When dealing with difficult people, it is important to know how to remain calm. It is also essential to listen carefully and not react negatively. If possible, it is a good idea to surround yourself with positive people to counterbalance their negativity. It is also a good idea to have support from a group of friends and family.
Stay calm
Learning to stay calm when dealing with difficult people can be one of the most valuable lessons you can learn. Many people become stressed or irritable when faced with difficult people. This is because when we are stressed, our brains do not access the rational parts and we tend to think first of ourselves. We think first of ways to protect ourselves and are not able to think clearly. Learning to stay calm can help you develop your communication skills and relationship skills.
Practice listening hard
One of the best ways to deal with difficult people is to practice listening hard. This means looking at the person directly and not interrupting or jumping ahead of the conversation. It also means showing interest in the person's topic. Learning about the person's interests and passions will help to smooth over any rough edges.
Avoid reactive responses
Dealing with difficult people requires the ability to control our emotions. We should remain calm and rational and try to find a solution to the situation. There are several science-backed methods you can use to deal with difficult people. For example, you can take the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" test to measure your empathy. Another good technique is to expand your worldview by asking questions.
Offset their negativity by having a support group
Dealing with "difficult people" is not always easy, but it is possible to avoid the negative aspects of their personalities by developing strategies to deal with them. One way to do this is to avoid any confrontation and establish clear boundaries. Never give in to a power struggle, and be ready to walk away if necessary. Other strategies include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. If you have more time, you can engage in other relaxing activities, such as yoga or meditation.
Avoid constant complaining
One of the best ways to deal with difficult people is to avoid constant complaining. The worst places to complain are restaurants and airplanes. Workplaces are also a hotbed of complaining. Complaining can breed negativity and cause others to be negative. According to a Stanford University study, complaining for 30 minutes can physically damage the brain.
