How to Deal With a Condescending Friend

As everyone knows, "nobody is perfect" and that includes friends. While most of their character traits are positive, some traits can really get on a person's nerves. Another axiom is that "people do not change" and if assumed true a person must learn how to deal with a condescending friend and still maintain the friendship. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Consider the positive traits of the condescending friend. They may be funny, caring people outside of the condescending attitude. So concentrate of these things when socializing.

2. Try to understand where the condescension comes from. People often learn social behavior by the example set by parents and role models. Condescension can also come from their own insecurity around others and they use it as a defense mechanism. If you try to understand the reason someone behaves they way they do it can lead to acceptance.

3. Talk to the friend in a nonconfrontational manner. Ask her to explain what bothers her in general terms without simply saying, "Why are you being a jerk?" Ask their opinion of other people who are condescending that you both know. This may indirectly allow your friend to reflect on her own behavior.

4. Stay calm when in the company of this condescending friend. If you react negatively, it will only make the situation worse and could irreparably damage the friendship. However, do not allow this person to run roughshod over you or other friends. It is important to let the person know that there are boundaries to their condescending behavior.

5. Realize that the condescension is not about you. It is about them and their problems. Too often people take the remarks of a condescending person personally and let it affect their self-esteem.