8 Easy Ways To Deal With Difficult People

We all have that one friend who can be irritating regardless of the situation. Even a few cocktails may not be enough to ease the frustration when dealing with difficult people, often leaving a lingering sense of discomfort.

If you're fortunate enough not to have such a friend, you’ve probably still encountered unreasonable people at some point in your life.

Whether it's the grumpy parking attendant or the bank teller you always seem to get stuck with, dealing with unreasonable individuals can be quite challenging, especially if you have a short temper.

# Take a Deep Breath

It's easy to lose your temper, but that's not the approach you want to take. Before reacting, take a deep breath and try to relax. Approaching the situation calmly and respectfully, while maintaining self-control, is crucial.

# Understand the Other Person’s Intentions

A key strategy for handling difficult people is to understand their intentions. Do you think they enjoy being difficult? Likely not. There's usually an underlying reason for their behavior. Try to empathize and consider why they might be acting this way by putting yourself in their shoes.

# Share Your Perspective

Once the other person has expressed their feelings, it's your turn to share yours. They might see you as the difficult one, so it's important to articulate your side of the story. This helps them understand your perspective and contributes to resolving the situation.

# Keep the Conversation on Track

Your conversation should be focused and goal-oriented. Allow the other person to express themselves, but ensure that the discussion stays relevant and productive. Avoid lengthy digressions that don’t contribute to resolving the issue.

# Listen Attentively

As tempting as it may be to zone out when dealing with a difficult person, it's not advisable. Ignoring them won’t stop their annoying behavior and might put you in an awkward position if it becomes apparent that you’re not following the conversation. Maintain your manners by listening and responding appropriately to get through the interaction smoothly.

# Don’t Let Them Affect You

One of the best ways to handle difficult people is to avoid letting their behavior affect your mood. Whether they have an irritating personality or are just rude and loud, don't let their negativity get to you. Even if it's challenging, remain composed, count to ten, and breathe deeply. Simple breathing exercises can be surprisingly effective in calming you down.

# Excuse Yourself

If the situation becomes overwhelming and you feel frustrated, politely excuse yourself for a breather. Instead of fleeing, take a moment to gather yourself. Head to the restroom to splash water on your face or step outside for a quick break. Regain your composure and return ready to handle the interaction.

# Gently Voice Your Opinion

It's important to stand up for your beliefs, especially when dealing with difficult people. If their difficulty stems from differing views on a topic like gay marriage, calmly express your opinion. Engage in a polite debate without letting tempers flare. Remember, difficult people often have a competitive need to win, so be gentle and patient when sharing your views.