How to Deal with Difficult People

It's no fun to deal with difficult people. You know the type--the ones that are so negative, picky and grumpy that it puts you in a bad mood. But instead of becoming a difficult person yourself, try to deal with them. Here are some pointers on how to do that.

Instructions

• 1

  Try to figure them out. Why are they being so nasty? Are they jealous? Are they annoyed with you about something specific? Are they stressed out? Are they afraid? Are they mistrustful? You'll need to learn what makes them tick before you can stop them from ticking you off.

• 2

  Don't take things personally. Troublesome behavior is habitual. Difficult people tend to be difficult to everyone.

• 3

  Don't fight back. Don't become an adversary. It only feeds their negativity, and chances are they are better than you at being bitter.

• 4

  Avoid appeasing them. You wouldn't reward a bad dog, so why let a difficult person get away with bad behavior? If you let them get their way, they'll only be encouraged.

• 5

  Don't try to change them. It's impossible to change someone's entire being. Not only that, but people usually get pretty indignant if they sense you are trying to shape their character. Your only hope is deal with their behavior gracefully.

• 6

  Choose your mode of confrontation. Don't lose your cool but be firm and assertive. Let them know you won't be pushed around, but don't exasperate the situation by fighting an unnecessary fight.

• 7

  Never argue. If you argue with someone that is being difficult, it gives them a chance to justify their behavior. You'll be surprised at how many unreasonable arguments a strong-headed person can bring up.