5 Powerful phrases for dealing with difficult people

All of us have to deal with difficult people at some point in our lives. It could be your boss, sister in law or your child. 

It’s important to stay calm and respectful when dealing with difficult people, as this can help to defuse the situation and make it more likely that you will be able to find a resolution.

Dealing with difficult people can be challenging, but there are some phrases that may be helpful in managing the situation.

5 Useful phrases when dealing with difficult people

1. “I understand how you feel.” This shows that you are empathetic and are trying to see things from their perspective.
   
2. “Can you help me understand what you need?” This statement helps to clarify their position and can also help to diffuse tension.
   
3. “I’m sorry if I’ve done something to upset you.” This can help to deescalate the situation and shows that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions.
   
4. “Could we try to find a compromise?” This shows that you are willing to find a solution that works for both of you.
   
5. “Let’s take a break and come back to this later.” Is a great phrase if things are getting heated, it can be helpful to take a break to cool down and come back to the discussion when you are both in a more level-headed state.

Jenny’s family were tired of her difficult ways

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Jenny’s siblings had always found her difficult to deal with. She was the kind of person who would ruin a family  event and would get upset if she didn’t get her way. One year at Christmas, she sat in the corner  and refused to watch a holiday movie, a family tradition that had been going on for years.

The difficult behavior started when Jenny  was younger, but it continued as she got older and she didn’t seem to gain the maturity of her siblings. Jenny left her family wondering why she was so disagreeable and difficult to deal with?

If you are experiencing frustration dealing with a difficult person you can take advantage of the resources and support available to you. BetterHelp, an online counseling service, can match you with a therapist and then you can text, call or video conference with.  It can be helpful to talk to someone outside of your family to get an unbiased understanding of the situation.

Why do people behave in such a difficult way?

There are many reasons why people have difficult behavior. 

Some possible explanations are:

1. They are experiencing negative emotions: People may act difficult if they are feeling stressed, angry, frustrated, or overwhelmed. These emotions can cause them to behave in ways that are challenging or confrontational.
2. They feel threatened: People may act difficult if they feel that their needs or interests are being threatened. They may become defensive or combative in order to protect themselves.
3. They have communication barriers: People may act difficult if they have difficulty expressing their needs or understanding others. This could be due to language barriers, cultural differences, or other communication challenges.
4. They have past traumas: People may act difficult if they have experienced past traumas or have unresolved emotional issues. These experiences can affect their behavior and make them more prone to reacting negatively in certain situations.
5. They have personality traits that make them challenging: Some people may have personality traits that make them more prone to acting difficult. For example, they may be naturally confrontational or have a tendency to be controlling or dominant.

It’s important to keep in mind that people may act difficult for a variety of reasons, and it can be helpful to try to understand the underlying causes of their behavior in order to find a resolution.

More posts you might like:

• When you have a difficult relative who drives you crazy
• What to say to someone with bad intent who tries to push your buttons 
• More comebacks you might like

The Role of counselling and self care

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Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home. 

Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.

Do you have any powerful phrases that people can use when dealing with difficult people that you think others should know about? Leave it in the comments below.