Is it just me, or has it become easier to find gold in your backyard than a person who doesn’t take offense at something? Seriously. We’ve all been there, walking on eggshells, avoiding certain words, blinking twice before posting a joke online, just in case the Internet Jury is watching.

It’s as if we’re all one meme away from social exile.

We’re living in the Age of Offense. And not the “mildly annoyed” kind. I’m talking about the “I’m canceling you, your cat, and your grandma” level of offended. The problem? We’ve become aggressively individualistic. It’s all I, me, mine, and very little we, us, or maybe I misunderstood?

Social media hasn’t helped either. If you’ve ever posted a harmless video, say, a blanket video on TikTok that you thought was cute, (I sure did) you’ve probably been met with comments like, “This offends me, my ancestors, and my plants.” Relax, Ken-Karen. It’s a blanket.

So how do we survive in this minefield of modern sensitivity?

Simple. We stop giving a flying fudge.

Step 1: It’s All About Perception

Here’s the thing: it’s not what’s said, but how we take it. Most of the time, offence is less about the actual words and more about how we choose to receive them. Unless someone’s being blatantly rude, threatening your life, or trying to sell you a pyramid scheme, you have the power to say, “You know what? I’m not going to let this ruin my day.”

As the old saying goes: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words only hurt if I let them occupy space in my brain rent-free.

Step 2: Hit the “Off” Switch in Your Brain

If someone says something useless, rude, or wildly inaccurate, for example, “Pineapple belongs on pizza!” (Which it doesn’t), just mentally turn off the volume. Not everyone is worth your emotional bandwidth. You can’t control what people say, and thank goodness for that, because if we did, the world would be painfully boring, you know? But you can choose what you allow to affect your peace.

Don’t expect everyone to be nice just because you’re nice. That’s like expecting a raccoon to give you a thank-you card for not scaring it off your well carpeted balcony.

Step 3: We’re All a Little Bit Weird

Humans are complicated, emotionally unpredictable, and occasionally ridiculous. We feel all sorts of things like joy, rage, sadness, hunger, envy, and we often react before we reflect.

Everyone has different backgrounds, values, culture and triggers. If you expect people to think and act exactly like you, you’re going to be disappointed. A lot. Like, cry-into-your-bed alone at night level kind of disappointed.

Accepting that we’re all a little weird helps us understand that not every opinion deserves a meltdown. Especially when the opinion is: “Pineapple pizza is delicious,” which it isn’t. (I’m in my kitchen, come and beat me!)

Step 4: Boundaries

Now, just because we’re choosing not to get offended doesn’t mean we have to be pushovers and doormats. You can love yourself and refuse to hang out with people who treat you like emotional leftovers. That’s not avoidance but self-respect.

Boundaries are like Wi-Fi passwords: you don’t need to share them with everyone. If someone consistently disrespects your values, especially universal ones such as basic respect, feel free to hit that mute button and seat them away with your dignity intact.

Step 5: Truthful Insults vs. Baseless Nonsense

Not all comments are created equal. If someone says something rude, first pause and ask yourself: “Is this the truth in ugly clothing… or just nonsense in a cheap wig?”

Growing up, my siblings used to joke about how big my eyes were. I didn’t cry or spiral. Eventually, I just embraced it. In fact, I used to say, “If you need a flashlight in the dark, just ask me to blink.”

See? If it’s true, own it. If it’s false, ignore it. Why waste perfectly good emotions on a comment that’s about as deep as a kiddie pool?

Step 6: Ego

Most of the time, we get offended because our ego got bruised. That dramatic little voice inside saying, “HOW DARE THEY?” But ego thrives on past stories and outdated beliefs. It’s the part of you that thinks everyone should know better, even when you don’t.

Take a moment. Ask yourself, “Am I offended because this really matters, or because my ego just tripped over its own expectations?”

Also, consider cultural conditioning. What offends one culture might be totally normal in another. That’s why schools now teach cultural awareness, because apparently, we need a class to learn not to be obnoxious.

Offense Is Optional

Here’s the juicy twist: the best revenge is not being offended. Nothing confuses a rude person more than your complete lack of reaction to their actions or words. It’s like trying to fight with a marshmallow. You leave them with nothing to bounce off of, and that’s power.

So, if someone tries to insult you, stay calm. Ask yourself: “Is this trash or treasure?” If it’s trash, toss it. If it’s true, own it. And either way, keep your peace, your humor, and your blanket TikToks rolling. At least I did heheh!

Because the world doesn’t need more offended people, but more people who know how to laugh, set boundaries, and save their flying fudges for things that actually matter.