Ever have one of those days where someone at work is mean to you for no apparent reason? 

Maybe it’s a snide remark, a dismissive tone, or just outright rudeness. 

Maybe it comes out of the blue, when you were least expecting it. Or maybe it's a pattern for this person.

It’s tough to shake it off, especially when you’re already juggling a million things. 

The fact is, there is never a legitimate reason for someone to be mean or treat you unkindly.  

But it happens, so you do need to be able to deal with it.

Our natural tendency is to stew about it.

But here’s the thing: letting it linger can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.

So what do you do?

First, remind yourself that their behavior says more about them than it does about you. 

Maybe they’re under stress, or having a bad day, or maybe they’ve got their own issues to deal with that you don’t know about.

That doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it helps to remember that it’s not a reflection of your worth or competence.

Next, take a moment to process your feelings. It’s okay to feel hurt, angry, or frustrated. 

Acknowledge those emotions instead of burying them and letting them fester.

You might want to vent to a trusted friend or write down your thoughts—whatever helps you release that negative energy. Bottling it up will only make you feel worse in the long run.

However, remember that as long as you are venting and complaining about what happened, you’re still letting it affect you. 

So when you vent, do just that - let the steam OUT. Don’t be a pressure cooker!

After you’ve processed your emotions, think about how you want to respond. 

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all. Not every slight deserves your energy or attention. 

You get to decide what’s worth pursuing and what isn’t worth even one more second of your brain space.

Other times, it might be worth having a calm conversation with the person to clear the air, especially if it’s an ongoing issue.

But remember, your response is about protecting your peace, not about getting back at them. And having the conversation calmly leaves all the bad energy on them, not you. Don’t give them oxygen to keep their fire going.

Finally, practice some self-care. When someone’s been mean to you, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt or let it ruin your day. 

But don’t let it. Do something that makes you feel good—whether that’s going for a walk, treating yourself to something nice, or just taking a few deep breaths. Reclaim your power by focusing on what makes you feel strong and grounded.

Remember, you can’t control how others treat you, but you can control how you respond and how much power you give their negativity. Stay focused on your own well-being and keep moving forward with confidence.

If you find it hard to let go of slights (or anything else) easily, please reach out to me because I can help you learn how to do it easily, and you may not realize how much weight you are carrying around until you put it down.

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