Being offended can make a person feel powerless. Someone says (or posts) something hurtful, and the sting comes fast. It doesn’t dissipate just because you tell it to.

But there are some ways to control our experience when we feel insulted. One of the simplest is to laugh it off: “This is a very good option because it makes you the judge of how severe the offense is, rather than cede that judgment to some outside arbitrator,” Arthur C. Brooks wrote recently. Today’s newsletter collects some advice for dealing with insults and anger.

On Insults

The Strength You Gain by Not Taking Offense

By Arthur C. Brooks

We all face uncivil behavior or insulting comments at times, but you can choose how to react.

Read the article.

The Worst Insult I Ever Heard as an Opera Singer

By James Parker

I’m not sure how to recover from this.

Read the article.

I Gave Myself Three Months to Change My Personality

By Olga Khazan

The results were mixed.

Read the article.

Still Curious?

Other Diversions

P.S.

I asked readers to share a photo of something that sparks their sense of awe in the world. Joyce T., 71, shared this image of Copalis Beach, Washington.

I’ll continue to feature your responses in the coming weeks.

— Isabel