When dealing with difficult people, it is hard to just “grin and pass”. An unpleasant interaction can linger in your mind, even when you’re out of the situation.
Suppressing that irritation can start to take a toll on your mental health.
Generally at work, we have to be around these difficult people regardless of our willingness. You can lessen the impact of their negativity on our mental health by following some easy steps.
Here’s a lowdown on those not-so-nice people, how to identify them, and deal with their behavior, both in and out of the workplace.
What makes one difficult?
Everyone has their character styles and quirks. Usually, poor communication, a lack of empathy, and criticism destroys relationships.
Poor communication
They might frequently talk over you, or never pay attention to what you have to say. They might be avoiding, passive-aggressive, or frankly rude. Whatever it is, conversing with such people is never precise. And you never feel sufficient about how the chatter went after you do. Poor communication aptitudes can take a toll on any connection.
Lack of empathy
Some people never appear to care about anyone but themselves. This lack of compassion can make them particularly challenging to deal with. They may have trouble comprehending other people’s sentiments or possibilities. These individuals often come across as callous and insensitive.
Criticism
Highly crucial people can be among the most demanding to be around. It can seem like nothing, and no one meets their criteria. Unfortunately, the closer you are to a favorably critical person, the more their critiques sting. It can be quite upsetting in personal affinities.
How do you spot a difficult person?
It would be better if obnoxious people paraded around, flaunting their rudeness, right? Despite not wearing glaring neon signs, they do send out obvious warnings. Here are 11 ways to acknowledge these individual:
- They appear to be avoiding your suggestions.
- They have toxic characteristics such as being fussy, domineering, or gossiping.
- They question everything you say or do.
- You are uncomfortable around them since their private and public behavior is inconsistent.
- They demonstrate intense jealousy, codependency, or other warning flags.
- They insist on getting their way in everything.
- They dismiss or insult you.
- They exclude you from key conversations.
- They always have an answer to defend themselves against everything.
- They struggle with emotional regulation.
Being around difficult people can influence your associations and workplace culture. Because their manners can have such a detrimental impact on your well-being, it’s vital to take steps to prevent their demeanor from influencing you. However, “not permitting them to get to you” may be easier said than done.
How to tackle these people?
The fact is, in life, we’re invariably going to encounter demanding people. But when we comprehend how their behavior and attitudes concern us, we can equip ourselves to deal with them. Here are 8 ways to deal with problematic people:
Listen to them
When faced with a challenging person or circumstances, start by just attending. Look at it as an activity of curiosity. Try to understand — as much as feasible — what they want and why they’re showing you a formidable time.
If they’re sore, avoid trying to appease them or shut them down. Telling someone to calm down generally has a contrasting outcome — specifically if they think you’re not too fond of them.
Get into their shoes
From there, try to visualize things from their perspective. If you were them and acting this way, what would justify your manners? What would have to be transpiring to convince you that you were correct? That may give you an understanding of how the other person feels.
Looking at something from their stance doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to compromise with them. But it will help you generate empathy for such people. Once you develop a bit of compassion for them, you open the way to intercommunicating with kindness and consideration.
Honor both of your needs
Many people take a dim thought of settlement, feeling that when people seek a middle ground, no one gets what they want. However, that is the least fulfilling interpretation of compromise.
What works better — and feels a little more delightful — is to come to an accord that honors both of your necessities. Find a way (if you have to spend time close to each other) that you can do so with care. Even if that person doesn’t revise their ways, they can evolve to being a little more pleasant to deal. Mutual acquaintance (and some boundary-setting) can help achieve that.
Use humor
Sometimes, we get into difficult discussions because we take things too seriously. If you clash with another individual, using (relevant) humor can help diffuse tension. Cracking a joke — or even a smile — can help subside the stakes. It can remind you of shared familiar ground and shift you into a more cooperative spirit.
When everything else fails, eject
If you ever discover yourself stuck haggling with someone you really can’t stand, get out of there. Occasionally it’s just not worth entertaining. When our feelings are affected, we often feel drawn into the conversation. We’re so absorbed into that person that we forget we can just leave.
A word from the doctor
We all don’t relish dealing with difficult people, but it should not ruin our day, week, or workplace.
Even though we can’t change their behavior, we can minimize their impact on us if we alter our responses.
So, try to keep your mind clear and don’t allow anyone to ruin your time.
And if you need further help regarding your mental health, contact me right away. I am here to help you.
