Family can be a real pain in the backside sometimes, especially when they start crossing lines and disrespecting you.
Just because they’re related to you doesn’t make it okay, and you don’t have to put up with it. But how do you make them stop? Here are 12 ways to shut down that disrespectful behaviour and take back control of your life.
1. Set clear boundaries.
Source: Unsplash You need to draw a line in the sand and let your family know exactly what behaviour you will and won’t tolerate. Be specific and direct. If they start crossing those boundaries, call them out on it immediately. Don’t wait until you’re at your breaking point to speak up. The sooner you set those boundaries, the easier it will be to enforce them, PsychCentral advises.
2. Don’t engage in arguments.
When your family starts pushing your buttons, it’s tempting to push right back. But getting into a shouting match or a heated argument is only going to make things worse. Instead, take a deep breath and calmly state your position. If they keep trying to bait you, simply walk away. You don’t have to prove anything or convince them of anything. Your peace of mind is more important than winning an argument.
3. Call out the behaviour, not the person.
Source: Unsplash When you’re addressing disrespectful behaviour, focus on the actions, not the individual. Instead of saying “You’re so rude,” try “That comment was really hurtful.” This keeps the conversation focused on the behaviour and avoids personal attacks. It also gives your family member a chance to reflect on their actions and make a change, without feeling personally attacked or defensive.
4. Don’t make excuses for them.
Source: Unsplash It’s easy to fall into the trap of making excuses for your family’s bad behaviour. “Oh, that’s just how they are” or “They didn’t mean it like that.” But the truth is, making excuses only enables the disrespectful behaviour to continue. You need to hold your family accountable for their actions, even if it’s uncomfortable. Don’t let them off the hook just because they’re family.
5. Set consequences for disrespectful behaviour.
If your family continues to disrespect you despite your best efforts, it’s time to set some consequences. This could mean limiting contact, skipping family events, or even cutting ties altogether. Make it clear that if they can’t treat you with respect, they won’t have the privilege of being in your life. It’s a tough decision, but sometimes it’s necessary for your own well-being.
6. Don’t stoop to their level.
Source: Unsplash When your family is being disrespectful, it’s tempting to give them a taste of their own medicine. But responding to disrespect with more disrespect is only going to make things worse. Take the high road and model the behaviour you want to see. Show them what it looks like to communicate with kindness and respect, even in the face of conflict.
7. Get support from people you trust.
Dealing with disrespectful family members can be emotionally draining. Don’t try to go it alone. Reach out to friends, a therapist, or a support group for validation and guidance. Sometimes just having someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to lean on your support system when you need it.
8. Practice self-care.
When you’re dealing with disrespectful family members, it’s easy to get so caught up in their drama that you forget to take care of yourself. But self-care is essential for maintaining your emotional and mental health. Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk in nature. The better you take care of yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to handle family stress.
9. Don’t take it personally.
When your family is being disrespectful, it’s easy to feel like it’s a personal attack. But the truth is, their behaviour says more about them than it does about you. Don’t let their words or actions define your self-worth, Verywell Mind says. Remember that you are a valuable, worthy person, regardless of what your family says or does. Their disrespect is a reflection of their own issues, not yours.
10. Be willing to forgive, but don’t forget.
Forgiveness is a powerful thing, but it doesn’t mean you have to forget what happened or pretend like everything is okay. You can forgive your family for their disrespectful behaviour and still hold them accountable. Forgiveness is about letting go of anger and resentment, not about excusing bad behaviour. If your family is truly sorry and willing to make a change, forgiveness can be a path to healing. But if they continue to disrespect you, it’s okay to keep your distance.
11. Focus on the relationships that matter.
Not every family relationship is worth fighting for. If you have family members who consistently disrespect you and show no signs of changing, it may be time to focus your energy elsewhere. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and treat you with kindness and respect. Cultivate relationships with friends, partners, and chosen family who value you for who you are. You don’t have to put up with disrespect just because someone shares your DNA.
