How to Deal With People Who Seem Scared of You

Dealing with people who seem scared of you can be a frustrating and trying experience. Even if you've never acted aggressively toward these people, they'll avoid you and act skittish when you're around, almost like frightened cats. There aren't many concrete ways for you to cope with this kind of behavior, but here are a few suggestions that'll hopefully help you out during these situations.

Instructions

1. Clean yourself up and look presentable when you go out. People are almost always going to seem scared of you when you look scruffy and unkempt.

2. Smile when you're chatting with people, whether you know them or not. Smiles are a friendly way to show you're interested in what the other person has to say. Just don't overdo it: fake smiles are easy to spot.

3. Watch your language. Even if your group of friends has a tradition of constantly swearing, make yourself stand out by using courteous and gentle language.

4. Make eye contact with the people who're afraid of you. By giving them friendly looks you'll keep them from thinking you're unsocial or weird.

5. Control the volume and tone of your voice when speaking. Shouting tends to put people off, and talking with an agitated or aggressive tone of voice puts them on edge.

6. Make a special effort to get to know the people who are afraid of you. Offering someone help and doing them a favor are easy ways to give them the right impression of who you are.

7. Be respectful and do not interrupt someone when he or she's talking. Good listeners put other people at ease.