Toxic people @ Oregon

Why you should NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO TOXIC PEOPLE.
Proverbs 12:16
"A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible."
When a toxic person prompts a negative reaction on some juicy gossip or makes condescending comments aimed at you,
THEY JUST WANT TO INSTIGATE emotional deregulation from you and right now this encounter is their opportunity to shine.
(They are ego driven)
ANALOGY;
They are looking at life thru THEIR microscope, you can't win their game.
BEST WAY TO RESPOND;
The more questions you ask (foundational questions) it will diffuse their power grab.
What happened again? (Ask about the incident, ask specific data/facts.)
The more emotionally neutral you are, the less controllable you'll be.
So when you ask (as if to better understand), you are diminishing their power-seeking behavior, as they thrive for the negative reaction.
The less interesting you become, they will tire and move on.
-ADD TIME between what they said and WHEN you respond. The more distance and time, shows you have self-confidence.
Your could say, “well I'm not sure” (ask questions if interested)
The more neutral you are, the less controllable you'll be. Remember if you do choose to respond, ask foundational questions. What happened again?
IF Your in recovery, learn to be a positive support not to denegrate others.
These are older pictures that had stored away so the clarity might suffer a bit.