How to deal with difficult conversations?

This guide is NOT for you; it is for ME. Sorry, I probably need this guide more than you, at least nowadays.

But I know that I am not alone in dealing with difficult conversations in professional life, personal life, or on social media. So, I decided to share this guide with you.

You’re welcome.

I thought about difficult conversations that I had in the last couple of months and tried to come up with good responses so that I can use them in future difficult conversations. As we all know, we cannot avoid difficult conversations but we can get better in our responses.

What to do if someone is disrespectful to you?

Step 1: Long silence, almost awkward. Long enough that the person may rethink what just he or she said.

Step 2: “That is below my standards for a response.”¹

Wow. I wish I had learned this response a few months ago. This could have saved so much time spent dwelling on a conversation where I was treated with disrespect and couldn’t respond properly.

Anyway, for the next disrespectful conversation, I am ready.

What to do if someone accuses you but does not want to listen to you?

Step 1: Breathe and remember: you don’t need to win the conversation, you need to protect your peace.

Step 2: “I see that you’ve already made up your mind. If you’re ever open to hearing my side, I’m here.”

Oh my god. How beautiful is this response?

What to do if you are in a group setting and there is one person who dominates the conversation and does not want to listen to others?

Step 1: Make eye contact with someone else in the group and wait for a natural pause.

Step 2: “I’d love to hear what [name] thinks about this too.”

What to do if someone interrupts you consistently during the conversation?

Let them. (Especially if the topic is not important.)

Or

“I am not done yet.”

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Bonus: How to deal with stupid people on social media (yes, unfortunately, they exist)?

First: Let’s rename them. Not because they don’t exist—but because “stupid” makes us sound angrier than we want to be.

Let’s call them keyboard warriors.

Step 1: Don’t take the bait.
They thrive on emotional reactions. If your comment or story stirred something in them, that’s not your responsibility—it’s their unresolved.

Step 2: Ask yourself:
“Does this need a response or a block?”

Most of the time, block.

If you must respond, respond for others watching, not the person commenting.
“I share perspectives here, not arguments. You're welcome to disagree—but personal attacks won’t get my time.”

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I will go back to this guide for myself from time to time just to refresh my memory and be always ready for difficult conversations.

Yes, life is hard.

If you have any other ways to deal with difficult conversations, I love to hear them.

Cheers,

Sidika

1. Watch the first minute of this video.