5 Ways To Deal with Difficult People
By Johnnie Geathers MSW, LSW
We have moments where we have witnessed and encountered difficult people. In our families, we have some family members that we cannot stand. At work, we may have a low tolerance with the higher ups or our co-workers. In the community, we cannot stand certain people that make our time out in public miserable. We cannot escape difficult people in our lives, but there are ways to deal with them in an appropriate way. Elaborate a little more on this, maybe provide some statistics regarding percentages on family and friend dysfunctions. Stats on how many people are not happy working with their co-workers or something along those lines.
Don’t’ React: When someone is difficult, you do not have to react to them. Reacting to them will lead to a battle that may not be resolved at that moment. Reacting to difficult people will let others know where you are mostly triggered. With individuals knowing your triggers, they will pull it out of you to react to them which will give them excitement of knowing that they have control over you. When difficult people are getting to you, ignore the actions and focus on you.
Practice Empathy: With difficult people, you have to imagine what they are going through. With practicing empathy, you are trying to understand and share the feelings of someone who might be challenging to deal with. You can do this by actively listening to their perspective, considering the underlying reasons behind their behavior, and recognizing that they might be struggling with personal issues that are driving their actions.
Stand Up for Yourself: You have to be assertive within yourself. You must have limits when interacting with difficult people. Using “I” statements, setting boundaries, and addressing specific behaviors without personal attacks. You can express your needs and opinions firmly and respectfully.
Focus on What You Can Control: You should only focus on your actions on how you interact with others. You cannot control difficult people, and you cannot change them. Place the same energy you put into others into yourself. Fill your own cup up first before you deal with others.
Love From a Distance: There are times where you may have to separate yourself from difficult people. When you are separating yourself from others, it does not mean that you do not care about them. Loving individuals from a distance is a way to protect your peace and your well-being. Whenever you are ready to interact with others, take your time and do not rush into it. With loving from a distance, it can give the difficult individual a moment to evaluate their behavior to be able to interact with you again.
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About Johnnie Geathers:
Johnnie Geathers received his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development & Family Studies from Penn State University in 2011 and his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, along with a certificate in Children, Youth & Families in 2013. He is a Licensed Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist Hand in Hand Counseling Services, LLC. For Hand in Hand Counseling Services, he provides individual therapy to different populations from children to adults. Johnnie takes a stand to help others outside of his work environment by participating in different speaking engagements, podcast interviews, published articles in Helpful Living Magazine, and through his work of “JG Mental Health Fridays,” which are video segments on YouTube, discussing topics that affect everyone and providing coping exercises for individuals to practice on their own time.