Ever had a conversation where you felt like you were talking to a brick wall, except the wall had an inflated ego and a condescending smirk? You try to engage and make a point, yet all you get in return is an eye roll, a scoff, or a dismissive wave.
Dealing with dismissive and arrogant people is one of life’s least enjoyable challenges. Whether it is an overconfident colleague who belittles your ideas, a know-it-all family member who disregards your opinion, or a stranger who radiates condescension, handling such individuals can test even the most patient among us.
The good news is, you do not have to let their behavior shake your confidence or ruin your day. With the right mindset and strategies, you can keep your cool, respond effectively, and maybe even leave them rethinking their attitude.
Understanding Why Some People Act This Way
Before diving into strategies, it helps to understand what fuels dismissiveness and arrogance. People who exhibit these traits are not necessarily evil masterminds plotting to ruin your mood. In many cases, their behavior is a mask for insecurity, a need for control, or a deep-rooted belief that they are superior.
- Insecurity – Arrogance often stems from hidden self-doubt. Some people overcompensate by projecting confidence that is more aggressive than genuine.
- Ego and Superiority Complex – They genuinely believe they know better, and their dismissiveness is their way of asserting dominance.
- Lack of Emotional Intelligence – Some people simply lack self-awareness and empathy. They do not realize how their words and actions come across.
- Defensive Mechanism – Dismissing others can be a way to avoid engaging in uncomfortable conversations or acknowledging someone else's perspective.
Understanding these root causes does not excuse their behavior, but it does help you approach the situation with a clearer mindset.
Strategies to Handle Dismissive and Arrogant People
Now that we have dissected the psychology behind the behavior, let us talk about handling it like a pro.
1. Do Not Take It Personally
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is allowing someone else’s arrogance to shake your self-worth. Their attitude is a reflection of them, not you. If they belittle your ideas, ignore your input, or act superior, remind yourself that their behavior does not define your intelligence, value, or credibility.
Try this: When faced with a dismissive remark, silently remind yourself, “Their attitude is about them, not me.” This simple mental shift can prevent their words from getting under your skin.
2. Stay Calm and Composed
Arrogant and dismissive people thrive on reactions. The more frustrated or flustered you become, the more satisfaction they derive from the exchange. Instead of rising to their bait, maintain a calm, neutral demeanor.
Example: If someone interrupts you mid-sentence and dismisses your point, pause, take a breath, and say, “I would like to finish my thought before we move on.” The calmer you are, the more control you maintain.
3. Assert Yourself with Confidence
Just because someone dismisses your perspective does not mean you should shrink away. Stand your ground, but do so with composure and clarity.
How to do it:
- Use a firm yet respectful tone. Avoid sounding defensive or aggressive.
- Keep your statements clear and concise.
- Use confident body language—stand tall, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting.
Example: If a colleague constantly shoots down your ideas, you could respond with, “I hear your perspective, but I believe this approach has strong potential. Let’s explore it further before ruling it out.”
4. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions
Instead of engaging in a battle of egos, turn the tables by asking questions that force them to justify their stance. This subtly challenges their authority without outright confrontation.
Example:
Arrogant person: “That’s a ridiculous idea. It will never work.”
You: “What specifically makes you think it won’t work? Have you tried a similar approach before?”
By making them explain their reasoning, you shift the conversation from their attitude to the actual issue at hand.
5. Use Humor to Diffuse Tension
A well-placed joke or lighthearted comment can take the sting out of a tense situation. Humor disarms arrogance and can make the conversation less confrontational.
Example: If someone sarcastically remarks, “Oh wow, what a brilliant idea,” you could respond with a smile and say, “Glad you noticed!”
This keeps things light while subtly calling out their tone.
6. Pick Your Battles
Not every arrogant remark deserves a response. Sometimes, the best strategy is to ignore, disengage, or walk away. Ask yourself: Is this conversation worth my energy? If the person is habitually dismissive, you are unlikely to change them in one interaction.
If it is a one-time encounter with a stranger, let it slide. If it is a long-term relationship (colleague, friend, family member), you may need to address the behavior more directly.
7. Set Boundaries
If someone consistently dismisses or belittles you, setting boundaries is crucial. Let them know their behavior is not acceptable.
Example: If a friend frequently interrupts and invalidates your experiences, you can say, “I feel unheard when you dismiss what I’m saying. I value our conversations, but I need to feel respected too.”
Boundaries communicate self-respect and make it clear that their behavior will not be tolerated.
8. Lead by Example
Responding to arrogance with more arrogance does not lead anywhere productive. Instead, model the kind of respectful communication you want to see. Even if they do not change, you maintain your integrity and professionalism.
Example: If a coworker constantly interrupts, do the opposite when they speak—listen attentively and respond thoughtfully. This sets a standard for respectful conversation.
9. Use the Power of Silence
Not every dismissive comment requires an immediate response. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. A well-timed pause can make the other person uncomfortable and force them to rethink their approach.
Example: If someone scoffs at your suggestion in a meeting, simply pause, maintain eye contact, and wait. The silence creates a natural pressure for them to either elaborate or reconsider their tone.
10. Know When to Walk Away
Some people are simply not worth your time or energy. If someone is consistently dismissive, condescending, or toxic, limit your interactions. You are not obligated to tolerate negativity.
If it is a work-related situation, find ways to minimize direct interaction. If it is a personal relationship, consider whether maintaining it is beneficial to your well-being.
Turning the Situation to Your Advantage
While dealing with dismissive and arrogant people can be frustrating, it also presents an opportunity for growth. Every difficult conversation sharpens your communication skills, builds resilience, and teaches you how to navigate challenging personalities with grace.
Instead of seeing these encounters as purely negative, view them as practice for staying calm, confident, and assertive in the face of adversity. Over time, you will develop an unshakable ability to handle even the most unhandleable people.
Final Thoughts
The world is full of all kinds of personalities, and unfortunately, not all of them are pleasant. Dismissive and arrogant people will always exist, but their behavior does not have to affect your self-worth or peace of mind.
By staying calm, asserting yourself, using humor, setting boundaries, and knowing when to walk away, you reclaim your power. The key is not to match their arrogance, but to rise above it.
The next time you encounter someone who acts like they own the world, remember this: their attitude is their problem, not yours. You do not have to play their game—you can win by refusing to engage in it on their terms.