» Most people with personality disorders
have what is sometimes referred to as "disorders of the self,"
because they often don’t believe that there is anything wrong with them. They
think, “This is me,” or “This is the way I have always been,” and self-preservation
makes them want to stay that way. Personality disordered people are the ones
who usually come to mind when we think of the term, “toxic person.” Here are
some insights and steps for dealing with these highly difficult - even,
impossible - people
1. Recognize that impossible people exist;
there isn't a thing you can do about it. The first step is all about facing
reality: if you think you might be dealing with an impossible person, you're
probably right.. The headaches you save will be your own.
2. Do not call them out because it will
frustrate them. They could become more difficult, but just stand your ground
and be confident.
3. Be aware that some people simply aren't
compatible. Sometimes, a person who gets along with everybody else quite well
is an impossible person for you personally. Most relationships between people
contain many shades of gray, but some people simply mix as well as oil and
water. It is common to hear your impossible person proclaim that "Everyone
else likes me." This is an attempt to shift the blame to you, so don't buy
it. It doesn't matter how this person interacts with others. The fact is, the
way the two of you interact together is terrible. Remember that blame never
changes the facts.
4. Understand that it's not you, it's them.
This can be surprisingly difficult, considering that impossible people have
complete mastery of blaming skills. Chances are, the more often they blame you,
the more they themselves are actually at fault. Keep in mind that this is not
to be used as a way to blame them. Blaming is what impossible people do, and
they do it well. Instead, you are only facing the facts, for your own sake.
That being said, here's a simple way to tell: if you accept responsibility for
your own faults and resolve to improve yourself, it's probably not you.
Remember, impossible people "can do no wrong."
5. Defuse them. Stay calm, don't spit angry
words at them, and whatever you do don't cry - this will only stimulate them to
do more of the difficult behaviour. Try ignoring them. Do not, under any
circumstances, join them in bashing, blaming or complaining. Do not bad talk to
their face or to anyone else because then you are sinking down to their level.
Add something positive. Redirect by focusing on something, anything, positive
in the situation or in the conversation. Whatever you do just stay calm!
It can help to realize that the side of a conversation that contains the most
truth will always win out, and it's best to "name the game" that an
impossible person is playing, usually by asking them or the group a question
that starts "Why...," (rephrasing their "impossible"
position to illuminate the consequences). You will move the conversation to a
higher level, and the group, or even just the impossible individual, in a one-on-one,
will respond to this "higher truth," although the individual will
usually respond by (more) obfuscating.
Avoid one-on-ones with this type of person, actively; in other words, when you
see them coming to corner you, suggest, and then demand that at least a third
party be brought in. This will often thwart the impossible person's plans, and
a typical response from them will be to unilaterally decide that "we don't
need anyone else." You are perfectly free to claim your need for a third
party to help your understanding, and insist upon it. Bullies never stand up to
a crowd.
6. Realize that you cannot deal with
impossible people the same way you deal with everyone else. In some ways, they
need to be treated like children. Give up all hope of engaging these folks in
any kind of reasonable conversation. It will never happen, at least with you.
Remember what happened the last fifty times you tried to have a civilized
discussion about the status of your relationship with this person. Chances are,
every such attempt ended in you being blamed for everything. Decide now to quit
banging your head against a brick wall.
To be continued....!!