We come across difficult people in all walks of life, whether a colleague, a customer or even supplier, and it’s very important that we learn to deal with different types of people.

There are quite a few billion people on the planet so there are bound to be people you don’t get along with or people who just really annoy you. Maybe they say things just to hurt you or ‘get back’ at you for something you may have unintentionally done.

So how should we deal with these people? Here’s a great article with some excellent tips but it’s a bit long so here’s a summary with a few changes.

Why Bother Controlling Our Responses?

It hurts you: “Holding a grudge against someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

It is often about them, not you: When people initiate negativity, it’s usually a reflection of their own internal state.

Battle of the ego: When we respond impulsely, it may well be a natural and honest response, but is it the best thing to do? Usually not!

Anger feeds anger: There is usually no good in reacting to someone who is angry in an angry way.

Waste of energy: Plus time and sometimes even money!

Freedom of speech: People are entitled to their views just like you are, even if it hurts you.

Tips for Dealing with Difficult People

1. Forgive

2. Wait it out. Emotionally charged emails just add fuel to the fire. It’s usually better to calm down and react in a better way.

3. Does it really matter if you’re right? Think: What will I gain if I prove that I’m right? Who cares?!

4. Don’t respond. Sometimes people just want to trigger a response from you. Ignore them!

5. Stop talking about it. The more you talk about how much you dislike the person, the more you end up hating them because you will notice more of the thing you hate. Do your best not to repeat the story to others.

6. Be in their shoes. Try not to be narrow-minded. Try to think what is going through the other person’s mind. Sometimes you will feel compassion for the other person and maybe even come to realize that you have made mistakes too.

7. Look for lessons. No situation is completely bad if you took a lesson from it.

8. Eliminate difficult and negative people from your life. They will bring you down emotionally. Cut down your interaction with them as much as possible. [You don't have to be horrible to them. Be nice to them when you meet them. Just don't get close to them.]

9. Be the observer. Separate yourselves from your own emotions.

10. Go for a run. Relax.

11. Ask what’s the worst case scenario. How bad can it really get?

12. Avoid heated exchanges.

13. List out the important things in your life. Does responding to this person really come in that?

14. Pour honey. Respond to nasty words with kind ones. It’s always good to do good to someone who tries to harm you. You shouldn’t expect thanks. Do it for your own satisfaction.

15.  Express it. Write down your thoughts. But only if you have to.

What is RSS?