Belittling Behaviour

Belittling behaviour involves making someone feel worthless, unimportant, or disrespected. It can be a pattern of abuse that can happen in private and can have long-lasting effects.

Some examples of belittling behavior include:

Condescension: Shaming, embarrassing language, or making someone feel foolish

Insults: Demeaning comments that make someone feel inferior or worthless

Discounting: Bringing up past mistakes or failures

Manipulation: Speculation over a circumstantial situation

Undermining: Questions about someone's judgment or competency

Criticizing: Criticizing someone's parenting skills or intelligence

It can be hard to recognize

Belittling remarks can be dismissed as harmless or constructive criticism, but over time they can chip away at your self-esteem.

It can escalate

Verbal abuse can escalate into physical abuse, putting your health and safety at risk.

It can stem from insecurity

People who are insecure about themselves or their abilities may belittle others to boost their own self-esteem.

It can be a way to exert control

People who belittle others may lack empathy and feel they can exert control over others.

It can lead to gaslighting

If the belittler accuses you of being too sensitive, this is a form of emotional abuse called gaslighting.

Some ways to deal with belittling in a relationship include:

Making the person repeat what they said

Asking questions to get them to reflect on their intent

Letting your silence speak for you

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