7 signs you're feeling defensive and ways to respond to it

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Ways to respond when you find yourself offensive

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7 signs you're feeling defensive and ways to respond to it

1

No longer listening to what the other person is saying and interrupting them or cutting them short.

2

Feeling a high negative charge or energy in your body.

3

Turning every question back at the person who is asking.

4

Folding arms and aggressive eye gestures.

5

Wanting to be right, feeling the need to win or making sure to have the last word.

6

Going into excessive details and over explaining to prove a point.

7

Withdrawing into extreme silence.

Ways to respond when you find yourself offensive

1

Observe your breath

2

Responding with "I am feeling defensive right now, let's talk when I have calmed down."

3

Pausing to ask yourself - "what's my part in this?" (if any) - what can you apologise/take accountability for?

4

Being okay with the discomfort of being disliked or misunderstood Remembering that you don't need everyone to affirm you/ your opinions