How do I deal with subtle put downs?

[ForestTrump]

It happens only now and then but I’m struggling to respond.
To give an example I was told I was too quiet and didn’t make enough fuss when I was asked to take a different type of work on. As it stands, I’m happy to take on a different type of work.
Any advice welcome, thanks

I'm not too clear on what the problem is but I would come up with some stock phrases to deflect them.

Like what? I’m hopeless with come backs.

Can you give some examples of the put downs and I'll help you.

I wouldn’t interpret that as a put down

Ok, sure. You’re too quiet and done say much to (The Manager who gives out the work).
How do I reply to a colleague who works in the store but on another section.

You could say it takes all kinds to make a world, life would be dull if we were all the same wouldn’t it, just smile and ignore or to be contentious laugh and say well I leave all the fuss and drama, commotion chatting and or trouble causing to you Susan.

@Rasputin123 Thanks, this is the sort of thing I need. It’s sweet fa to do with her but I’m finding she likes to know everything and lets others know.

It's difficult OP because that's not really a put down, it's an observation.

It sounds like feedback to me or encouragement to speak out more.

"Sandra, now that is fascinating!

Then silence...

@poppyzbrite4 Shes a colleague and if I want to make a fuss I would, it’s not nothing to do with her. Like you say, it’s just an observation. I’m quiet and happy being this way.

A good one is always ‘sorry, I’m not quite with you. Can you explain what you meant by that?’

Then just agree, 'Yes I am quiet Sandra.'

How about ' I need to be quiet to be able to hear what everyone else has to say'.

What you have said is so vague. At times you will have to be quiet and other times contribute more.

@liverpudcounsel I think OP feels unnecessarily criticised at work. Is fed up of it doesn’t want an argument in the workplace but quietly wants to put this overly critical/too quick to pass judgement person in her place.

“Better to be quiet and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and confirm it, eh Brenda?” said with a wry smile.

Nobody should have to say anything to anyone if they don’t want to. Quiet people are just as valuable as noisy gobshites in a workplace, and anywhere else for that matter.

Thanks for the come backs and support, it’s been really helpful 😀

This. Civil, all-purpose, forces the commenter to explain themselves or back down. In this case, if the colleague is actually genuinely concerned your manager is dumping too much work on you because you’re known as someone who wouldn’t say too to a goose, or whether your meekness just irritates her, or whether she thinks it’s a bad precedent and your manager is going to start giving all colleagues more work because ‘@ForestTrump is managing fine’ etc etc.

One I find helpful is "Ouch!" You can add something like "That hurts to hear/I didn't realise anyone saw it that way/is it really so bad you had to bring it up/how would you suggest I address that ".

Remember what you hear from others is just their personal opinion through. Nobody's judgement is fact.