How to Handle Difficult People During Holiday Season

by nate on Friday, December 25th, 2009 | Diary, Inspiration, Knowledge, Life, Tips

There are six difficult types of personalities you might face during this holiday season, and you want to learn handling these situations? Try to read this:

The Food Pusher: This well-meaning but diet-sabotaging character is on a mission: She will not let you leave her house until you’ve sampled every one of her lovingly prepared dishes—mashed potatoes, sugar cookies, lasagna…the offerings never seem to end! Unless you want to be rolled to your car at the end of the night or have your own belly that shakes like a bowlful of jelly, issue a polite refusal. Try “Thanks, Grandmom, but…” followed by a compliment, à la “The trifle looks so colorful, but I’m about to burst!” Warning: Food Pushers often have selective hearing when it comes to their culinary delights, so repeat as needed. To avoid being a food pusher yourself, offer up mini-versions of favorite treats. Then everyone can have a taste, without winding up stuffed.

The Nosy Nellie: “When are you two going to start having kids?” “Nice house, how much did you pay for it?” The Nosy Nellie is full of intrusive inquiries that tend to leave you in stunned silence—or revealing information you’d rather not. Answering the interrogator’s questions sincerely may just spur more queries (”Have you started looking into adoption?”) so instead, opt for humor (”Gee, Aunt Dolores, I hear they’re looking for Barbara Walters’s replacement!”) or breeziness (”Don’t worry, if anything changes, you’ll be the first to know!”). You’ll bring the press conference to an end without awkwardness.

The Gossip: We all have a relative who insists on stirring up gossip as she stirs the gravy. Whether it’s critiquing cousin Ann’s Christmas sweater or complaining about Uncle John’s wandering eye, her penchant for dishing the dirt puts a damper on the festive spirit. Silence can be mistaken for agreement, so rather than keep mum, simply say, “This conversation is making me uncomfortable. I would rather not talk badly about so-and-so. Let’s focus on what we’re all really here for—your famous fruitcake!”

The Know-It-All: “Still living in that shoebox?” “You’d look so much younger if you’d just color your hair!” “This house is too cold—let me help you bleed those radiators!” The Know-It-All just loves to dole out unsolicited advice and often has no idea that her two cents are distasteful. While you’d be thrilled to offer up a witty retort, it’s better to keep the peace by simply smiling and saying “I appreciate your concern” or “Thanks for the tip”, then head toward the punch bowl.

The Weight Critic: “You sure filled out!” The Weight Critic often makes overt criticisms, but he or she may also use more subtle tactics. Consider your brother cracking a remark about why you shouldn’t eat another roll, or your grandmother piling your plate with mashed potatoes because she thinks you’re too thin. Take comfort in knowing that at least you’re not alone. A study in The American Journal of Pediatrics notes that more than 80 percent of college women have had a parent or sibling make negative comments about their weight or eating habits. Call her out on her rudeness without creating animosity by simply saying, “And you are telling me this because….” Ignore the critics and find your happy weight—the weight where you’re happy and comfortable in your skin.

The Not-So-Jolly Jokester: Your second cousin, the aspiring comedian, likes to practice his jokes on the family. Problem is, they aren’t funny. In fact they’re actually kind of offensive. Dumb blonde jokes don’t exactly evoke the holiday spirit, so unless you’re at a seated dinner and getting up would cause a scene, gracefully slink out to another room (”If you’ll excuse me, I have to check on the turkey”). The Will Ferrell wannabe will realize he needs to refine his act.

source: http://health.yahoo.com

Related posts: