Quick Tips: How to deal with people you don't like.

Ever faced people who bother you? I’m sure all of you have faced such people before. It’s okay when we have to face them just once or twice, but there are times when these people emerge in facets of our life where we have to deal with them on an ongoing basis. They can be business associates, fellow colleagues, friends, or even family members and relatives. In such cases, we have to learn how to deal with them. Here are a couple of tips in order to help you deal with people you dont like.

First and foremost you need to set boundaries to yourself about what you will and will not tolerate. Its important to set a level of mutual respect even though you two might dislike each other. Be clear on what you will tolerate and what you will not tolerate. Then stick with it.

You have your own personal space and it’s your right to protect your space. By drawing the boundaries, even if just mentally, you are clearer of the kind of behaviors to expect from others. If you don’t do so, it’s easy for you to be pushed over by others, especially since such people tend not to be conscious of personal boundaries. You’ll wind up shrinking in a corner and feeling miserable.

If someone wants to get together with you, to spend time with you, or to hang out together, merely tell them that you are not available. If this is done every time they ask you, most people will get the hint and move on.

This extends to phone calls as well. If this person calls you, be polite, but keep it short. Don't tell them very much information about what you are up to, or what it going on, just tell them that you are very busy right now, or in the middle of something, and that you would like to talk with them at another time. You don't have to lie to them and tell them you will call them back later or the next day, If you don't intend to do so. Ignoring is effective in the right moments. When you respond, you give them a reason to continue their behavior. If you just ignore, they don’t have a choice but to seek out someone else. Not only that, it also hints to them about their behavior and helps them do some self-reflection.

When its impossible to ignore this person due to projects or group work its necessary that you are professional with them. Make sure you finish the project because the person you're working will not care whether you like your partner or not he just wants to the job done. This does not mean that you have to become best friends with your partner but be mutually respective of each others.