I won’t pretend that I have a precise, cure-all approach for these types of situations. Every family or friendship has its own history and dynamics, and it really depends on the nature of the particular relationship, and your own judgment as to what you are willing to tolerate. Maybe if your cousin says something sexist, you can make a joke calling him out in return—keeping things light, but making your message clear. Maybe there’s enough flexibility in a friendship where you can state plainly that you don’t agree with what he or she said, and your friend can acknowledge it, apologize, and move forward. Sadly, most people don’t respond well to criticism—I certainly don’t. And people become naturally defensive, and the conversation goes nowhere.
(Can You Keep Friends and Stand Up To Prejudice? (via stfusexists))