We’ve all met them; people who suck the joy right out

of your day from the moment they walk through the door.

They are annoying, small-minded and difficult and act

like a pimple on the backside of humanity that you just want to lance with a

heated needle. Unfortunately, they are our neighbours, co-workers, classmates,

even family members and so we have to learn to live with them as prison is no

place to be, especially in a pandemic!

So how to you cope with these soul-suckers? You first

have to accept them for who they are and how they are. Unless they have a come-to-Jesus

moment, people rarely change so take them at face value and do not stress over.

You know you don’t have to like them and chances are your face has already

conveyed this so keep conversations short and as neutral as possible.

State your need and do not let them talk over you.

Some of these difficult people can also be manipulative so try not to fall for

the foolishness. If they get loud and aggressive or start showing out, pause to

process the negative behaviour but do not engage.

 If they get

disrespectful, avoid ‘tit for tat’ behaviour as then you’d be sinking to their

level. When they get fresh, as hard as it for not to tell them some choice

words, remain calm. This will show others witnessing the exchange that you’re not

the aggressor and are not in the wrong. After that, their credibility will have

more holes than your grandmother’s favourite ‘duster’! Stick to the facts and

never let them see you sweat.