How do you tell a person that he or she is pathetic?

In: Manners and Etiquette [Recategorize]

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Acting "pathetic"

I'm sure you don't mean pathetic literally. Pathetic means deserving pity, although one sense of the word means inspiring scornful pity, as a drug addict in withdrawal.

If you are using pathetic is some unusual or colloquial sense, it would help to know exactly what you mean. The English language is a rich and powerful one, so I'm sure an adequate word exists.

Having said that, you should keep in mind one thing: there are two types of criticism, one designed to tear people down and the other designed to build people up and improve them. If you wish to criticize the person in an effort to make him a better person, then the best way to deal with it is directly, face-to-face, and as sympathetically as you can. It may not go over well, no matter how well-intentioned you are, so be prepared for some defensiveness, if not outright hostility. One day, he (or she) may appreciate your efforts to help.

First answer by Schnazola. Last edit by Schnazola. Contributor trust: 1421 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 11 [recommend question]

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