Learn valuable tips on how to talk to someone who doesn’t like you with patience, empathy, and effective communication skills. Improve relationships and foster mutual respect today.To deal with someone who doesn’t like you very much, you need to have patience, flexibility and a lot of emotional intelligence.
It’s not always possible to please everyone, and that’s completely normal – after all, differences are part of our lives. But having to deal with someone who doesn’t like you can be a very uncomfortable situation, whether at work, with friends or even with family.
In these moments, a simple conversation can turn into a real test of patience. But the time has come to put pride aside and show superiority in this relationship. To help you, MinhaVida interviewed psychologist Danilo Suassuna, who shared strategies on how to talk to people you don’t have an affinity with. Follow along:
3 Tips for Talking to Someone Who Doesn’t Like You
Talking to someone who doesn’t like you can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to build bridges and reduce any tension. Whether it’s personal or professional, the right approach can make all the difference.
According to psychologist Danilo Suassuna, the most powerful practice is a simple tip: “listen more and talk less”. When we stop to listen, we show the person that we value their opinion, which can reduce initial resistance and open up a more welcoming space for dialogue. Follow the expert’s complete tips:
1. Active listening and patience
Practicing active listening is essential to reducing conflicts . When we pay full attention to what someone has to say, we allow them to express themselves, which can ease some of the tension. According to Danilo, “instead of interrupting or trying to defend your point of view, ask questions that encourage the other person to express what they are feeling. An approach like ‘I want to better understand what bothered you’ can open up space for a more productive conversation,” the psychologist recommended.
2. Take advantage of nonverbal communication
Our body language can be just as powerful as our words. Maintaining a relaxed and open posture – avoiding crossing your arms and maintaining eye contact – conveys openness and reduces the feeling of confrontation. Danilo reinforces that “these signals show that you are approachable and willing to listen. A calm and friendly tone of voice can also help reduce tension and prevent the other person from feeling the need to defend themselves.”
3. Show empathy
Empathy is essential to dealing with any form of resistance. Often, the dislike or hostility is not directed at you personally, but rather a result of emotions or experiences that the other person is carrying.
“Trying to understand what might be behind their behavior — perhaps frustration, fear or fatigue — helps you approach the conversation with more compassion. When a person feels that their feelings are understood, they are more likely to calm down and be open to dialogue,” Danilo said.
If the person continues to be rude to you, the psychologist will tell you what to do.
Even with all the patience and best intentions in the world, dealing with someone who insists on being rude can end up shaking anyone’s emotional balance. In these situations, psychologist Danilo Suassuna suggests that it is essential to remain calm and set boundaries : “it is important to remember that the other person’s aggressive behavior is not necessarily about you.”
Practices to face this situation with more clarity:
– Stay calm and avoid taking it personally: It can be difficult to not let someone else’s rudeness shake your peace of mind, but it is essential. By not taking the other person’s actions personally, you preserve your emotional stability and can deal with the situation rationally.
– Set boundaries with respect: If the person continues to be rude, it’s important to make it clear that you won’t accept disrespect. Danilo suggests a direct but peaceful approach, such as: “I understand that you’re upset, but we need to have a respectful conversation so we can work through this together.” This communicates your willingness to engage in dialogue without sacrificing respect.
– Know when to take a break: Sometimes it’s best to take a break from the conversation. Saying something like, “Maybe we need some time to reflect and continue this conversation later” helps prevent the conflict from escalating and gives both parties a chance to process their feelings.