[header] How to be nice to a mean person [title] Take a few deep, calming breaths. [step] If the person has just said or done something mean to you, it's important to cool off before you react. In the heat of the moment, it's easy to spew harsh words and react out of anger. 
If you're expected to give an immediate response, choose your words very carefully. Speak slowly and calmly, despite what you may be feeling.