Honestly, I just laugh at haters. I think all they want is to make themselves feel better about themselves around those of us who feel good enough about ourselves to openly admit "Why yes, I do like MLP and I won't hide it," while they sit there, ignorant and unaware of the joy they just might have with an episode or two, and bash us for this. Misplaced blame and self doubt cause the outburst and we recieve the brunt. Just laugh at them, they go away.
of course, if they simply dislike MLP and have a good reason and attitude about it, there is no issue, and i'm not talking about them, they are respectful enough.