How to Deal with Difficult People

We have all met at least one person in our lives who is difficult to talk to, work with or even have an acquaintance with. Most often, these are the people who are not happy with their own lives and they take their frustrations out on every other person by being rude for no reason, having a harsh voice or putting others down but how do we deal with such people if there is no way we can avoid them?

Here's a few ways to handle these people without going down to their level...

1. Keep calm.

Whenever you meet a difficult person, always make sure to stay calm and don't lose your cool as you don't want to get down to their level. Make sure that you don't get angry and to stay composed, just tell yourself that this is not about you rather it is about their own miseries.

2. Be polite.

Difficult or rude people often get on our nerves but the best behavior that we can have to handle them is by being very polite. We should talk to them softly and not raise our voices just because they are speaking to us loudly. Also, smile at them so that they know that you are talking to them with good intentions and you have no bad aims to use them for because such people often look at everyone with doubt.

3. Ignore their harshness.

If they say something hurtful or demeaning, don't let it get to your heart. Just ignore all the unpleasant things that they say and keep believing in your goodness. Some people start doubting their own selves because of what other people say but this is something you should never do! Don't lose your self-respect, self-esteem, or confidence: just don't pay any attention to what these people say to you.

4. Don't judge them.

Even if they are not the sweetest person that you have ever met but still you should not judge them or talk bad behind their back because of their behavior. Just let them be! It is not your place to intrude in their personal space.

5. Make them understand that they are wrong to have a bad behavior.

Talk to them courteously and tell them that their attitude is affecting you and others in a bad way and, if possible, they should try to change themselves gradually. Moreover, ask them what is wrong. Ask them, why they are behaving like that. And if they answer you, try to understand them and empathize with them.

6. Be respectful.

Be respectful while you talk to them. Don't give them bad looks or mocking smiles while engaging in a conversation to tease them for their bad behavior. Be as good to them as possible so that they might examine their own selves and understand that they are wrong for behaving like that even when you are so respectful towards them.

7. Add a little humor to your conversations.

Such people often lack happiness in their lives and are serious all the time, so to be a little friendlier with them, it is vital to be a little humorous while talking to them but make sure that your jokes are not related to them or are offensive because they can easily lose their cool.

8. Don't become a submissive to them.

You should be respectful towards them, not talk back, and ignore what they say. That doesn't mean that you go on to let them do or say anything that they want. Make sure that you have some limits set and if they cross those limits, tell them that you are not their submissive or slave. Show them that you value yourself and they can't just keep putting you down but ensure that you do this ethically.

9. Don't force them to indulge in a conversation with you.

If there is something important that you have to talk to them about but they are avoiding it just don't talk to them. Don't force them at all because such people can get real insensitive and attack you verbally or psychically if being forced to do anything. Such people don't enjoy orders! If they want to do something, they will do it but if they don't want to do that, they will just not do it at all so don't insist on anything!

10. Avoid their drama.

If they try to create a scene about something that you did or said, just stay away from that drama. Don't try to prove that you are right because they will just push you deeper into the ditch. Walk away, stay away! Their drama doesn't deserve your valuable energy.

Therefore, stay positive, focused, know your worth, and be happy and don't let anyone put you down. Be manipulative and deal with the difficult people smartly!