These Are the Perfect Comebacks to Backhanded Compliments ...

By Jennifer • Apr 19, 2015 MD

She may be young in years, but 19-year-old Vanessa Papastavros already knows the agony of being "paid" a backhanded, sexist compliment. So she's drawn the perfect responses to the passive-aggressive body-shaming anti-compliments we've all heard - and they're awesome. Here's a sampling.

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1. Hair Color

Hair Color

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2. "Too Tall"

"Too Tall"

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3. Racism Much?

Racism Much?

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4. "still" Single

"still" Single

***

Whether you're navigating the single scene with grace or sometimes fumble through the dating game, you've likely encountered the old, "You're too pretty to be single" line. When faced with this veiled insult, arm yourself with a clever retort such as, "Thanks, I'm holding out for someone who recognizes I'm more than just a pretty face," or "I appreciate that! I'm single by choice, enjoying the opportunity to find someone truly worthy." Flaunt your independence and confidence; your relationship status is your power, not a plea for patronizing remarks.

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Embrace the vibrant colors and cozy vibes of the upcoming season with your loved ones. Planning for some memorable fall family photos is a unique way to capture the warmth and love amidst the breathtaking autumnal hues. Trust me, these keepsakes would be beyond beautiful.

5. Style Sense

Style Sense

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6. No Wife for You!

No Wife for You!

***

Snarky retorts are essential when someone hits you with that old line, "You're such a great person, it's hard to believe you're not married yet." Raising an eyebrow and replying with, "Well, I'm more concerned with being happy than just being someone's wife," can serve as a gutsy comeback. It turns the table on the underlying assumption that marriage is the ultimate goal for everyone. Sometimes, the best defense is an offense that champions your own values and choices, leaving no room for anyone to question them again.

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7. I Knew!

I Knew!

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8. Make-up Madness

Make-up Madness

***

The audacity to comment on your bold choice of eyeshadow can be enough to make your mascara run – but not today, honey! When they hit you with a "Wow, that's a lot of makeup for a casual day," you can dab that highlighter with pride and retort with, "Thanks! I’m really enjoying expressing myself, it’s like my face is my own personal canvas." Let your lips shine with that extra glitter gloss and remember, makeup is your armor, and every brush stroke is a battle won.

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9. Photo-Ready

Photo-Ready

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10. What?!

What?!

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11. Blond?

Blond?

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12. Butt out!

Butt out!

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13. A Weighty Issue

A Weighty Issue

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14. I See

I See

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15. Courage?

Courage?

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16. Hair

Hair

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17. Classy!

Classy!

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18. Sisters!

Sisters!

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19. Lookin' Good!

Lookin' Good!

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20. A Meal? What?

A Meal? What?

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21. STFU

STFU

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22. Make-up?

Make-up?

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23. Flattery

Flattery

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24. I Hate This One...

I Hate This One...

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25. Boobs

Boobs

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26. My Face!

My Face!

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27. Asian...

Asian...

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28. Pretty Face

Pretty Face And a few extra bonus panels, just in case...

***

This image is of a young woman with a confident, beautiful expression on her face. The accompanying caption is a reminder that we should all have a few comebacks ready for backhanded compliments. It's important to remember that we are not obligated to take criticism from others, and we should never be afraid to stand up for ourselves. This image is a great reminder to all women that they are strong, capable, and beautiful, and they should never let anyone make them feel otherwise.

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29. In Case You Didn't Know...

In Case You Didn't Know...

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30. To All the Haters

To All the Haters

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31. Works in Every Scenario, Actually...

Works in Every Scenario, Actually...

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32. Actually... Nope!

Actually... Nope!

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33. You Should!

You Should! To see more of Vanessa's amazingly fabulous work, follow her on Tumblr at vanscribbles.tumblr.com. Seriously. Do it now!

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Zanna

    2015-04-20T01:05:28.240Z

    Just a couple were good.
  • Juliette

    2016-02-07T07:09:52.649Z

    Very interesting post
  • Lizzie

    2015-05-11T21:34:30.118Z

    A few were okay, but some just said things like "excuse me?" And "seriously?" Oh however did you think of that comeback? *sarcasm intended*
  • CyranoSCW

    2015-07-17T21:57:40.017Z

    Well, I thought it was interesting. I liked the pictures and am glad to know that I'm not the only person who's gotten those "compliments". The people who say them usually don't mean any harm but they can still get to you.
  • Zoleka

    2016-08-16T19:30:09.237Z

    It was a nice article. Surprised by all the negative comments really, why not focus on the message? But the comebacks could've been better.
  • Snowlion

    2015-04-21T22:47:29.868Z

    Just wasted four minutes on this. Oh well.
  • Jane

    2015-04-20T00:42:50.682Z

    So confused 😰
  • Southern

    2015-04-20T03:50:36.980Z

    These are not good comebacks. Most of them sound like a ten year old!
  • Olivia

    2015-04-20T00:27:22.557Z

    I don't think these are good comebacks.. Lol.
  • Ljs1495

    2015-04-23T05:48:06.281Z

    Post another one I can't read any of this
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