What to say to a bully.

I’ve got the perfect comeback.

The other day, I was telling my very wise best friend Naomi about a conversation I had with someone who insulted me in front of 3 or 4 other people. The insult wasn’t overt, but it was there and everyone felt it.

I know you know how it feels … someone says something that bites and if you show any kind of negative reaction, they follow it up with, “What? I’m just asking a question, don’t be so sensitive.”

Photographic evidence of me post conversation … This is my WTF did she just say to me? face.

As I shared this story with Naomi, I could still feel the anger and confusion, days after the incident. Mostly with myself because I found myself explaining myself/defending my position with this person instead of … well … that’s the problem. I wasn’t quite sure WHAT would have been the right thing to say. Which is rich given that I am literally a communication coach.

But because Naomi is wiser than wise (AND because she had the gift of distance from the situation) she said, “She was being a bully and you shoulda hit her with THIS phrase …