What is the root cause of defensiveness?
The Causes of Defensiveness Defensive behavior can be a complex and murky issue. For many people, their behavioral patterns stem from emotional, mental, or personality issues/tendencies developed over the course of their lifetimes (feelings of abandonment, inferiority, low self-esteem, narcissism, etc.).
What does it mean when someone gets overly defensive?
To be defensive is to react with an overprotective mentality so a situation that perhaps doesn’t warrant it. Defensiveness is an impulsive and reactive mode of responding to a situation or conversation. Rather than listening with an open heart, we respond with our metaphorical shields up and weapons drawn.
How do I stop being defensive?
The first step to stopping your defensive behavior is to actually become aware of when it is happening. It’s easy to avoid confronting your behavior or acknowledging that you are behaving in a defensive manner. Instead, try to pay attention in the moment to how you are feeling and how you react to others.
When is defensiveness most likely to occur?
Which of the following statements is most likely true about defensiveness? It occurs when someone feels threatened. Which of the following is the LEAST likely way to increase assertiveness? Which of the following statements is true about assertive people?
How do you talk to someone who is always defensive?
Here are several steps that can help you become more emotionally intelligent when dealing with defensive people:
- Refrain from reacting defensively.
- Shift your focus to the other person.
- Ask questions until you understand them.
- Move toward a resolution.
How do I stop being defensive and argumentative?
Here are 6 strategies to manage your defensive impulses:
- Know your triggers and anticipate them.
- Give it a name.
- Assume good intentions.
- Don’t take it personally.
- Adopt a growth mindset.
- Exercise self-compassion.
What is a defensive personality?
A defensive person has trouble accepting responsibility for their speech and actions. They have difficulty with constructive criticism and may mistakenly take it as a perceived threat. Anyone can be triggered by a personal issue that causes them to have a defensive reaction.
How do you treat defensiveness?
Learn graceful ways to cope with feeling defensive.
- Remind yourself of your deepest values. Remembering our firmest beliefs and passions can make us feel less defensive.
- See criticism as a sign of others’ belief in your abilities.
- Cultivate a growth mindset.
- In the moment, buy time.
- Use classic: “I” statements.
How do you deal with a highly defensive person?
3 ways to start a conversation with a defensive person:
- Calmly state your intentions up-front. For particularly sensitive topics that you’re almost sure will generate a defensive response, it can be helpful to just anticipate it.
- Avoid leading with an accusation.
- Steer clear of “always,” “never,” and “you” statements.
How do I become less defensive?
How do I stop listening to defensive?
Self-soothe to listen
- Write down what your partner says and any defensiveness you’re feeling. Dr.
- Be mindful of love and respect.
- Slow down and breathe.
- Hold on to yourself.
- Don’t take your partner’s complaint personally.
- Ask for a reframe.
- Push the pause button.
How can I stop being defensive?
How to Not Be Defensive
- Know your triggers and anticipate them.
- Give it a name.
- Assume good intentions.
- Don’t take it personally.
- Adopt a growth mindset.
- Exercise self-compassion.