by Vilie Farah

Created on: September 29, 2010

Everyday situations often put us to the test. Unfortunately, communication sometimes involves individuals that are very difficult to befriend. Is it possible to get along with people you dislike without starting an argument?

Being gentle and flexible is essential if you have to deal with people who are rude, arrogant or unlikable in any other way. Maintaining your composure and refraining from judging will help you handle the situation.

Remember that daily encounters can be stressful and unpleasant if you adopt a hostile attitude. To get along with people you dislike, you have to remain positive and kind.

ALWAYS BE POLITE
Even the most negative person will be affected, if you manage to remain very kind and polite throughout the conversation.

People who act in a hostile manner usually expect a similar response. Adopt the opposite approach. Show them that your composure is unbreakable and that you will retain your gentleness no matter what.

Remaining polite and calm is the best way to counter the negative attitudes of others. It is also the only manner to come out clean.

IGNORE NEGATIVITY
Most of us dislike people who have negative attitude towards out. Everyone is forced to deal with such individuals on a regular basis. Ignoring their negativity is the best strategy you can adopt.

Understand that rudeness is rarely personal. People act in such manners when they try to hide their insecurities. Never respond to aggression. You will only fall victim in its trap this way.

Negativism should leave you unaffected. Just let it pass without making a comment or answering back. Engaging in negative emotions is the most certain way to ruin your entire day.

PUT YOURSELF IN THE OTHER’S SHOES
Before you claim that you dislike somebody and you have difficulties communicating with that person, try putting yourself in the other’s shoes.

What forces the individual to act in specific ways? It could be insecurity, shyness or fear of communication. Sometimes, people have difficulties expressing their emotions properly. Maybe they were trying to be nice but instead the statement sounded hostile?

Show understanding. Very few people can be considered unlikable simply because they want to be such. The majority tries to blend in peacefully and coexist with the others. Try to find out what the reason for your conflict is before you start judging.

TRY TO WORK IT OUT
If you are having a problem with somebody, try to work it out openly.

Addressing the issue is the only certain way to deal with ambiguities and awkward situations.

Try to talk over the problem. If the person is being hostile, try to find out what caused this reaction. Maybe your own attitude was hostile in the first place.

Even if your efforts fail producing results, you will know that you gave it a try.

MINIMIZE COMMUNICATION
Even if you have the best intentions, sometimes it will be impossible to deal peacefully with the people that you dislike. Instead of going in an open confrontation, the best strategy in such instances will be to minimize communication.

Address the specific person only if communication is absolutely necessary.

Limiting interactions will also limit the instances of annoyances. This way you will be able to control your attitude and reactions.

Remember that you should always try to find a positive approach. It is possible to work differences out even with a person that you dislike intensely. Negative emotions often stem from misunderstandings and problematic communication. Do your best to be kind and approachable. Though your efforts may fail, you will know that you did the right thing.

Learn more about this author, Vilie Farah.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.