In the modern world, insults and mutual offenses are everywhere, but it is our inner state that determines how we process negativity.

Embracing Humility for Inner Growth

In the modern world, insults and mutual offenses are everywhere, but it is our inner state that determines how we process negativity. A wise and calm attitude toward rudeness is the path to diminishing pain. Instead of responding with force to mockery and reproach, one may choose a path of patience and tenderness, which eases emotional tension and allows one to view the situation without distortions.

When an offense strikes the heart, it is important not to let malice seep in. The pursuit of reconciliation and the rejection of inner bitterness contribute to restoring inner balance and prevent further deterioration of our emotional state. If the feeling of anger overwhelms you, the best solution is to take a step back, temporarily distance yourself from the provoking situation, and allow time for cooling down. This approach helps avoid snap decisions in the heat of emotion and enables thoughtful responses at a calmer level.

Equally valuable is the principle of self-denial, which is about enduring trials with dignity without sinking to the level of the aggressor. This is not simply a way to avoid conflict, but a powerful tool for self-improvement and spiritual growth. Gradually nurturing patience and the ability to calmly accept any blow of fate builds a strong foundation for inner resilience, enabling you not only to overcome offenses but also to emerge from the situation with new life lessons.

Thus, by responding to insults with humility and self-control, we not only ease the burden of pain but also give ourselves a chance to become emotionally stronger, maintaining inner harmony while openly accepting any trials.

How to Handle Feelings of Humiliation After Insults, Even When They Are Mutual?

To cope with feelings of humiliation after insults, even when they are mutual, it is necessary to work on your inner state and eliminate reactions that feed the growth of negative emotions. Several sources provide specific advice on this matter.

Firstly, one author suggests responding to rudeness not with aggression, but with tenderness and patience:
"Respond to rudeness with tenderness, let mockery pass by your ears, accept reproach and criticism with gratitude and say: 'Thank you!', treat everyone politely and gently..." (source: link txt)
This advice emphasizes that self-deprecation and humility can help lessen the pain of insults. Such an approach is aimed at giving up pride, which allows one to feel humiliated.

Another source reminds us that when we are wounded by others, it is important not to let malice enter our hearts, since it can destroy inner peace:
"If any of our loved ones causes us offense – we must not allow malice to dominate in our heart! ... let us hasten to reconciliation, whenever possible" (source: link txt)
This response suggests that even in the face of mutual insults, one should strive for reconciliation and not let destructive emotions take over.

It is also worth noting the idea that when anger intensifies, it is best to temporarily distance yourself from the source of offense so as not to unleash strong irritation:
"Take the boiling pot away from the fire until it cools down" (source: link txt)
This recommendation gives you time to recover and reflect on the situation more calmly.

Another source highlights the principle of self-denial:
"It is better that he hits me than that I hit him; it is better that he robs me than that I rob him; it is better that everything falls apart than that I commit a sin. And if I endure his weakness, then I am fulfilling Christ’s law and emulating Christ." (source: link txt)
Here, we are encouraged to see any insult as a trial to be borne with dignity, not giving way to negative feelings, thereby not fueling the cycle of mutual offenses.

Finally, it is important to learn to tolerate and accept insults as a way to overcome irritability:
"If we want to heal ourselves from irritability, he advises: 'The desire for dishonor is the cure for irritability.' ... It is enough to learn to endure any insult, to disregard ourselves" (source: link txt)
This means that the ability to calmly withstand insults can help reduce inner irritability and strengthen emotional resilience.

In summary, to overcome the feeling of humiliation after insults, it is recommended to:
1. Demonstrate humility by responding to rudeness with tenderness, which helps lessen the impact of negative emotions.
2. Strive for reconciliation, refusing to let malice take root in the heart.
3. When overwhelmed by strong emotions, take time to cool down by temporarily stepping away from the source of provocation.
4. Adopt the principle of self-denial, viewing trials as opportunities for personal growth.
5. Cultivate patience, understanding that the ability to endure insults calmly contributes to overcoming irritability.

This approach helps transform the feeling of humiliation into an opportunity for self-improvement and spiritual growth, thereby building a robust foundation for inner resilience.

Supporting citation(s):
"Our wounded self-esteem is vulnerable at every step: at home, at work, and on public transport... respond to rudeness with tenderness, let mockery pass by your ears, accept reprimand and criticism with gratitude and say: 'Thank you!', treat everyone politely and gently..." (source: link txt)

"If any of our loved ones causes us offense – we must not allow malice to dominate in our heart! ... let us hasten to reconciliation, whenever possible" (source: link txt)

"Take the boiling pot away from the fire until it cools down" (source: link txt)

"It is better that he hits me than that I hit him; it is better that he robs me than that I rob him; it is better that everything falls apart than that I commit a sin... If I endure his weakness, then I am fulfilling Christ’s law and emulating Christ." (source: link txt)

"If we want to heal ourselves from irritability, he advises: 'The desire for dishonor is the cure for irritability.' ... It is enough to learn to endure any insult, to disregard ourselves" (source: link txt)