How to deal with a difficult relative

· Stay calm and relaxed around them

No matter how much they frustrate you, you must stay calm around them, because if you get irritated and burst you might just worsen things around. Learn to control your emotions when around them. Stay calm and keep smiling around them. That’s the best way you can deal with such relatives. When you are extremely triggered just step away and get some fresh air, don’t let anyone affect your mental health.

· Listen to what they have to say

Not all relatives wish your bad, sometimes they just want to help you. Even if you don’t want their advice, make sure to listen to what they have to say. You never know, one unwanted advice can bring so much change in your life. So, listen to them even if you won’t follow their advice.

· Enforce personal boundaries

Boundaries are the limitations you put to someone to protect yourself. When your relatives are getting on your nerves enforce your personal boundaries. Let them know that they are crossing the line and violating your personal space. Let all your relatives know your boundaries and make sure they maintain them.

· Stand up for yourself

If your relative is continuously demeaning you or expecting too much from you or crossing your personal boundaries, it’s for you to stand up for yourself. If you haven’t done any wrong, you don’t need to take taunts and demeaning statements from someone. But, while you stand up for yourself make sure to keep your tone lower and your words respectful.

· Learn to ignore

There are some kinds of relatives who would never understand the meaning of personal boundaries, no matter how much you progress in life they’ll always find out some negative points in you. In such a case, there’s no point in wasting your energy by getting frustrated by them, you must learn to ignore. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.