13 tips from psychologists to avoid conflict

It is common in everyday life to come across rude people and we cannot avoid it. But we can modify our attitude to deal with it. Do you know how to react to rude people? Today the awesome.club shares some very effective advice.

Always try to get away from conflict: get out of the bedroom, office or department.

To maintain a relationship, avoid repeating your interlocutor’s words and phrases. Respond with this tone: “I understand your point of view, but it can be done this way or another”, as many times as necessary.

Try the “asymmetric response” tactic: for example, when faced with an aggressive phrase, respond with emphatic courtesy.

Don’t forget this golden rule: “let the fools go”. Although it sounds rude, in some situations you can save more than one life.

If you’ve been treated poorly or mistreated by one of the store’s employees, don’t waste your time or your calm with fights. The best course of action is to ask for the complaints and suggestions book, describe the situation, give it to management politely and ask them to take the necessary action.

If someone yells at you, fix your eyes on something like, for example, your interlocutor’s sleeves. If asked “Where are you looking” you can respond as follows: “I’m measuring the length of your sleeve, I always do this when someone pisses me off.” The “scream” will get confused and this can help to end the scene, perhaps not peacefully, but quietly and without escalating the conflict.

If the person is rude and criticizes you in a rude way, take courage and try to sit or be close to them. In that case, maybe she changes her attitude a little or reduces her negativity, more than if you kept her distance.

If a criticism doesn’t contribute anything or if the person’s opinion is indifferent to you, simply ignore it. The reaction will depend on how important the interlocutor is to you.

If you are feeling very nervous, try to force yourself to take a deep breath and balance your heartbeat. It is actually possible to control our stress with the help of more relaxed breathing.

Use the questioning technique as it is a good way to stop a rude person. Don’t be afraid to answer questions with other questions, it can help a lot too.

If you’re in a situation where sarcasm can be used, it’s a good way out. For example, you might say, “I was almost offended.” Such a response will show your interlocutor that you refuse to absorb their negativity.

An unfounded criticism is capable of upsetting any kind of relationship. Try any of these alternatives:

Try to be fair: “Yes, you’re right, I shouldn’t break the regulation and I have to be more productive.” You must try to agree. For example, if they say, “This report cannot be delivered after the deadline! You could ask for help if it is difficult to do this on time!” Your response might be, “You’re right, I probably need to improve my ability to ask for help.” Answer with popular sayings or ready-made phrases. It is useful to know a few to avoid unfounded criticism: “We are all different”, “We all live in different ways” or “People react differently to events”, for example.

Don’t get carried away. If someone has raised their voice, try to remain calm and do not over-voice like the interlocutor. This behavior will make him angry, but it will soon calm down and he is more likely to feel guilty. Keep your sense of humor. If you feel the situation is ridiculous and unimportant, don’t let it affect your mood. Don’t do anything with a hot head. Don’t think that your affairs are more important than other people’s and, in any situation, maintain your self-control.