How to Get Along With Difficult People
Be pleasant., Offer compliments., Look within., Don't take it personally.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Be pleasant.
Sometimes a relationship with a difficult person can be improved with a little extra kindness.
Smile and say hello when you see the difficult person you are dealing with.
Being friendly isn't a sign of weakness.Sometimes a little humor can go a long way.
If you can tell a friendly joke, this could go a long way toward lightening the mood. -
Step 2: Offer compliments.
In some cases, a person may be difficult because they feel that they are not being heard, appreciated, or understood.
Making an effort to point out something they've done well once in a while may also improve the relationship., If you truly want to improve a relationship with a difficult person, it's important to consider whether or to what extent the tension in your relationship with this individual might be caused by your own actions or attitudes.Is it possible you've been rude or done something to offend the person you are having a hard time with? If so, you should offer a sincere apology.It's also possible that your mannerisms toward this person are not communicating that you are listening or being mindful of their needs or feelings.
In this case, improving the dynamic may be as simple as changing some of your non-verbal communication (e.g. gestures and tone) to show the person that you are listening, that you understand, or that you are not against them., If, after considering your own behaviors and attitude, you conclude you are not responsible for this individual's difficult behavior, try not to take their rudeness personally.
The issue isn't you, it is their attitude.Even if this is the case, try to be compassionate.
Keep in mind that this person might be treating you poorly because of some hardship they are experiencing in their own life.That doesn't mean you should let them abuse you, but being understanding may help improve the relationship. -
Step 3: Look within.
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Step 4: Don't take it personally.
Detailed Guide
Sometimes a relationship with a difficult person can be improved with a little extra kindness.
Smile and say hello when you see the difficult person you are dealing with.
Being friendly isn't a sign of weakness.Sometimes a little humor can go a long way.
If you can tell a friendly joke, this could go a long way toward lightening the mood.
In some cases, a person may be difficult because they feel that they are not being heard, appreciated, or understood.
Making an effort to point out something they've done well once in a while may also improve the relationship., If you truly want to improve a relationship with a difficult person, it's important to consider whether or to what extent the tension in your relationship with this individual might be caused by your own actions or attitudes.Is it possible you've been rude or done something to offend the person you are having a hard time with? If so, you should offer a sincere apology.It's also possible that your mannerisms toward this person are not communicating that you are listening or being mindful of their needs or feelings.
In this case, improving the dynamic may be as simple as changing some of your non-verbal communication (e.g. gestures and tone) to show the person that you are listening, that you understand, or that you are not against them., If, after considering your own behaviors and attitude, you conclude you are not responsible for this individual's difficult behavior, try not to take their rudeness personally.
The issue isn't you, it is their attitude.Even if this is the case, try to be compassionate.
Keep in mind that this person might be treating you poorly because of some hardship they are experiencing in their own life.That doesn't mean you should let them abuse you, but being understanding may help improve the relationship.
About the Author
Patrick Powell
A seasoned expert in education and learning, Patrick Powell combines 5 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Patrick's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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