There are many difficult people who crop up in life who are not going to be around for too long or who are not really important to us. In cases like these, you might find the following simple tips helpful.
Keep it in perspective:
Although you should listen to and see what you can learn from them, the opinions’ of other people aren’t actually that important. Nobody has lived your life except you and nobody is in exactly your shoes – you are unique. Sometimes advice is given with the best of intentions, but it is often not really a ‘best fit’ for your situation. Of course, people have various agendas and axes to grind, and there are as many opinions and criticisms as there are people to give them (probably more!).
Don’t be defensive:
Like everyone else, you are trying to do the best you can. You are (probably) not deliberately trying to be mean or selfish or cruel, or to make someone else’s life difficult. So there is no need to be defensive. If other people attack you, let their attacks wash over you – they really can’t hurt you unless you let them. Arguing back, defending your corner or trying to justify yourself often leads to both parties becoming more entrenched. But if your attacker sees that his or her attacks don’t elicit much response, they may well fade away.
Don’t take it personally:
If you find someone difficult to get along with, chances are you are not the only one. Some people just have a hard time being easy going and they rub a lot of people up the wrong way; it isn’t just you. When someone complains about you, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin, who said ‘Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.’ Look for the lesson you can learn, especially about yourself
Often, people we find difficult can reveal a great deal about ourselves. Ask yourself some searching questions and try to answer honestly. Why do I react to this person in this way? Am I being sensitive about something? Am I trying to hide something? Am I protecting myself against some imaginary threat? Am I missing out on an opportunity to grow and improve?
Sometimes it is useful to think of difficult people as Angels sent to teach us something. We usually only grow by experiencing pain, and difficult relationships can be among the most powerful of teachers.
Author of source article: Michael Miles