Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Stay calm when people are bothering you
• Method 2 of 4: Get people to leave you alone
• Method 3 of 4: Restore a relationship
• Method 4 of 4: End the relationship

There are always times when someone annoys us over and over again. Yet we often have no choice but to deal with it. Even if we can stop it, it has to be done in a way that doesn't challenge the other person further. Dealing with people we don't like requires that we consider our own needs and those of those around us.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Stay calm when people are bothering you

1. Don't respond. Often times, people will harass you to get a response. Don't try to get angry or non-verbally express your displeasure. Do not roll your eyes, do not make angry faces or mumble things, otherwise you can only fuel the fire with that.
   • Remember, saying nothing doesn't make you weak.
   • Take a few deep breaths and focus on your breathing to calm yourself.
   • Think of the big picture. A physical confrontation can cost you your health, your job or your education. Remember what's really important and try to put these minor annoyances into perspective.
2. Change the subject. If you can sense a conflict coming up, changing the subject can be a good way to distract someone. Often times, annoying people will resist despite being clearly wrong, seeing the confrontation as a battle between egos. Once you debunk the situation, they may no longer feel the need to assert themselves.
   • For example, if someone invades your space, try to direct them to something in your environment that is funny or interesting. If someone is bothering you with an unpleasant topic of conversation, try to bring up something else that you know will interest them.
3. Stay rested and happy. Your ability to tolerate annoying people is proportional to how emotionally and mentally stable you are. Rest and try to have a good time. If you seem to get annoyed with others too often, think about whether there is anything you could restore in your own life to cultivate a sunnier disposition.
4. Remember that sometimes you are the gland. It can be difficult for us to spot our own mistakes. If someone keeps complaining about your behavior or asking for something you don't think they deserve, it's worth remembering that you might be unreasonable. Listen to friends and family when they criticize your behavior to get a sense of your own mistakes.

Method 2 of 4: Get people to leave you alone

1. Indicate when you are leaving. It will be a lot easier to end a conversation if you make it clear in the beginning that you don't have much time. Indicate that you have an appointment or need to make a phone call. Specifically, tell them you have five or ten minutes left so they aren't surprised if you suddenly run off.
2. Start by indicating that you are about to leave. Most people will get the hint when you start packing your things and stare into the distance. By using body language to make it clear that you have to leave, you will avoid an awkward conversation and convince the other person that he or she can no longer talk to you.
3. Make a polite excuse. If you've told someone you're short on time, you've started packing, and they still haven't responded, you may just need to tell them right away to go. Try to do this politely and pretend you're sorry.
4. Get someone else's help. Think of a way to flag a friend so he or she can get you out of the conversation. However, you can just start talking to someone else close to you. The other person should realize that they are no longer part of the conversation and eventually leave.
5. Scream. If someone refuses to leave you alone, go to a crowded place and yell. Say something like, "Leave me alone." The fear that other people will step in to protect you will push even the most stubborn of people to give up.
   • This is an extreme solution. In general, it is best to refrain from doing this unless you think the person may be putting your safety at risk.

Method 3 of 4: Restore a relationship

1. Point out annoying habits of others. Don't be afraid to tell them how you feel. Instead of accusing them of doing something wrong, use "I statements" to explain the effect of their behavior on you. For example, say something like, "I feel ______ when you do that _______ because _______."
   • There are several benefits to "I" statements. Instead of blaming them, talk about how you feel. In addition, instead of exaggerating by making a general statement such as "you are always angry," you can indicate exactly when the other person's bad behavior is occurring. That makes it easier for the other to correct his or her behavior.
2. Ask why they behave the way they do. If they are clingy, anxious, or overly talkative, it could be because they have their own personal issues. Ask them if there is anything wrong. Talking about the problem can help the person get over it. If not, see if there is anything you can do to help the person get over the problems.
3. Find out if the person is willing to change. After raising the person's mistakes, give them time to respond. See if they are willing to change their own behavior and avoid the habits that can lead to the things that can irritate you. Don't try to force your will on the other person, or they will likely fight back. You have already told the person what you think; give the other person a moment to let it sink in.
   • Remember that patience is important. If the person doesn't seem to respond, try to make your message clearer by pointing out when the other person's behavior is bothering you. Do it in a non-confrontational way, like "Don't you think that question is a bit too personal?"
   • There is evidence that people who have close personal relationships are happier than those who don't, but maintaining those relationships will generally be difficult and require sacrifice. Don't give up until you've given the other person a chance to improve.
4. Indicate that you need to take a break. If the person persists in the behavior and you don't think you have the patience to tolerate it, start the conversation and be honest. Just tell them that the friendship isn't working for you and that you need some time apart. Say it hurts you to say this, but it's better than putting the other person on a leash.
   • This gives the person more time to let your comments sink in and try to develop. This can help save your relationship by preventing an outburst of anger that would only make things worse.
   • Remember that you might be doing the person a favor. If everyone around you hates you, wouldn't you like to know how to change that?
   • Be polite and stick to "I statements". "I'm going through a rough time now and it bothers me when you ask personal questions because it reminds me of what happened. Can I catch my breath in the coming weeks? "

Method 4 of 4: End the relationship

1. Introduce them to some new friends. Maybe you know other people who have the same interests as the person, or maybe you know some people who have a higher tolerance for dealing with annoying people than you. Try introducing them to people near your school or workplace who might be distracting them. Don't introduce them to mutual friends, as that might force you to spend more time with them.
2. Break every contact. If the person is not very close to you, it is acceptable to cut off contact. Don't make friends with them on social networks, ignore or block their calls and emails, and try to avoid situations where you might encounter them. Most relationships have a trial stage, where you can expect to be able to break it off if things don't go smoothly.
   • This is not a valid strategy if you have been friends for years or live or work close enough to run into each other again and again.
3. Indicate that you no longer want to be friends. When you end a relationship with a close friend, you should do it directly and personally. To ease the blow, start by sharing what you liked about the other person and your relationship. Be honest about why you don't want to be friends anymore, but in a way that is neutral and not offensive.
   • Instead of accusing the other of doing wrong, state in a general way what you're looking for in a friend: "My life is stressful right now, and I need relaxed and empathetic people around me."