Blake Lively shows us all how to deal with passive haters on Instagram
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- Anna Brech
- Published

When people attack you on social media, it can be tempting to shoot right back. But actor Blake Lively chose a different tack recently - to genius effect
Anyone who uses social media a lot will be familiar with two types of aggressor.
The first (and worst) is the out-and-out troll: he or she who is abusive, threatening and downright nasty. Ban them, no questions asked.
The second occupies a greyer territory that typically falls into passive territory.
They might say something that masquerades as “nice” but actually, it’s quite the opposite. Or, they’re mean but they caveat it with an emoji or two, or the insult is framed in nice language.
Blake Lively was on the receiving end of the second type of aggressor recently when she posted a photo of herself wearing a statement tartan pantsuit on Instagram (above).
As is her style, Lively was happy to poke fun at herself, writing in the caption: “Picnic anyone? I’ll bring the tablecloth… “
But that didn’t stop one Insta-critic for weighing in with his fashion opinion.
Executing a classic passive move, he wrote: “I say this with so much love & respect for you babe, please hire a stylist or fire the one you’re currently with.”
Not to be deterred, Lively came back with this:
The actor has spoken before about why she chooses to be her own stylist and her response her is typical of her wry, irreverent tone on Instagram.
Instead of rising to the bait, she simply responded with a swift mix of charm and humour that was all the better for not being loaded.
It was, in short, a masterclass in the art of taking down passive Insta-people - entirely free from bile.
Nicely played, Lively. We’re busy taking notes…
Images: Getty