Have you ever seen a situation where someone was aggressive with another because of a different opinion? Or have you ever felt harassed for thinking differently or acting differently? These are examples of cases of intolerance And in such a polarized society, talking about this is very important.

In view of this, in this article we will talk about the definition of intolerance and discuss how to deal with someone who is intolerant. Check it out!

Intolerance according to the dictionary

Let's start by talking about the definition of intolerance This is a feminine noun of Latin origin: intolerant Among its meanings we see:

• characteristic of that which is intolerant or repugnant;
• absence of tolerance or lack of understanding;
• hateful and aggressive attitude;
• bodily inability to bear certain substances (medicine);

In relation to her synonyms we can mention:

• incomplacency;
• intransigence.

Unfortunately, the world is full of people who carry this kind of behavior. It would be good if more and more people saw contrary demonstrations, such as tolerance, for example.

What is intolerance

After the dictionary definition, let's think about the more general meaning of the term. We do this so that you, understanding the meaning, will also understand how an intolerant person acts.

Intolerance is a mental attitude characterized by a lack of respect for differences in the beliefs and opinions of others. In a political and social sense, it is the unwillingness to accept people with different points of view.

The intolerant attitude

In this context, one's intolerance can be expressed with an attitude, whether negative or hostile, coupled with a second action or not. Furthermore, in more serious or cultured environments, being intolerant is possible even if you "peacefully disagree". As such, emotion is a primary factor that differentiates the topic of this post from respectful disagreement or otherwise.

It is also important to say that this attitude may be based on some kind of prejudice, so it may be associated with some form of discrimination, whether explicit or not. Common forms of intolerance include discriminatory actions of social control, for example:

• racism;
• sexism;
• antisemitism;
• homophobia;
• religious intolerance.

Furthermore, it is worth saying that the forms of intolerance There are many others that deserve our attention. Even an intolerant person can act rudely about anything. In the next topic we will talk more about the characteristics of this type of individual.

Common attitudes of an intolerant person

Fanaticism

These people show intolerance when they stand up for their beliefs and stances, be they political, religious, spiritual, or in relation to their particular convictions. Someone like this is incapable of speaking without adopting extremist thoughts. Moreover, he thinks that his opinion is more important and true than others'. No wonder we see so many cases of crimes committed by fanatical people, in some way.

Psychological rigidity

Intolerant people, as we said, reject what is different; that is, they are rigid in their psychology and thoughts. Thus, they have difficulty accepting that other people have different views and philosophies. As a result, they shy away from what is different.

Follow a strict routine

Intolerant people don't like anything unexpected or spontaneous. After all, they cling to habit, and only what is already known to them offers them security and peace of mind. Otherwise, these people become unbalanced and easily stressed.

Difficult social relationships

As a result of the lack of empathy, the intolerant person can have many social problems. After all, he feels obliged to dominate, correct, and impose his point of view. As a result, relationships become difficult and painful.

Jealousy and envy

The feeling of intolerance The intolerant person leaves no room for acceptance and happiness for the success of the other, even more so if this other has a difference of opinion. After all, as we said, the intolerant person sees the other as someone inferior. In addition, the other's achievements seem to cause uneasiness and anxiety. The person even considers the world to be an unfair place.

4 tips for dealing with intolerant people

Throughout our lives we will have to deal with these people. For this reason, it is indispensable to learn how to deal with them. With this in mind, we have listed here 4 tips that can help you in this situation.

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Know how to withdraw

Do you remember that we said that intolerant people have difficult relationships? In general, they end up creating situations with conflicts. So, as a consequence, there is often no possibility of moving forward with a deeper relationship.

In these situations, people often become offensive, aggressive, and dangerous, so it is very important that you do not accept this type of relationship. Therefore, you should withdraw from this relationship, conversation, or situation.

However, it is important that the removal is done in a way that does not aggravate the situation. With this in mind, if you can't take a stand and put a stop to this, seek help. After all, it may be some personal block that is the reason you want to stay in a bad relationship.

Know your limit

Living with someone like this requires you to know who this person is, but also what your own limits are. This is important, because you need to understand how far you can accept it without it hurting you. In this sense, the help of a psychologist or psychoanalyst can be very useful for your self-knowledge.

So be honest with yourself and don't force yourself to accept what won't do you any good. Remember how we said you shouldn't stay in dangerous situations?

Be understanding

Do you know that saying that we should return hatred with love? As hard as it is, that's it! Try to be understanding and try to understand that maybe the difficult person may be going through problems. Or she may be like this as a result of untreated trauma, for example.

It is important to respect and understand these situations, but this doesn't mean that you should agree with their behavior.

Resist confrontations

Intolerant people take pleasure in provoking others. Avoid getting involved in discussions with these people as much as possible. Although it is very difficult, you have to be careful about the way you speak or take a stand. Don't let him think that you are intimidated or that you want to argue. This person wants to intimidate you and put you down as inferior. Don't allow this person to feel that they can do this.

Final comments on intolerance

It is easier to look at the faults of others, isn't it? In this way, it is easier to recognize the intolerance So if people have complained about you and your attitude, it's good to ask yourself questions. Maybe you have been intolerant at times. If this is the case, it's better to know that you acted wrong so you can modify your behavior.

Your search for self-knowledge will help you recognize behaviors and patterns that will help you avoid new episodes of behaviors that you no longer want to see. Therefore, this is a decision that will help you evolve.

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