Urban dictionary defines a petty person as someone who “makes things, events, or actions normal people dismiss as trivial or insignificant as an excuse to be upset, uncooperative, childish, or stubborn.”
You’ve probably have encountered a petty person at work or in your social circle, they overreact and try to suck other people into their drama. You may have gone out of your way to accommodate a petty person, but they complain about the one thing you didn’t do ignoring all of the good things that you’ve done for them.
We all have a choice to control what we think about every day, don’t waste a moment of your precious life worrying about what the petty person thinks of you. Of all of the negative personality petty has to be the most deplorable trait, if a friend starts demonstrating petty behaviour I seriously question if I want to have the person in my life.
If you want to let the person know that your life is bigger than getting mad about who left the jar of peanut butter out on the kitchen counter, use one of our clever replies below.
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Top ten things to say to shut up a petty person
1. I try not to major in minor things.
2. Noted, I will remember that, but don’t be mad when I pull a you on you.
3. Always remember no one likes a petty Betty.
4. I try not to waste my life on petty grievances.
5. In small and petty arguments it’s not about who’s right and wrong but who can be the bigger person.
6. Most people fail in life because they major in minor things.
7. We often add to our pain and suffering by being overly sensitive, overreacting to minor things, and sometimes taking things too personally.
8. I understand you feel that way. Thank you for letting me know.
9. If I treated you the way you treat me you would hate me.
10. I refuse to fight petty battles. My life is bigger than that.
Definition of a petty person
A petty person is someone who cares about something so small and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. With an obsession with minor details, they can be perceived as narrow-minded who hold grudges for even the smallest of things.
Now, pettiness can come off as passive-aggressive. They will express their feelings indirectly without openly talking about it. This behaviour can be really hurtful and damaging to everyone around them.
But instead of fighting small battles with a petty person, keep your integrity intact and keep your own personal standard of how you interact with others high.
How to deal with a petty person
Dealing with a petty person is a tough assignment. They just focus on themselves with a “poor me” mindset
To keep your cool and not go she-hulk on this person, you can try these tips.
1. Don’t engage in their behaviour
Another thing a petty person is good at are mind games. They would continuously lure you and taunt you to react.
Don’t bite the bait. You have amazing things going on in your life, so focus on that.
2. Set boundaries with petty people
You can’t control people from being petty. But you can control how to respond to their pettiness. And that’s exactly what you should concentrate on.
By setting boundaries, you’re drawing a line, so you don’t get sucked into their blackhole.
Know your limits and openly communicate your concern. This is you prioritizing “you.”
3. Communicate effectively
You’re not going to fight them. Effective communication is exchanging opinions with points and clarity.
Process what you’re thinking and feeling first, and then express them in a constructive manner. Perhaps, you both can compromise for a resolution.
4. Don’t take it personally
Underneath the surface, petty people are insecure and spiteful. They will say things that will consummate them being victims.
And that is not on you. So, don’t dissect their behaviour as something that you caused.
5. Encourage positive behaviour
This is going to be a stretch, but with patience and determination, it works. We’re talking about encouraging a petty person to free themselves from their negative grievances.
Setting an example is a powerful means to influence others, that’s a fact.
By practicing the positive behaviour you want them to exhibit, you can affect their actions.
6. Seek support
With the toxic environment created by a petty person, you will need some motivation to get through it. You can get that encouragement from your genuine circle. You can talk and hang out with friends and family who can boost your mood.
Don’t let them rain on your parade. Petty people will love to see you struggle on the negativity they conjure.
You’re awesome, and you should celebrate that
More you might like
- What is a Petty Person: Understanding the Characteristics and Behaviours
- Top ten comebacks for backstabbers
- Top ten comebacks for unsolicited advice
- Read more comebacks to insults
Famous people accused of being petty
We’re not pointing fingers on who’s being petty in this town. Then again, almost everybody has petty sides — even (especially) celebrities.
1. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey gives an impression that if you’re not on her level, you can’t talk to her. So, don’t!
Whether personal or professional relationship, Miss Diva gets into a feud with fellow celebrities and loves to tell them, “I don’t know you.” Apparently, it doesn’t stop there, she also demands accommodation fitted for the queen “Mariah Carey.”
2. Kanye West
Kanye West is not a fan of Taylor Swift? Well, that was obvious when he took to the stage and interrupted Taytay in the middle of her speech. And then, he went on to talk about how Beyonce deserved it more. Oops!
3. Kim Kardashian
Back in the day when Kim Kardashian was Mrs. Kanye West, she went petty on social media to defend her then-husband from the backlash against Taylor Swift. She dropped Snapshot receipts on Twitter of Kanye and Taylor, for the world to see.
It’s fun, isn’t it? Watching celebrities being petty when half the people on this planet would gladly switch places with them. But let’s not be too harsh on them.
Like we said, everybody is prone to being petty. Let’s just all be understanding and empathetic to one another. Life is apparently bigger than hashtags, tweeting birds, and whatever little things bogging you at the moment — everybody, go touch some grass!
The Role of counselling and self care
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When you are dealing with a petty person and it is causing you a lot of stress, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counsellor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
