Dealing with unkind people is one of life’s most difficult lessons, and yet it’s something every one of us will encounter at some point. What I have learned over time is that the way others behave is rarely, if ever, a reflection of me. It is often a mirror of what they are struggling with internally.
The challenge lies in reminding ourselves not to absorb their anger, frustration, or rudeness. As hard as it can be, the healthier choice is to protect your own peace.
Recently, I came across what many would call a “keyboard warrior”—someone hiding behind a screen, sending negativity out into the world without a second thought. My instinct was to snap back, to tell them to “catch a wake-up” and remind them that being cruel isn’t clever or attractive. But I stopped myself. Responding with the same energy would have done nothing but drag me down to their level, and I realised that wasn’t a space I wanted to occupy. Instead, I chose to respond with kindness, and in my heart I sent them healing. People who lash out like that are often hurting far more than they let on.
Protecting yourself from people who lower your vibration is essential. Their negativity can cling to you if you allow it, but you do have the power to block that energy. I’ll be honest—I’m still learning this every day. When I was younger, I took everything to heart. A harsh word, an impatient tone, or a rude comment would leave me shaken for hours. I didn’t yet understand that most of the time, it wasn’t really about me at all.
As I’ve grown, I’ve realised that even my own moments of anger or frustration usually have little to do with others. More often than not, they stem from something unresolved within me. If I snap or react harshly, it’s a sign that I need to pause and do some internal work. That doesn’t excuse unkind behavior, but it does remind me that our reactions are often a reflection of our inner world. In the same way, when someone else lashes out, it’s often their own struggle spilling over—not a true judgment of who I am.
Of course, there are times when another person’s issues can affect your mental health. If someone is fighting their own demons, their pain can easily spill into your space. That’s why it’s so important to build practices that help shield your own energy. Ground yourself. Breathe. Remind yourself that their storm does not have to become yours.
At the end of the day, the only thing we truly have control over is ourselves. We can’t dictate how others behave, but we can choose how we respond. By focusing on raising your own vibration—through love, kindness, gratitude, and self-care—you create a shield of light around you. Energy, whether positive or negative, has a way of coming back to the one who sends it. The harsh, unkind people of this world will eventually face the weight of their own actions. That isn’t for us to worry about.
What matters is how we carry ourselves, how we nurture our own hearts, and how we keep showing up in love. Every day is an opportunity to choose healing, kindness, and peace. Protect your energy, focus on your own growth, and remember that the power always lies within you.
