For those of us who have to deal with this personality type, there are times when things go out of hand and it results in an altercation. How can we deal with these people better and avoid awkward situations? The Week spoke to some people to find out.
Prabal Shrestha
Journalist
I have to deal with different types of people because of work and if what they are saying makes sense, then I listen to them. They don’t have to be considered as some people who are bad. I guess these kinds of people are just vocal. It also depends on what the context and the issues are. I just think that people behave in different ways. Even a dear friend can behave like that. If I don’t appreciate their opinions, then I generally ignore these people. Some people are better equipped with handling situations with them, but I am more comfortable with not saying anything to them. I try to go around them and try to avoid making things awkward.
Gunjan Upadhyay
Freelance writer
Guide to deal with person going through hard time
People have – in our part of the world – a tendency to offer unsolicited advice to all and sundry. That it is (usually) well intentioned and stems from an altruistic tendency seems to justify it. The fact that it is unwelcome is completely irrelevant to Mr ‘Johnny on the Spot’! Theoretically the best way to deal with them is to try and ignore the advice. If they are persistent, try letting them know that you have acknowledged it. A subtle nod or ‘Uh huh’ should work! If they still persist, then politely inform them that it is not the sort of advice you were seeking and further variations are unwelcome. This requires a lot of assertiveness and has the potential to offend your advisors and lead to unpleasant situations. If all else fails and you feel your inner Vesuvius rumbling, you’d do well to distance yourself from the situation altogether.
Sahara Sharma
Filmmaker
In my experience the ones who butt in other people’s business are mostly related to you. Usually they tend to misconstrue being family as a license to meddle in other people’s personal business. They want to know everything about your lives and they always have a comment or two to make. Marriage inquiries are the worst. There was a time when I was absolutely fed up with the ‘When are you getting married?’ question. It would not end there either. They would have suggestions of what I should do to next about it. I have learnt that there is no escaping these people and the best defense against them is to smile. Let it be. Before I used to think that arguing with them and pointing forth my point would silence them but that just leads to just more headaches. So whenever I have to meet such meddling individuals, I mentally prepare myself and tolerate their comments with nods.
Shradda Dhungel
PhD candidate
We all invariably meet these kinds of people and it takes a toll on you personally and professionally. You sometimes have to remind them that a person’s personal life is just that – personal – and that you ought to respect your co-worker’s privacy and choices just like you would expect him/her to respect yours. It’s as simple as that. You have to be a little tough sometimes in order not to let these things build up inside you. But even then some people will keep commenting on everything and I also think you have to learn to ignore these people and let it not affect you. It’s easier said than done but your behavior will also show them that you couldn’t care less and hopefully someday they will learn to keep their opinions to themselves.
Sunena Singh Shrestha
Reintegration officer at Burn Violence Survivors Nepal
Personally I would prefer to be friends with people who are more opinionated and interactive. They tend to be more interesting than those who don’t speak their minds. Plus there are times when we need advice from other people as well. However, having said that, there are obviously those people who don’t recognize personal boundaries. Perhaps they don’t realize that they are inferring too much. In those cases, I think a little patience would not go amiss. You need to be straight forward and tell them that they shouldn’t involve themselves so much in other people’s business. But let’s say in a way that does not hurt their feelings. It is important you make them realize where you are coming from.
