If someone insults you indirectly, Alberti and Emmons suggest that you should _____ since it will force the person to take responsibility for the aggression and will provide an opportunity to change the way the person interacts with you.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asking for clarification can show that you are not willing to accept negative behavior and will force the person to be more direct in their communication style. It can also create an opportunity for the person to reflect on their behavior and rethink how to interact with you in a more respectful way. Using the broken record technique may not be effective in this situation, giving a compliment may not address the issue at hand, and returning the indirect insult can escalate the situation.

If Someone Insults You Indirectly, Alberti and Emmons Suggest That