How do you deal with difficult people in your life?

Question

Whether it's a manager, a colleague, a parent, sibling or friend, or maybe just the person at the store who's being difficult.

Answer 1

Well, lots of different tactics out there. Here is one that I found has really helped me.

When I am having problems with a person, I try not to respond right away but reflect. The question I ask myself is: How does the behavior I am seeing reflect FEAR.

Often I can come up with some of the things in the person's life that are causing them to be afraid --afraid of being wrong, afraid of looking bad, afraid that they aren't smart enough so they have to make someone feel worse, afraid that you can't be trusted, afraid that the world will end if they don't have control over everything, etc. etc. etc. etc.

If I can zero in on the source of fear, then often I can take steps to ease the anxiety and make the relationship go smoother.

Of course, there are other methods, too, that work --and for some people, it seems that not much of anything works, so in those cases, infinite patience, a friend who lets you vent, and sometimes some self-analysis into why your buttons are getting pushed are all helpful.

I've lived long enough to see enemies become my friends, so I tend to be optimistic that difficult situations can be turned around --given time.

Answer 2

I deal with difficult people in my life on a case by case basis. The first thing I do is try and figure out what makes them tick. When I've got that down, I can then be detached from their neuroses. The best policy is to avoid, and when you can't do that then learn to detach from them.

Answer 3

I usually try to ignore them, but, if that is not possible, I usally confront them and ask if there is something that I did that is bothering them, nowadays people are under alot of stress, as the world keeps going faster, and technology is better, but, the down side of that is people are forgetting how to communicate with other people. Also these people maybe , they have issues themselfs and you are just caught in the line of fire, but do not let people make you a door mat. You are an unique individual that has feelings, also Pray for that individual, it is amazing the outcome of prayer...

Answer 4

Patience, understanding and a good sense of humor will help you with most difficult people. Some people just have no clue how their attitudes make other people's lives miserable!

Answer 5

I only had one difficult person I had to deal with. For several years I listened to the abuse from her without retaliation in respect for my wonderful father. Now that he has been gone for four years, I no longer have any contact with her. It was necessary for my peace of mind to distance myself, not only by the miles but by lack of contact. I don't wish her ill; she is her own worst enemy. I just wish myself and my family well and I owe her nothing but space and I've given her that completely since the day we buried my daddy.

Answer 6

Confront them without getting upset and ignore when confrontation is not necessary and remember the God most often. Be steafast in prayer to Him alone without taking partners to Him (As He has none) and be patient

Answer 7

With kindness and patience. Rise above the situation. Smile at them. It doesn't cost anything to be kind.

Answer 8

Pray that God will give you wisdom why they act so difficult...Open you eyes to where they are coming from...

Answer 9

With patience, because they're trying to get to you. If they can't, you'll overcome them.

Answer 10

Pray for them. Never argue with them. Pray and pray and pray. Never return evil for evil...never let them get me angry. Always return unkindness with kindness.