How to Deal With Difficult People
1. Don’t Argue
Difficult people will try to provoke or engage in an argument with you, and use that as an opportunity to put you down, gaslight or manipulate you. The best thing you can do for yourself is to acknowledge them and not engage.
Try this instead:
I see what you're saying. Let's agree to disagree and talk about something else.
2. Don’t Explain
Difficult people will attempt to criticize your choices or opinions and force you to explain yourself. You might want to explain yourself to make them less upset. If you’ve done it a few times, you don’t have to keep doing it.
Try this instead:
I've explained this before, and I need you to respect my decisions. This is not up for discussion.
3. Don’t Justify
Difficult people will make you feel like you have to provide a reason for your choices that they have to approve of. If someone is harmful to you, you don’t owe them a justification.
Try this instead:
I know this was the best choice for me.
4. Don’t Defend
Difficult people will try to use logic and reasoning to bring up confrontation. You wil lge troped into a ‘defense-offense’ position. Release yourself from the need for others to see your perspective, agree with you or see that you’re right.
Try this instead:
I've thought about this situation extensively, and don't need to discuss it.