There are 7 basic personality traits of difficult people. They include grandiosity, aggressiveness, callousness, distrust, manipulation, risk, and dominance. And while there is nothing we can do to make these people feel more relaxed, we can help each other by preparing for the next time we face an argument with that type of person.
We discover some tips that we hope will be helpful to you when it comes time to inevitably confront a person with a challenging personality.
Talk About The Issue While Walking
If you need to talk or solve a problem with a difficult person, walk. That way, the two of you will accumulate less negative energy and avoid face-to-face interactions.
The more distractions the environment offers, the less likely the conversation will turn into a fight.
For example, if your colleague invites you to a coffee shop, say that you have already had a cup of coffee and suggest a walk.
Try The Sandwich Approach
Start the conversation with your partner, colleague, or friend with a positive comment. Make sure the person understands that you value their effort, and then move on to the crucial part of the conversation.
End the conversation with words of thanks, thanking them for taking the time to listen.
Be Assertive
Change the way you approach sensitive situations. Instead of using “you” statements, try using “I” statements. For example, if your girlfriend asks you what a skirt looks like before you leave, don’t tell her it doesn’t look good to her, as this can lead to an argument.
Instead, say that she looks beautiful, but you think blue will look better on her. She will not be offended and will respect your opinion.
Set Your Feelings Aside And Talk About Facts, Not Emotions
Difficult people are rarely open-minded when it comes to seeing things from various perspectives, so expecting them to put themselves in their shoes is unrealistic.
Rather than wasting your time and energy trying to make them understand how you feel, it would be better to state the facts and explain the situation from an objective point of view.
Avoid Certain Topics
If, in the past, you had an argument about a particular topic and it ended badly, just avoid those triggers and talk about something else.
For example, if you don’t have a pleasant experience with your brother when it comes to talking about Christmas celebrations, don’t speak to him directly. Instead, have all the arrangements happen through a mediator.
Set Boundaries And Stick To Them
Setting limits with someone can be challenging at first, especially if you are very close to them. But deciding what behavior you are willing to put up with can be the key to a healthy relationship.
For example, if your mom asks dozens of times when you are planning to have a baby, you can say, “If you ask me again when I plan to have a baby, I am leaving.” Remember to always follow the limits otherwise, the person will continue to take advantage of you.
Have you ever had an experience with a difficult person? If so, please share with us your tips on how you handled them in these situations.
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