How To Deal With Difficult People

Have you ever been stuck with a person, that it feels suffocating? Have you ever been in an argument where the person just simply doesn’t want to listen to your logic or any logic or reason? Chances are high that all of us have been in situations like these. Chances are high that most of us know that one difficult, obnoxious person who we simply want to avoid, no matter what ! But let’s face it, in life we have to face these difficult people, whether we like it or not. It can be your boss, a colleague, a teacher, an acquaintance or even a family member! Most of us are in this lock down with our families, and no doubt at a certain point even a family member starts becoming difficult to deal with. So, what do we do in that situation? What about sharing a project with a very difficult colleague ? Or doing work from home under the supervision of a very demanding and different to deal with boss? These are situations, where you can mould only yourself and there’s nothing you can do, to change either the situation or that person. In situations like these, the only thing we can change is ‘our reaction to the person.’ 

In this article we’ll be giving you tips regarding how to deal with a difficult person effectively.

Try to establish boundaries

The one thing most of us fail to do is to establish boundaries, we tend to allow people to invade our personal space. If you’re dealing with a difficult boss or colleague, try to remain as professional as possible, minimize and limit your interaction with them to work only. If you’re dealing with a difficult relative, or family member, try to establish boundaries by giving yourself personal space and alone time. 

Don’t focus on person, rather focus on a solution

In situations like these, we tend to focus on the person- how infuriating he/she is, how irritating he/she is, by doing this we’re simply fixating on the problem i.e. the person and as a result prolonging the negative mood state. It’s best to quit thinking about the person, and instead focus your energy on how you’re going to deal with the situation. 

Maintain emotional distance

Try to maintain an emotional distance from the person, so that when you’re dealing with them, that doesn’t affect you and your emotional state much. We all know how mentally and emotionally fatigued we feel after dealing with such a person, so it’s best you maintain an emotional distance from them. And that requires being self-aware. Be aware when they’re starting to push your buttons.

Stay calm

While dealing with difficult people it’s easy to lose your temper and get caught up in the situation. However it’s best if you keep calm and try to re-evaluate the situation. We know it’s not easy to stay calm, so try doing breathing exercises, focus on your breathing or simply start being mindful of your surroundings. All this will help you remain in control. 

Distract or discharge

It takes a lot of effort while dealing with difficult people, so give yourself some credit ! Try to discharge your stress, maybe by writing, or cooking or simply talking to a friend. However if the situation was overwhelming for you, maybe you could try to distract yourself by watching a movie or an extra episode. The motive is to let go of your negative feelings and give yourself space and some time.

Hope these things help you deal with difficult people effectively next time.

Muskan Mehta Member since June 11, 2020

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I am pursuing my Masters in Psychology. I am quite passionate and enthusiastic about emotional intelligence. And here through this platform, I wish to spread awareness regarding mental health and emotional intelligence ?

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