Let's be honest we deal with difficult people on a daily basis whether we admit it or not. They may be a family member, coworker or just someone we pass in the grocery store. We may not always pass the test on how we deal with them and remain calm. Here are some tips on how to successfully deal with the difficult people in your life.
1. 1. Be a good listener, especially before reacting.
Sometimes difficult people are only that way because they are going through a trying time in their life and their behavior reflects it.
2. Don’t be judgmental.
Have you ever heard the saying, “When you point the finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you”?
It is essential as you listen to someone that tends to be difficult that you do so objectively.
If they are genuinely going through a rough patch in their lives, you want to listen to gain perspective, not judge them. None of us really know how we will react if we are in the same situation.
3.Get someone else’s perspective while also avoiding gossip.
Sometimes it's wise to get someone's perspective who isn't directly involved in the situation. Be sure to honor the person you are referring to and not to drag their name through the mud.
4.Don’t demand change, but explain how their actions make you feel.
I know this doesn't apply to everyone.
Still, when dealing with difficult people, it is essential to remember that difficult people are people too.
Though they are a handful, they have feelings, and they're able to reason and understand.
So try and explain to a difficult person how their actions make you feel… and hope for the best. Maybe they will understand and change.
It may work better than demanding someone change their ways. That almost always backfires.
No one is saying that you have to become best buddies with the difficult person in your life, but you must be willing to honestly reflect on why they bother you so much. We must learn to live with the difficult people in our lives to be successful ourselves. Being able to overcome this adversity makes us more confident and compassionate people in the end.