Be The Better Person!

As we go through life, there will be people we don’t get along with, but must still tolerate — whether it is a co-worker, a boss, teacher or an acquaintance of a friend. Most people have been faced with the awkward situation of dealing with someone that we simply can't stand, and it's always difficult to know just the right way to behave.

Sometimes we don’t connect the same with certain people as we do with others, and before you can appropriately handle the situation, it is crucial that you recognize that it is okay that you don’t like them. This does not make you or them a bad person; it simply means that we aren't meant to get along with everybody!
 

When dealing with people, you must always remember that it’s not about changing others, but about changing your own perception. The best way to address an undesirable situation is to try and change the way you perceive it and your reaction to it. Trust me when I say that by changing that, everything else will begin to follow suit.

You need to establish boundaries on what behaviours you will or will not tolerate from other people. By drawing such limitations, you are clearer about what to expect from others. Many people are unaware of other people’s limits and will force their beliefs on you if they are unclear about your stance on the matter.

In most cases, I see people being unaware that they are encroaching upon someone's personal space, so it is essential to let them know where you stand the next time a similar issue arises. If a person does not stay within your boundaries, you need to reinforce them. You need to be vocal in your communications, so that your limits may be respected. However, it is important to do this respectfully, and especially so if the person is your boss, senior or elder.

Yet after doing so, there will be people who simply don’t get it. At this point, it may be in your best interest to simply ignore this person. When you respond, you give them a reason to prolong their actions. If you just ignore them, they are left with no other choice but to bother someone else. Forget and move on, there is no point further explaining if the person is unable to comprehend or accept your views. You are probably much better off spending your time with someone else.

Everyone's emotional quotient (EQ) differs greatly and this may be an interesting tip to follow. Observing situations from a third party’s perspective can give you insight on how best to manage this person. The next time you are with someone that annoys you, try to get a 3rd person involved in the conversation. Bring up a topic that they can engage in while you take a backseat and simply observe the interaction. It is amazing what you might discover!

In situations where there is someone in your social circle that you dislike but is difficult to ignore, my advise is to be tolerable or "give face". This may be in the case of a friend of a friend that seems to appear every time you least expect. Be tolerable and try not to cause friction within the circle. Also, it is best not to criticise this person in front of your other friends as it will only make you look bad!

If you unfortunate enough to have to see someone you detest on a regular basis, I have a simple word for you: "Self-Discipline". Don't let the person's words bother you. always try and be the "bigger" person. If they don't like you either, that is their own problem but you don't want to go out looking for trouble with others, do you? I believe that if you treat someone with enough respect (despite disliking that person), others will see it and treat you with utmost respect. When dealing with people, you always get what you give. What's the point of letting what they say affect you? At the end, it will always be you feeling miserable. Live and let live; what goes around, comes around. Don't let difficult people bother you, if anything, take this opportunity to show others the true meaning of being magnanimous. Be the better person...always!