeling hurt over misinterpretations, it might be time to reconsider. Remember, tonality is hard to convey in written communication and things can get lost in translation. Try to give the benefit of the doubt before jumping to conclusions.

12. Not receiving praise for something you’ve done

woman studying at home.

In a perfect world, your boss, colleagues, friends, partner, or family member would always show their appreciation for all the stuff you do to make their lives easier/better. In reality, that doesn’t always happen. However, if not being thanked for even the smallest gestures offends you, you might be taking things too personally. Sometimes people forget to vocalize how appreciative they are, but they still feel that way. Try to extend a little grace if their behavior is otherwise okay.

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Jeff graduated from NYU with a degree in Political Science and moved to Australia for a year before eventually settling back in Brooklyn with his yellow lab, Sunny, and his girlfriend, Mia. He works in IT during the day and writes at night. In the future, he hopes to publish his own novel.
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