When People Are Hard: Five Ways to Stay Steady

It’s the season of awkward family dinners, annual gatherings, and end-of-year office parties. And with that comes… the difficult people. You know the ones we’re talking about. Don’t let them spoil the fun, there are ways to master the art of dealing with them.

5 Tips for dealing with difficult people.

1) Take a mindfulness moment.

Let’s start with a simple one: breathe. Yes, really. Practicing mindfulness doesn’t mean you have to spend hours meditating in a room. Even a quick pause during your day to take a deep breath or focus on something calming can work wonders. Find a quiet, comfortable spot and become completely present. When you’re calm, you’re in control and that energy is contagious.

2) Know what gets you.

We all have those things (or people) that push our buttons. Maybe it’s your chatty coworker who doesn’t know when to stop, or that family member who always comments on your life choices. Instead of letting these moments blindside you, take some time to figure out your triggers before you are in a aggravating situation. Knowing what tends to set you off means you can approach these situations prepared and unbothered. You’ve got this.

3) Get curious about behavior.

Here’s a secret: most people’s bad behavior isn’t about you, it’s about them. Stress, insecurity and fear can make anyone act out and lash out. By understanding this, you can approach tricky situations with curiosity instead of frustration. Think: What’s really going on there? When you shift from judgment to empathy, you might find yourself handling things with more patience, not take things as personally and even with a touch of humor.

4) Plan your exit strategy.

Sometimes the best way to deal is to dodge. Have a plan in place for those tough conversations or tense meetings. Whether it’s setting clear boundaries, gently redirecting the topic or even taking a graceful timeout, having an exit strategy can help you feel in control. Write down a few go-to phrases or tactics to keep in your back pocket, like a verbal superhero cape, ready to save the day.

5) Keep it light, keep it positive.

Dealing with difficult people doesn’t have to be a major energy drain. By staying mindful, understanding your triggers, practicing empathy and having a plan you’ll be ready to handle anything (or anyone) that comes your way. Remember, your calm, confident energy can be your superpower.

This season, focus less on changing others and more on leading yourself with calm, confidence, and intention because the way you show up can change the entire dynamic. So smile, take a deep breath and know you’ve got what it takes to keep things light and positive.

-Julie "Brain Lady" Anderson