It can be difficult to “grin and bear it” while dealing with problematic people. Even when you are not with them, the memory of a particularly terrible person or interaction can linger in your mind. Your mental health may begin to suffer if you avoid those contacts.
We will inevitably meet challenging people in life, that is a fact. But we can arm ourselves to handle them when we comprehend how their actions and attitudes affect us. Here are a few strategies for handling challenging people:
1. Listen to them
When dealing with a difficult person or circumstance, begin by simply listening. Consider it a test of your curiosity. As much as you can, try to comprehend their goals and the reasons they’re being difficult to deal with.
2. Put yourself in their shoes.
Try to picture the situation from their perspective after that. What would be the justification for your actions if you were this person and acting in this manner? What would have to occur for you to believe you were correct? That might help you understand how the other person is feeling.
3. Create a buffer
Limit the time you spend conversing with emotional vampires and other challenging people. If you must meet with them, do so in a public area, communicate virtually, or plan an activity right after so they don’t consume too much of your time.
4. Use humour
Sometimes we take things too seriously and end up having tough conversations. Using (suitable) humour when you’re in a heated argument with someone else can help ease the situation. Laughing or even just smiling can assist to decrease the stakes. It may jog your memory of points of agreement and possibly make you feel more cooperative.
5. Practice
If you tend to avoid conflict, you could be reluctant to engage in challenging conversations with others. Try practising what you want to say first if that’s the case. A useful setting for practising discussions with various personas is during coaching sessions. You can try having the targeted conversation, summarising prior discussions, or discussing potential solutions.
Nobody enjoys dealing with challenging individuals, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day, your week, or your job. While there is frequently little we can do to influence their actions, we can alter our own reactions and reduce their impact on us.
