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How to deal with low IQ traders/bashers 3 of 3

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1

Don't take it personally. It may be nearly impossible to not take something really stupid personally, especially if it was intended to hurt you. However, if you really want to deal with dumb people the best way possible, then you can't let them get to you and have to learn to let whatever they say roll off your back. If you take it personally and feel hurt, then you're giving them a power they don't need to have. Just remind yourself that these people are dumb, and their opinions shouldn't matter to you.

• Your self-worth cannot be dictated by the opinions of a person whose intelligence you don't even respect. Just remember that the next time you let a dumb person make you feel small.

2

Acknowledge their strengths (if they have any). Trying to be positive and giving the dumb person the benefit of the doubt is another great tactic for not letting a dumb person get to you. Sure, maybe your boss isn't so great at communication; but think about how much good he has done for your company overall. Maybe your second cousin is a ditz when it comes to not revealing your personal information in public; but she's awesome when it comes to making you feel better when you've had a bad day.

• Remind yourself that most "dumb" people aren't all bad, and they do have some positive qualities, too. This is a great thing to remember if you want to stay sane around dumb people, especially if you're dealing with a person you will have to see a lot, like a classmate or a co-worker.

3

Don't complain about them to other people. Sure, your co-worker or frenemy might have said something so amazingly stupid that you feel the urge to tell the ten closest people in your circle of friends all about it. You may even want to send a mass email or text about it, going into all of the details of exactly how stupid this person is. But what good will that do? Sure, people will agree with you and agree that the person is stupid, but in the end, that will only make you feel more riled up, angry, frustrated, and annoyed.

• And worst of all, that will give the stupid person even more power -- if you really know that the person is stupid and annoying, then you wouldn't spend so much time fretting over what he or she said, would you?
• If the person really upset you, you can discuss it with one close friend, but don't let it become an obsession or let it ruin your day.

4

Be respectful whenever possible. This may seem impossible in the face of sheer stupidity, but that is precisely why you should be as respectful as possible to a person who is utterly stupid. Treat the person like the Queen of England or the CEO of your company if you have to. Treating the person like a human being who deserves it will let you take the high road -- and will encourage the person to act in a more dignified manner in the future.

• Resist your first impulse. Sure, you might have thought of the perfect comeback or snappy remark, but remind yourself that it will get you nowhere before you say it.

5

Be grateful for all the smart people in your life (including you!). Dealing with stupid people on a regular basis will make you feel even more grateful for all of the calm, rational, and intelligent people that you know. If you're constantly upset by dumb people, then it's likely because you have a very intelligent group of friends and family members and that you have high standards when it comes to the intelligence of others.

• Instead of being frustrated by the dumb person in front of you, remind yourself that you're lucky to have such a smart significant other, best friend, mother, or circle of friends or colleagues. This will make you more grateful for the positive people in your life, instead of letting those dumb people get the best of you.