HANDLING DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Last time we outlined some things to consider when dealing with difficult people and one of the things that I am sure stands out is the fact that we need to empathize with them.

Difficult people are difficult mostly because they have had to deal with difficult situations in their past. A girl who has suffered rape or sexual abuse as a young girl is likely going to have difficulties trusting any man in life. A boy who has suffered verbal and physical abuse in the early stages of his growing up is likely going to turn out an aggressive person because of the need for self preservation.

Person who are froward (the typical I know it all kind of person) may just be concealing a huge dose of inferiority complex. In fact I remember a Pastor friend who "knows" everyone that is important! Before you mention someone's name he will tell you the person's history and how he came to meet that person. However, it became clear that he was just trying to hide his ignorance and fears by trying to be seen as someone important.

The person who displays a negative attitude towards everything (the pessimist) may just be hiding behind a mask of fear. The fear of failure makes many people dread to try and so they look for impossibilities to justify their actions (or is it inaction). They are the ones who will always tell you how it cannot be done. I have a friend of mine who used to be a confidant but I have since stopped asking for his advice because he will always tell me how my plans may never work. 

The domineering person may just be someone who is trying to live out his or her frustration by being a victim of being dominated either by his or her parents or be someone who had authority over him or her. In their subconscious they develop a domineering attitude towards other. They are forever sending others on errands or asking people to do what they should do for themselves.

The bottom line is to help the person see that they have a problem is a gentle and subtle way. This is because no matter how you wish to run away from such persons you cannot totally avoid them. They are at the airport, markets, schools, banks, bus, taxis or along the walkway.

Handling difficult people is a skill that you and I must curtail because difficult people are people in the first place and we need them.

More next time!

Femiimevbore@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/officialecc?ref=hl
www.lifebuilder.ecwid.com 
www.elshaddaicovenantchurch.org