Try not to use generic statements, such as, "I understand how you feel," or, "That sounds really frustrating." Instead, use specific, clear statements that rephrase what the other person has said (don't overdo this, or do it in a thoughtless, formulaic way). It's also important to communicate with empathy .
Start by saying, “It wasn't my intent to offend you,” or “I didn't realize that was offensive to you.” Ask a question to get the person talking. “How did you interpret what I said?” or “What didn't I understand?” or “What should I know about how that comment could be interpreted?”
Empathy and understanding go a long way in helping you cope with an easily offended friend. But you may also have to do what they can't: Try not to take their reactions personally. Understand that something could be going on for them that has nothing to do with you.
Insecurities. One of the most common reasons people take offense is insecurity. Insecurities are based on one's self-concept, ideas and feelings about self (Coon & Mitterer, 2009). When the self-concept is challenged, one will question perceptions of self and insecurities ensue.
A vulnerable narcissist is a type of narcissist that tends to be highly self-conscious, insecure, and hypersensitive to rejection. They oscillate between feeling inferior and superior to others, and they become easily offended, anxious, or even hostile when they're not put on a pedestal.
They may be anxious. People who are easily offended may also struggle with anxiety and a need to control their version of the world. They are used to being in control of things in their lives. As a result, they may find themselves needing to control others' responses as well.
Being quick to offense can come from past trauma, insecurity, unrealistic expectations, anxiety, or even control issues. If you have a friend or family member who is always offended, it's important to show them empathy — they might be struggling.
Try kindness
You can't prevent other people's bad behavior, but you can control your reactions. Take a deep breath and be calm instead of snapping back. Later on, try responding with an act of kindness. Doing so could break the cycle of rudeness by allowing the other person to match your behavior.
Natter: Word of the Day. On this page you'll find 61 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to easily offended, such as: annoyed, contentious, exasperated, fractious, petulant, and prickly.
"Snowflake" is a derogatory slang term for a person, implying that they have an inflated sense of uniqueness, an unwarranted sense of entitlement, or are overly emotional, easily offended, and unable to deal with opposing opinions.
When you need to address rudeness, talk to the offender somewhere private. Stay calm and objective as you outline the facts as you know them, explain the negative impact of his or her behavior and how it made other people feel, and make it clear how you want him to modify his behavior.
Feeling offended belongs to the so-called “self-conscious emotions” (Lewis, 2008), like shame, guilt, and pride, and like shame and humiliation it is caused by a blow to the person's image and self-image.
irritable, testy, touchy, irascible are adjectives meaning easily upset, offended, or angered.
Fundamentally, you will feel offended when something upsets you morally. You have a particular belief about a just and fair world, and someone will say something or act in a particular way that goes against that belief. You will feel offended when you take that personally. Sometimes, it's hard not to.
According to the Intimacy Moons founder, people who are easily offended often have an abnormal desire for control and typically suffer from anxiety. “People who are typically always offended have a need to control and feel as if they are in control.
Their grandiose views of themselves are threatened by perceived attacks. These grandiose views of themselves are necessary for their self-preservation. When threatened, they are not merely offended, but their entire sense of self is at stake.
Narcissists get offended very easily
"Narcissists are self-protective, and they have their antenna out for disrespect, or for someone taking something from them, and underneath they're very insecure," she said.