Coping with difficult people and situations: How do you react to unsolicited advice from your relatives? Some people self-doubt on criticism, others lose their temper. Most of the time the random advisors are those people who have never been in the same situation themselves but that does not stop them from passing on their judgment to others.
People who have a low tolerance for unconventional behavior from others fall victim easily. Every time you drive, if there is someone who constantly disturbs you by changing the music, speaking too loudly, or asking too many questions. It gets hard to maintain a smile on your face when you have to unwillingly contribute to a conversation just to not seem rude.
Coping with difficult people and situations
Perfectionists like things to be done in a way they think is “best”. It bothers them if another way is used to do that particular thing in front of them. This is a very common phenomenon in the majority of households. When grandparents visit and they want to help in the kitchen, but their cooking style does not match with the general protocol of the nuclear family and it becomes an exhausting event of showcasing tolerance.
While working on an important project, the sounds of the television from your family room aren’t very welcoming. Being interrupted continuously even by the people you love might extract a bitter response and it is not your fault.
How to deal with this problem?
- Never react promptly to any advice, suggestion, or accusation. If somebody is being rude to you or saying negative things to you feel free to walk out of that conversation immediately. You should tell the person upfront to not talk to you in that manner or that you are feeling uncomfortable.
- Try to change the topic of the conversation. When it becomes harrowing to keep up with a conversation and you think that the person might not understand that you are feeling uncomfortable, just change the topic and ask something about them.
- If someone who is not a close relative or friend tries to invade your personal space, you could ignore them or tell them that you acknowledge their questions but do not wish to share your personal life with them. This will permanently stop them from asking any more questions.
- Do not lose your temper, do not shout or retort back sarcastically. This would spoil your mood and might get you a reputation of being short-tempered if you are sitting among many people.
The next time whenever anyone annoys you, take a deep breath and recall in your mind that you will not react and anybody’s opinion does not define who you are. You should be the most important person in your life and nobody should have the right to sabotage your feelings. However, it is not possible to meet like-minded people everywhere. You are bound to come across difficult people. Do not panic and choose yourself over others.
