How to Cope With Difficult People

Unless you are a shut-in, you are probably around people at various times of the day.
And in order to go about your daily routines you have to be civil towards people you
encounter. But sometimes you have to be around people who just for one reason or another
rubs you the wrong way. For some people it may be that one certain person at work that makes
you just want to turn away and run. Or it could be someone in your family. An in-law maybe.
If there is no way to avoid them. If you absolutely have to be around this difficult person,
you have to deal with them one way or the other. Here's some advice you can try. It may
not be fool-proof but it's worth looking at.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. What makes this person so hard to be around? Are they obnoxious? Do they have bad body
   odor? Do they talk nonstop about their kids? Do they criticize things that you do? Ask
   yourself why this person rubs you the wrong way. What countermeasures can you take?

2. If this person is trying to get under your skin, don't let them!
   You've heard the saying, "Kill them with Kindness". Don't just try to be cordial.
   Go out of your way to be nice. "Kindness kills your worse enemies."

3. Maybe the person gives you a hard time because you rub them the wrong way. Again go out
   of your way to be nice. Maybe buy them lunch. They could have thought you were stuck up.
   Doing something nice might break the tension between you two.

4. You can always try honesty. Take them aside where nobody else is and lay it all on the table.
   Clear the air. Maybe this person is willing to work with you. If not, at least you'll
   know where you stand.

5. Maybe this person has some bad stuff going on in the background and they're taking it
   out on you. Again if this is the case maybe you can find out what's wrong when you pull them
   to the side. Maybe they just need an ear to listen to them.

6. Have patience. Maybe the person is being childish or immature. Give it some time and maybe
   they'll get tired of being difficult.