Defensive behavior can be harmful in both the personal and professional spheres.

We usually view defensive behavior as a deliberate insult or insult to ourselves. But what we don’t realize is that we are also capable of unintentional abuse. As humans, we interact with our environments, and when we feel threatened, we try to protect ourselves. So, if it is instinctive, how can we control it?

Defensive behavior usually stems from a potential threat. But there are several ways in which defensiveness can manifest itself in human behavior. We react to different stimuli in different ways, and the same is true when we are defensive. It is the type of threat that we perceive that triggers a specific defensive behavior.

6 Things you hide behind defensive behavior

Dogmatism

Dogmatics is defined as “expressing an opinion as if it were a fact.” The same applies to the dogmatic personality.

For the dogmatic, you are either wrong or right, all or nothing. This thinking can cause people to act defensive when they encounter a gray area. This can manifest in behaviors such as argumentative behavior and error.

Rush

Impulsivity can make people act before they think. If they make a mistake, they may not always be willing to own up to their missteps. Trying to shift blame or make excuses for impulsive behavior is an easy way to identify those who are trying to justify their actions.

Complaining behavior

Manipulative behavior creates tension in any situation, as no one wants to feel like a puppet for someone else’s gain. Defensive behavior in these situations is usually wariness and distrust.

guard

Guarded people usually act more defensively, as they try to hide information from others. This can cause friction when they fear being questioned or confronted.

When defending themselves, guarded persons are usually very evasive from questioning. They will try to change the subject as soon as possible.

superiority

The superiority usually causes the receiving end to defend similarly to gouging. It is usually characteristic of someone in a higher position.

The defensive behavior in these circumstances may not be at the time of the conversation but may come later in the form of sarcasm or babbling. Pointing out the flaws in someone who seems superior is a way to make them feel less of a threat to us in the future.

Be critical

Critical people will always get defensive. Focusing on the negative aspects or mistakes within a situation leads to defensiveness in the future, as people are more sensitive to being told they are wrong. This usually manifests in impatience and rejection of criticism.

How to deal with defensive behavior

Defensive behavior can be difficult to manage, as it does not always come from ourselves. There are times when we must learn to deal with the defensive behavior of others to keep the peace.

When defensiveness is a personality trait, it can be difficult to change the behaviors of another individual. So you may need to learn how to supervise yourself.

There are several strategies you can use to help you control your defensive behavior, as well as keep your cool in the face of other people’s defensive attitudes.

Rethink the script

By reframing the situation and taking other people’s perspectives, we can see the situation in a new light. What we might consider defensive behavior may be normal responses to threats in our behavior.

By looking at things from another person’s perspective, we can learn to regulate our behavior and be more respectful and calm for better results in the future.

Be aware of yourself

Taking the time to analyze what makes you feel defensive can help you recognize and be aware of these triggers in the future.

By taking into account issues that can make you defensive, it allows you to remove them from your environment, or simply regulate your behavior when they are present.

openness

Keeping your mind open to other people’s perspectives and feelings will make others more responsive. Simply respecting and considering the needs of others can quickly erase both your defensive behavior as well as that of others.

deep breath

There are times when we cannot escape a difficult situation and must control our behavior so as not to cause offense. When we cannot remove ourselves from a situation, it is important that we remain calm and take deep breaths so that we can remove ourselves.

Being defensive can cause serious problems in relationships. It can also cause offense to those we might not want to hurt.