Have you ever experienced those moments when you meet someone who is impossible to deal with? You know, the kind who aren’t cooperative, who refuse to see things from another perspective other than theirs or who are inconsiderate. They come in so many forms that are unbearable. No matter how nice you try to be with them, it’s so frustrating trying to get along with them.

I’ve encountered a lot of difficult people in my life. At first I tried to avoid them as much as I could but hiding from them didn’t make them go away. Instead I devised new methods to handle difficult people. Here are some tips you’ll find helpful.

1. Rise above their behaviour

If you’ve met a difficult person, chances are that you have tried to reason with them. But in the end, you realize that their behaviour beats all reason. Don’t react to their irrational behaviour with irritation, frustration or aggression. It’s not worth it and it only makes the situation worse.

What you should do is to not partake in their irrational behaviour. Don’t react to it, rationalize it or beat them at their game. And no matter how annoying their behaviour is don’t snap back. Just let them be.

2. Set boundaries with everyone especially difficult people

Difficult people try to assert themselves on others for some strange reason. If you give in, believe me they will continue to with the crazy behaviour.  The way to deal with this is to set healthy boundaries between you and that person.

When they try to assert themselves on you, you have to draw the line and tell them that they can’t treat you that way, and then move on. Sometimes you just have to put your foot down otherwise their irritable behaviour is going to continue.

3. See through their drama

Difficult people don’t act difficult just because they decided to. There’s some underlying reason behind their behaviour. Sadly, difficult people don’t know how to communicate what they want to others. So they create drama, because that’s the only way they know how to communicate with others.

When you look at the situation in this light, it makes you feel compassion towards them. So before you react badly, make sure you pause for a few minutes to think about this. As you show compassion and show them that there is a better way they can communicate their wants clearly, then they would change.

4. Don’t take it personally

Facing difficult people can make you feel horrible with yourself, lower your self-esteem and feel guilty for being resentful towards them. All this affects your mood and attitude to others. Their behaviour is not directed at making you feel bad but rather they don’t know any other way to communicate with others.

For the sake of your peace of mind, don’t take what they do personally. Focus on achieving your goals and living your amazing life. When you allow their annoying behaviour to get to your nerves, it distorts your day and makes your relationship with others go sour.

How do handle difficult people in your life?