Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Meanie wrote:The real problem is not what others say, it's how you handle what they say. The bottom line is simple...you need thick skin. Forget revenge or witty comebacks, just smile and say nothing. You will meet many people in life who don't ride and you will hear negative comments frequently, learn to deal with it with a smile.

If you still feel the need for a comeback, simply say "at least I'll die living my life to the fullest without regrets", then go about your business.

+1

There is no point getting angry with these people. Get angry and you lose. And then you end up feeling worse than you did before.

You've got a problem dealing with this, because in factual terms, they are dead right. Motorcycling does considerably increase your risk of having an accident on the road. You can't deny that without making an idiot of yourself. So don't try.

Use a bit of psychology.

The best way to deal with people who criticise you or who make jokes against you is to acknowledge where they are coming from while remaining assertive about your right to make your own judgements and lead your own life.

Here's a quick formula you can use. Don't use it sarcastically. Say it straight or with humour, whatever seems most appropriate. The idea is to acknowlege their fears without giving in to them.

"Thanks for the advice, guys. When I decide I need to live my life without taking any risks, I'll bear in mind what you say."

Then you shut up, don't get into an argument with them.

If you carry this off, you'll feel good about yourself for having stood your ground and you will take some of the energy out of their criticism because you have acknowledged it.

You can vary the formula in whatever way you want to suit the situation.

flynrider wrote:The best advice I can give you is just ignore them. I've been riding for 27 yrs. and I still hear comments like that when I walk into work carrying my helmet. The people making them have no idea what they're missing, so I forgive them a bit of ignorance.

I also happen to fly small planes and skydive occasionally, so there's really no end to the unsolicited safety advice I receive. When someone feels the need to comment on my imminent death or dismemberment I'll usually thank them for their concern (with a hint of sarcasm) and move on.

Best advice yet.... this is what i've resulted to. For the most part they are just jealous. My boss was the biggest nay sayer and he ended up getting a bike himself.....goes to show you!

If you can't keep from saying anything just say "Wow such a sad story, I also had a friend and he died in a CAR accident, maybe you should walk home today"

Yeah well, those negative comments can hurt us real bad if national healthcare (US) is ever implemented. No one wants to support us dumb bikers who ride around without a metal cage around us.