8 scenarios in life where you should always be the bigger person, says a psychologist

If you’ve found yourself in a disagreement or conflict, you might have felt the urge to get the last word, or maybe just to let your feelings be known. Sometimes, it might feel like the only way to be heard is to be the loudest.
But according to a psychologist, there are eight scenarios in life where being the bigger person can bring more benefit to you and the people around you.
Being the bigger person is not about being a pushover. It’s about understanding your emotions, showing empathy towards others, and choosing your battles wisely.
Remember that being the bigger person is a choice, not an innate characteristic.
Stick around as we explore these scenarios where taking the high road can lead to better outcomes. This may challenge your current way of thinking but it’s an important conversation to have.
1) When faced with criticism
We’ve all been there. You’re going about your day when someone throws a critique your way. Your natural instinct might be to snap back, defend yourself, or perhaps even launch a counter-attack.
But here’s the challenge: take a deep breath, listen, and choose to be the bigger person. This doesn’t mean you accept unfounded criticism or allow yourself to be walked over. Rather, it’s about learning to handle critique maturely, even if it might sting a little.
Being the bigger person in this scenario means understanding that everyone has their perspectives. It’s about showing empathy towards the other person and valuing the relationship more than winning an argument.
Remember, it’s easy to react defensively in the heat of the moment. But taking a step back and responding thoughtfully can bring about better understanding and potentially strengthen relationships.
By doing this, you’re not only demonstrating maturity but also encouraging a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect. This is one of those key scenarios in life where being the bigger person can truly make a difference.
2) When you’re in the right
Here’s a scenario that might surprise you. You’re in a debate or disagreement, and you are absolutely, undeniably in the right. The facts are on your side, and you have all the evidence to prove it.
Now, the easy route would be to rub it in their face, gloat about your victory, and make sure they know they were wrong. But this is where being the bigger person comes into play.
Instead of claiming your victory, consider a more empathetic approach. Acknowledge their viewpoint, express your own calmly and respectfully, and open up a dialogue rather than a debate.
Being in the right doesn’t mean you have to make the other person feel small or wrong. It’s more about fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to express their opinions and learn from each other.
This scenario not only strengthens your relationships but can also enhance your personal growth by promoting humility and understanding over pure victory.
3) When dealing with personal success
You’ve worked hard, and you’ve achieved something great. It’s natural to want to celebrate and share your success with others. But here’s a scenario where being the bigger person comes into play.
Instead of constantly talking about your achievements, try to share the spotlight with others. Celebrate the success of those around you and show genuine interest in their accomplishments.
Here’s an interesting piece of information: research shows that people who openly share their successes are perceived as braggarts and can cause discomfort among their peers.
On the other hand, those who are humble about their achievements and focus on others are generally seen as more likable and trustworthy.
Celebrate your success, but also take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of others. This approach not only fosters stronger relationships but also enhances your reputation among your peers.
4) When someone else is having a bad day
Imagine this: a friend or colleague is having a tough day. They snap at you over something small, their frustration clear as day. It’s easy to respond in kind, to let their bad mood affect you.
But here’s where you can choose to be the bigger person.
Instead of snapping back, offer a comforting word or a listening ear. Sometimes, people lash out when they’re having a hard time, not because they’re upset with you specifically.
In such moments, being patient and understanding can make all the difference for them. It can help turn their day around and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Show them kindness, even if they may not be able to reciprocate immediately. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
5) When you make a mistake
We all mess up from time to time, it’s part of being human. You might miss a deadline, forget a birthday, or say something you didn’t mean. When this happens, it’s tempting to make excuses, shift the blame, or simply ignore it and hope it goes away.
In this scenario though, being the bigger person means owning up to your mistake. It’s about acknowledging what went wrong and taking steps to make it right.
Instead of hiding behind excuses, apologize sincerely and look for ways to rectify the situation. This shows humility and authenticity, qualities that people value highly.
When you stumble, don’t shy away from it. Embrace the opportunity to grow and show others that you’re not afraid to admit when you’re wrong. After all, everyone makes mistakes – it’s how we handle them that truly defines us.
6) When faced with gossip
Picture this: you’re at a social gathering and a group is engaged in a juicy piece of gossip about a mutual acquaintance. It’s all too easy to join in, to add your own comments and opinions to the mix.
But this is a scenario where being the bigger person can make a significant difference.
Instead of contributing to the gossip, choose to steer the conversation in a more positive direction. I remember being at a dinner party once where the conversation took a turn for the worse.
Instead of joining in, I decided to change the subject, bringing up our host’s excellent cooking skills and asking for the recipe of the dish we were eating.
By doing so, you’re not just avoiding potential harm to someone else’s reputation, but also setting a standard for your own behavior. It sends out a message that you prefer constructive and positive conversations over petty gossip.
7) When dealing with stubbornness
We’ve all encountered that one person who just won’t budge on an issue. No matter how much you reason or argue, they are stuck in their ways. It’s frustrating and can lead to feelings of resentment.
However, this is another instance where being the bigger person comes into play.
Instead of engaging in a never-ending argument, choose to let it go.
Accept that you cannot change everyone’s mind or make them see things your way. It’s not about surrendering or admitting defeat, but about understanding the value of your time and peace of mind.
You have the right to your opinion, and so does the other person. Engaging in a pointless argument won’t change that. Instead, invest your energy in productive discussions and respect differences in opinion.
8) When it comes to self-respect
In all scenarios, whether it’s dealing with criticism, personal success, mistakes, or stubbornness, there’s one thing that ties everything together – self-respect.
Being the bigger person is not about letting others walk over you. It’s not about suppressing your feelings or ignoring your needs. It’s about honoring your self-respect and preserving your inner peace.
When you choose to be the bigger person, you’re choosing to respect yourself enough to rise above petty arguments, toxic situations, and negative energy. You’re choosing kindness over ego, understanding over resentment, and empathy over judgment.
Conclusion
Choosing to be the bigger person isn’t always the easiest path—it requires strength, empathy, and a generous dose of self-respect. But remember, it’s these choices that shape us into the person we want to be.
This article has outlined eight scenarios in life where taking the higher road can lead to better outcomes. Yet, ultimately, the power to implement these changes rests with you.
Time spent developing your character and nurturing your relationships is never wasted.
Being the bigger person doesn’t mean surrendering your individuality or feelings. It means having the wisdom not to let negativity affect your peace of mind or dictate your actions.
Here’s to living a life filled with understanding, respect, and empathy. Be the bigger person, not because the world needs it, but because you deserve it.