If someone finds you difficult to deal with, they’ll usually display these 9 behaviors

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | October 20, 2024, 3:10 pm

Understanding social dynamics can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. It’s hard to gauge how others perceive us, isn’t it?

But here’s a tip: People often drop hints about how they’re feeling, especially if they find you a bit challenging.

In this article, we’re going to uncover nine common behaviors people show when they’re finding your personality a bit tough to handle. It’s not about blame—it’s about building bridges and fostering understanding.

Ready to decode these signs? Let’s dive in!

1) They avoid conversations with you

Communication is everything, right? But what happens when someone finds it tough to deal with you?

They might start dodging conversations, both big and small. It’s not just about avoiding the deep talks—they might even skip the casual chit-chat or simple hellos.

And it’s not just face-to-face chats. They might also dodge digital communication, taking forever to reply to your texts, emails, or social media messages—or sometimes, not replying at all.

Now, don’t jump to conclusions just yet! Missing a message now and then happens to everyone. But if it’s a consistent pattern, it might be a sign they’re finding you a bit tricky.

2) They’re constantly on the defensive

Ever observed how people react when they’re uncomfortable or feeling backed into a corner? They put up defenses, both in what they say and how they act.

Take, for instance, a former coworker of mine. Whenever I approached him, he’d tightly cross his arms over his chest—a clear non-verbal signal of discomfort. I also noticed our talks were often tense, with him getting defensive over even minor things.

Looking back, these were signs he found me tough to handle. It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about understanding the situation and finding ways to communicate better.

So, if you see someone constantly getting defensive around you, it might be worth stepping back and figuring out why. It could hold the key to improving your relationship dynamic.

3) They limit their body language

Body language speaks volumes. It’s a powerful form of non-verbal communication that can reveal what someone really feels about you.

When someone finds it comfortable to interact with you, they tend to be more open and expressive with their body language. They’ll maintain eye contact, face you directly, and use their hands while talking.

However, if they find you difficult to deal with, they may limit their body language. This could manifest as avoiding eye contact, facing away from you, or keeping their arms crossed or in their pockets.

Research shows that 55% of communication is through body language, a silent yet eloquent speaker of our innermost feelings and perceptions. If you notice someone consistently displaying closed-off body language around you, it might be an indication of their discomfort.

4) They frequently interrupt you

Getting constantly interrupted in a conversation isn’t just frustrating—it’s downright disrespectful. It feels like the person cutting you off doesn’t value what you have to say.

Now, if someone finds you a bit challenging, interruptions might become a common occurrence when you’re talking. It could be their way of trying to assert dominance or showing they’re uncomfortable with the conversation.

But here’s the thing: Interruptions aren’t always a sign they find you tough. It could just be their communication style or a habit they’ve picked up.

That said, if they mainly interrupt you, it’s worth digging deeper. Understanding why can go a long way in improving how you both communicate.

5) They avoid eye contact

Eye contact speaks volumes in communication. It signals openness, honesty, and genuine interest in what’s being said.

Here’s the kicker: When someone finds you a bit tough to handle, they might dodge making eye contact. It could be their way of keeping a distance or showing they’re uncomfortable.

Now, remember, eye contact norms vary from person to person and culture to culture. So, don’t read too much into it on its own. But if it’s part of a pattern alongside other behaviors we’ve talked about, it might be worth noting as a clue to how they see you.

6) They rarely initiate conversation

Remember those moments of excitement when you and a friend were deep in conversation? That mutual joy of sharing thoughts, ideas, or just the day’s happenings?

Here’s the scoop: If someone finds you a bit tough to handle, that joy might be missing. They might not reach out to chat as often, leaving you feeling a bit down.

It’s tough realizing someone you care about isn’t reaching out. But understanding why can be the first step in patching things up and strengthening your bond.

7) They seem disinterested in your life

There’s something special about sharing life’s ups and downs with others—it’s what builds those strong connections we cherish.

But when someone finds you a bit challenging, they might not show much interest in your life. They might skip asking about your day or how you’re feeling, keeping their emotional distance.

I’ve been there myself, feeling that gap with a friend. Our talks felt surface-level, and she rarely dug into my life. It took me a bit to realize she found me a bit tough to handle.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but understanding is the first step toward change. Once we know better, we can do better, right?

8) They cut conversations short

We all love a good, hearty chat, right? But when someone finds you difficult to deal with, they might be eager to wrap up conversations quickly.

You might notice them frequently checking the time, looking distracted, or rushing to end the conversation. This could be their way of minimizing contact or expressing their discomfort subtly.

Again, it’s vital not to jump to conclusions based on this behavior alone. But if you notice this trend consistently, particularly when combined with other signs we’ve discussed, it could be indicative of their struggle in dealing with you.

9) They seem relieved when you part ways

Facing the fact that someone finds you challenging can sting, but it’s crucial to acknowledge. You might notice a visible sense of relief in them once your interaction wraps up.

It could be a subtle change in their body language—a relieved sigh, a sudden lightness, or a quick exit. It’s like they’ve shed a burden.

But make no mistake: It’s not about you being a bad person or them being insensitive. It’s just about the dynamic between you two, something that can be understood and improved upon.

Empathy is the name of the game

In essence, empathy is a powerful tool for grasping why someone might find you challenging. It means putting yourself in their shoes and seeing things from their angle.

Here’s the thing: When we make an effort to see the world through their eyes, communication just flows better, and relationships get stronger.

So, next time you notice someone struggling with you, give empathy a shot. Take a moment to step into their shoes, see things from their perspective.

It might not always be easy, but believe me, it’s worth it. Understanding? That’s the secret sauce for deeper connections.