Easy Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Life by June Eding and Dr. Debbie Ellis:
1. Difficult people are a part of life. We all have to deal with difficult people, whether they’re family members, friends, coworkers, or strangers. It’s important to accept that difficult people exist and to learn how to deal with them effectively.
2. Difficult people are not bad people. They often have their own issues and problems that make them difficult to be around. Try to understand their perspective and to be compassionate.
3. You can’t change a difficult person. But you can change your reaction to them. Focus on what you can control, which is your own behavior and emotions.
4. Set boundaries. It’s important to set boundaries with difficult people to protect yourself from their negative behavior. Decide how much contact you’re willing to have with them and what topics you’re willing to discuss.
5. Communicate effectively. When you do communicate with a difficult person, be clear, direct, and respectful. Avoid getting emotional or defensive.
6. Don’t take it personally. It’s easy to take a difficult person’s behavior personally, but it’s important to remember that it’s not about you. It’s about them.
7. Don’t try to fix them. It’s not your job to fix a difficult person. They need to want to change on their own.
8. Focus on the positive. Don’t let a difficult person ruin your day. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and the people who love and support you.
9. Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you to be more resilient in dealing with difficult people.
10. Seek support. If you’re struggling to deal with a difficult person, talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. They can offer support and guidance.
11. Remember that you’re not alone. Everyone has to deal with difficult people at some point in their lives. Don’t feel isolated or ashamed.
12. Forgive. Forgiving a difficult person doesn’t mean that you have to forget what they did. It simply means that you’re letting go of the anger and resentment. Forgiveness is for your own benefit, not theirs.
13. Be patient. It takes time and effort to learn how to deal with difficult people effectively. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
14. Celebrate your successes. Even small successes, such as staying calm in the face of a difficult person, are worth celebrating. Take the time to recognize your progress.
15. Remember that you are worthy of love and respect. No matter how difficult a person is, you deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion.
How to Hug a Porcupine is a wise and compassionate guide to dealing with difficult people. By following the lessons in this book, you can learn how to protect yourself from their negative behavior, communicate with them effectively, and find peace and acceptance.
Till next week, stay blessed.
