What is what to do when someone yells at you?

When someone is yelling at you, it can be a distressing situation. Here's some guidance on how to navigate it:

• Stay Calm: Your initial reaction matters. Try to maintain composure. This can be difficult, but reacting with anger or yelling back will usually escalate the situation. Focus on your breathing and try to remain neutral. For more information, see: Staying Calm

• Listen Actively: Despite the raised voice, attempt to understand what the person is trying to communicate. Sometimes, yelling is a sign of frustration rather than pure aggression. Try to discern the underlying issue. See: Active Listening

• Acknowledge Their Feelings: Even if you don't agree with what they are saying or the way they are saying it, acknowledging their emotions can de-escalate the situation. Saying something like, "I can see you're upset," can help. See: Acknowledging%20Feelings

• Set Boundaries (Respectfully): If the yelling becomes abusive or overly aggressive, it's important to set a boundary. You can say something like, "I'm willing to talk about this, but I need you to speak to me respectfully." Do this calmly and firmly. See: Setting%20Boundaries

• Suggest a Break: If the situation becomes too heated, suggest taking a break and revisiting the conversation later. This gives both of you time to cool down and approach the issue with a clearer head. See: Taking%20Breaks

• Don't Take it Personally: While this is easier said than done, try not to internalize the yelling. Often, the person yelling is reacting to their own frustrations or issues, and you may simply be the target. See: Avoiding%20Personalization

• Prioritize Your Safety: If you feel threatened or unsafe at any point, remove yourself from the situation immediately. Your safety is paramount. See: Personal%20Safety

• Aftermath and Reflection: After the incident, take time to process your emotions. Consider what triggered the yelling and if there are any steps you can take to prevent similar situations in the future. It might be beneficial to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about the experience. See: Emotional%20Reflection