Dealing with Difficult People

Whatever your circumstances, find some time for yourself before you enter the "fray"... before you go anywhere near the fray... when you can be alone, and prepare yourself using one or more of the methods below.

The object is to "pre-pave" - to get yourself into a state of mind that is strong, relaxed and infallible! Think of it as donning your armour.

Armour Options: (Feel free to use as many pieces as you like, and in whatever combination you think most effective!)

* On waking in the morning, spend the first few minutes lying in bed, imagining yourself bathed in sunlight, and see that sunlight radiating out to all the people you'll be coming into contact with that day. Enjoy the feeling. When doubts pop into your head (and they may well do so), remind yourself you're allowed to day-dream.

* With your morning coffee or tea, spend some time watching or reading something that makes you laugh out loud - a sit-com, a YouTube video, a book or blog that you find hilarious... whatever tickles your laughing bits :)

* Write a letter to each of the difficult people in your life - make it as graphic and explosive and insulting as you like, they're not going to see it. Make sure you say everything that's in your head - use ALL CAPS if you like, and lots of exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And question marks?????? It's remarkably satisfying. Get it all said, and pretend they're going to read it (the subconscious is quite easy to fool this way). Read it through, and imagine that person reading it. Once you've finished, put it away, then come back later and read it again.

Once you feel you've finished with it, if it's on paper you could ceremoniously tear it up or burn it. If it's on computer, you can delete it. I know this may not seem like much, but it is incredibly powerful! I resisted doing this myself for months before I finally tried it, and I was amazed at the results!

Just before you enter a situation where you'll be facing one or more difficult people, draw your sword - no harm in having it handy, just in case: Just before you go in, think back to that funny video you watched, or funny piece you read this morning, and see if you can keep it as a backdrop throughout your encounter with the difficult person. It takes practice, but it's perfectly possible, and it gets easier and easier the more you do it!

If you think about it, you know this person is difficult, so it's best to be wary and hold an axe to their throat just in case they make a move. Now... this is going to sound naff at first, but bare with me and it'll all make sense in a bit... hopefully.... ;)

Listening is your axe. I know, it doesn't sound like an axe, but it's subtle, and sneaky. Difficult people are generally used to meeting resistance. Listening usually completely throws them! It's like you're holding an axe to their throat because while you're listening, you're on guard, and you're protected. It's difficult to move forward and attack when someone has an axe to your throat.... and it's difficult to argue with someone who's just listening to you.. it kinda takes the wind out of your sails. Of course, your axe is invisible - which is why it's so brilliant, they can't move forward.. but they don't know why ;)

Now, holding an axe isn't as tiring as it may sound. Listening can be much easier than you think. And it's certainly less taxing than engaging in debate - holding an axe to someone's throat is a lot less demanding than combat.

A Few Tips for Listening to Difficult People:

* Imagine them naked. Okay, this is an old trick for performers and speakers, but it works just as well for listeners! ;)
* Think of yourself as a spy - and this bit is actually not as far-fetched as it might sound - the information you glean from listening to them is going to equip you better for any counter-attack that may be necessary later.
* Listening to a person can also equip you to manipulate them once it's your turn to speak. So pay attention, and take the dagger they're handing you... so naively. ;)
* Pretend this is a character in a TV drama or soap that you're listening to. Admire their performance.

This is a bit sneaky, but it's generally necessary - and it works brilliantly. Acknowledge what they've said. Use words like "I see, yes, I understand what you're saying." and "That must have been difficult." ... and so on. Make sure you don't trip up by using a "but" - using a "but" is like doing a slow-motion foot-sweep - they'll simply lift their foot out of the way and bang, you're into full combat. Lull them into a sense of security by fully and unreservedly acknowledging what they've just said. This will disarm them completely. Then you can simply sneeze and they'll fall over.

You have now reached the point where you're strong, in full armour and therefore fully protected (you've arrived in a good mood because of the preparation you've done earlier); you've prevented any initial attack by holding your axe to their throat (they've had nothing to fight against as you've listened); you're armed with information you may be able to use later if necessary, having listened to them; and you've used the foot-sweep to disarm them - throwing them off-guard by acknowledging what they've said.

It's amazing how empowering all of this is - it may not sound like it, but try it and you'll see, there's nothing more empowering than not engaging, but observing. It's placing your hand on the forehead of a small child, holding them at your arm's length as they try, in vain, to punch you. Very satisfying indeed... not to mention entertaining. It can also be like watching TV - especially if you provide yourself with snacks.

Now you're ready to blow them over. Considering they're now unarmed, and having exhausted their repitoire, blowing them over is going to take less effort than blowing out a birthday cake candle (just the one). Depending on the person, the situation and the topic at hand, there are several options for blowing them over. Pick the one that you think best fits the scenario at the time.

* Smile and say "Gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that - hey have you tried the punch?" (this would of course be appropriate at a party where they are serving punch... it would just be a bit weird - although possibly still effective - if you used it at, say... a staff meeting).
* Look thoughtful and say something like: "Hmm. I'll have to take some time to digest that." or "You know, you've really got me thinking now." - Then wander off ... wondering... ;)
* Laugh. This works in many scenarios... but can backfire in some, so use it with caution.

Here's the ideal gift for those difficult people in your life - "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds" - it's useful... and hey, if it works, it's win-win all round! ;)

You might want to give it anonymously though.... the hint behind it is not subtle. Perhaps you could make it from "Santa"....

Other ways to give this gift:
* Mail it with a card telling them they've won a prize.
* Be reading it yourself, then "accidently" leave it behind.
* Be honest, wrap it up with a big bow and a card that says "Saw this and thought of you."

This t-shirt and mug can serve as gentle reminders to the difficult people in your life.