Life can be challenging at times, especially when it involves coming into contact with people behaving badly -- being thoughtless, inconsiderate, or impulsive, for example. Although we can't do anything about what others do, we can take steps to protect our own peace of mind. Here are three effective strategies for dealing with the difficult people in your life.
1. Self-reflection.
If you don't know your own triggers, how can you deal with those of others? If a co-worker often annoys me, I must admit that I am prone to being annoyed myself. If I feel enraged around a consistently negative colleague, I would have to reflect on my own anger.
Perhaps we've enabled this behavior by sidestepping difficult conversations or avoiding setting firmer boundaries. Taking responsibility for our own part can lead to useful insights and problem-solving strategies.
2. Perspective shifts.
Differences are inevitable, and expecting everyone to think and behave similarly to us is ridiculous at best, as well as likely to generate irritation, if not contempt, in others. An extroverted person will clash with a repressed one, and those who like to get things done will be at odds with people who are more relaxed.