8 Effective Strategies Used by Successful People When They Dislike Someone

By Darine Ammache, Clinical Psychologist

It’s critical to keep in mind that nobody is flawless, not even you. It might be challenging to keep a good outlook and a professional approach when interacting with someone you don’t like. However, if you take these actions, you’ll be able to handle things successfully and gracefully.

1. Accepting that you can’t get on with everyone is a crucial step in dealing with someone you don’t like. Recognizing that not everyone will be a good fit for you can help you to let go of any frustration or disappointment you may feel (Henderson & Freeman, 2016).
2. Putting a positive spin on what the person is saying can help to maintain a professional and respectful demeanor. Research has shown that approaching difficult situations with a positive attitude can lead to better outcomes and improved relationships (Gable & Haidt, 2005).
3. Being aware of your own emotions and being in control of how you react to situations is essential in dealing with someone you don’t like. Studies have shown that people who have greater emotional regulation abilities are less likely to be affected by negative emotions in challenging situations (Gross, 2015).
4. Don’t take it personally. Getting some space is important to avoid overreacting and escalating the situation (Friedman & Forster, 2016).
5. Expressing your feelings calmly and considering using a referee can help to bring a level of objectivity to the situation. Third-party mediation can be effective in resolving conflicts and improving relationships (Kressel, 2017).
6. Picking your battles is a crucial step in dealing with someone you don’t like. Identifying which issues are most important and focusing on them can help to reduce stress and improve the situation (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).
7. Not being defensive when dealing with someone who belittles you can help to maintain your own self-esteem and professionalism (Crocker & Canevello, 2008).
8. Remembering that you are in control of your own happiness is important in dealing with someone you don’t like. People who have a greater sense of self-efficacy are less likely to be affected by negative emotions in challenging situations (Bandura, 1997)

References:

1. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman.
2. Barrera, M. (1986). Distinctions between social support concepts, measures, and models. American Journal of Community Psychology.
3. Gable, S. L., & Haidt, J. (2005). What (and why) is positive psychology? Review of General Psychology.
4. Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
5. Crocker, J., & Canevello, A. (2008). Creating and undermining social support in communal relationships: The role of compassionate and self-image goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
6. Henderson, M., & Freeman, J. (2016). A Qualitative Examination of Positive Psychological Constructs in Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. Journal of Health Psychology.
7. Friedman, R. S., & Forster, J. (2016). Implicit affective responses to visual stimuli. Emotion.
8. Kressel, L. M. (2017). Qualitative Inquiry in Counseling and Psychotherapy. Sage Publications.