How To Get Along with Difficult People

This year, I'm working on forgiveness, as you already know from my post HERE.  But let's face it: no matter how much we forgive, sometimes peole we have interaction with can still be difficult.  As a path to forgiveness, I'm trying to keep the following list close at hand, so that when these "difficult" people come into my life, or perhaps they're already in my life and I have to interact with them, I can be ready to release any negative energies that I might hold inside that could potentially foster unforgiveness.  I know, I know.  It sounds like a lot of work.  But bascially, if you're dealing with difficult people, here's a list of ways you can cope with it without sacrificing your dignity OR your happness.

1. Don't Take Anything This Person Says or Does Personally.

You don't know what may be going on inside them, or what their life is like. It's quite easy to sit back and say "they should behave like this" or "I wish they were like such"  but the reality of it is, you simply can't know what goes on with them.  And frankly, it's none of your business, unless they decide to confide in you.  So if this difficult person is creating an environment of tension or anger, don't take it personally. They aren't mad at you.  In fact, they  may actually be mad at themselves.

2.  Establish Some Firm Boundaries with this Person.

Yes, you want to live in peace with everyone.  No, you don't want arguments.  And you can do both, even if there is a difficult personality involved.  Be cordial and polite.  Do not interrupt or aruge. That may be what this difficult person wants.  If they try to start an argument, DO NOT engage in it.  Address their expressions in a polite but firm manner, and if you have to, WALK AWAY.  Let me repeat that one: if you have to, WALK AWAY.  You can.  It is allowed.  Don't allow this  other person's negativity to knock you off your road to peace and harmony.  You can't control their reactions or their attitude.  But you CAN control yours.  After you're done this a few times, this person will start to realize that you've drawn a line in the sand: a boundary that they shouldn't cross.  They'll start to get it, and maybe it will change the way they interact with you.

3.  Forgive and Let Live.

In other words, let it go.  Don't allow this difficult individual to rent space in your head. It will eat your energy. Say what you need to say, listen to what they have to say, and then let it go.  You don't have to be right all the time. In the interest of peace and self-preservation, don't think you have to have the last word.  In the grandeur of the universe, it just doesn't matter.  Keep your joy.  Let it go.  You'll be very glad you did.

Oh...and...DON'T FORGET:  Tuesday, Feb 1, my posts on Wholesale for Handmade begins.  Tell your friends, and make sure you're following the feed.   There will be a lot of good business advice for indie artisans, so you don't want to miss it.