Do these things when someone belittles you or tries to make you feel small.

Some people carry an air of superiority—arrogant, pretentious, certain they’re above others—and they don’t hesitate to show it. When you encounter that mindset, here are practical ways to handle it and navigate those relationships.

1. Set boundaries

Boundaries guard your emotional and mental well-being. Enforce them politely but firmly. If you respond with anger, you hand them ammunition to paint you as unreasonable and rally others against you. Calm, courteous limits deny them that leverage.

2. Stay confident in yourself

People who elevate themselves by pushing others down need you to shrink so they can feel taller. Don’t let their behavior define your self-worth. Keep your feet on the ground by focusing on your strengths and what you do well. When you cave inward, you make it easier for them to step over you.

3. Don’t take it personally

Their superiority complex says more about their insecurity than about your value. Secure people don’t need to degrade others—confidence lifts, it doesn’t crush. Remind yourself their treatment is a mirror of their inner world. It’s difficult, but remember they wouldn’t act this way if they were content and secure.

4. Respond with empathy

Empathy means trying to understand what they feel and where it comes from. It doesn’t mean excusing poor behavior or letting them walk over you. Ask yourself what experiences could produce such insecurity; often it springs from pain or trauma. That perspective won’t make their conduct acceptable, but it can keep you stable and less reactive.