Reply #7: Charm is a formidable weapon. [View All]

[imdjh]

We all have people in our lives who seem to exist to put us down, or more charitably perhaps, do it oblivious to our feelings. Some are better at it than others. The important thing to practice is the belief that you and you alone control how you feel. Your cousin is not responsible for how you react to what he says. Your brother in law can't make you feel bad about yourself.

When people are backhandedly bragging or condescendingly caring, the return fire is charm. Be delighted at everything happening in their lives. Hang on their every word. Behave in a way that would make a special ed teacher puke, but don't over do it. You don't want to come off as envious or nasty.