How To Handle Difficult People & Take Back Your Peace and Power

Today, you are getting research-backed strategies for handling difficult people.

In this episode, you will dive deep into how to respond to disrespect, gaslighting, and exactly what to say when someone tries to brush off their behavior with, “I was just joking.”

You and Mel are both learning from trial lawyer Jefferson Fisher, who is known for his straightforward advice, tips, and tricks on how to communicate better.

Jefferson is here to teach you exactly what to say (and what not to say) when you're dealing with a difficult person:

If you’re tired of being talked over, dismissed, or made to feel less than, it’s time to learn the techniques that will help you walk into any conversation with confidence—and walk away with your power intact.

You’ll learn how to:

• Stand up for yourself without being unlikable.
• Handle disrespect without losing your cool.
• Stop arguments before they start.
• Set boundaries without feeling guilty
• Reclaim your confidence in seconds
• Handle fake apologies and toxic conversations like a pro

After today, you’ll have the exact tools to protect your peace, reclaim your confidence, and navigate any difficult conversation with ease.

If you enjoyed this episode, and want to know more about how to protect your energy and happiness, listen to this one next: The 7-Day Reset for More Time, Energy & Happiness (Backed by Science)

Listen to Jefferson’s first appearance on The Mel Robbins Podcast here: Communicate with Confidence: The Blueprint for Mastering Every Conversation‍

Connect with Mel:

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• Disclaimer

In this episode:

• 5:12: Understanding Difficult Personalities.
• 7:53: Techniques for Dealing with Conflict.
• 12:29: The Incredible Impact of Your Words.
• 25:38: Handling Belittlement and Disrespect.
• 30:30: Dealing with Rude Behavior in Public.
• 32:56: Responding to Difficult Personalities.
• 38:28: Understanding Gaslighting.
• 43:48: Communicating with Narcissists.

Featured Expert:

Jefferson Fisher

• Pre-order Jefferson's new book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More!
• Listen to his podcast
• Follow him on Instagram and TikTok
• Subscribe to his YouTube channel

Additional Resources:

• Jefferson Fisher Free Download: Top 7 phrases to stand your ground in an argument
• American Sociological Association: The Sociology of Gaslighting
• Cleveland Health Clinic: Understanding Gaslighting: What It Means, How To Recognize It and What To Do
• National Domestic Abuse Hotline: What is Gaslighting?
• American Sociological Review: Difficult People: Who Is Perceived to Be Demanding in Personal Networks and Why Are They There?
• Harvard Business Review: How to De-Escalate an Argument with a Coworker
• Dr. Marisa Franco: How to De-Escalate Conflict
• CNBC: Harvard researcher says there are 8 types of ‘difficult’ people—and passive-aggressive is the ‘absolute worst’
• Washington Post: 8 Tips on Improving Workplace Communication
• Johns Hopkins Business School: What can 50 years of leadership communication research tell us?
• MindBodyGreen: 7 Traits Of A Difficult Person, According To The "Difficult Person Test"
• Northeastern University: Dealing with Difficult People
• Harvard Business Review - A Guide to Setting Better Boundaries
• UC Berkeley - What Are Personal Boundaries?
• The New York Times - How to Let People Down and Be OK With It