Classy people use these 12 strategies when forced to interact with people they don't like

What do you do when you have no choice but to deal with someone you don’t like?

A person with short blond hair smiles while holding a coffee cup at a desk. Another individual faces them, partially visible. There are papers, a tablet, and a pen holder on the desk in a bright office setting.

There will always be people we get along well with, and those we can barely tolerate. People who lack class will often get into screaming matches with those they despise, while classier folks have a number of strategies that they use to get through uncomfortable situations with grace and dignity, such as the following.

1. They remain as elegantly composed as possible.

A group of professionals in an office meeting. A man in a denim shirt leans forward, shaking hands with another person, while two others watch and smile. Sunlight filters through a large window in the background.

They may conduct themselves like royalty, remaining completely unaffected by anything that goes on around them. They maintain an elegant air, keep their posture and voice genteel, and show no reaction if and when the people around them behave like utter fools.

2. They do not react when someone is antagonistic toward them.

A young woman with long brown hair sits on a couch, looking away thoughtfully with her chin resting on her hand. An older woman with curly blonde hair and glasses sits behind her, appearing to speak to her with an expressive gesture.

Those who actively dislike unpleasant or narcissistic relatives often have to contend with awful behavior at holiday gatherings. As such, they often employ “grey rock” behavior, and don’t show any emotion whatsoever when others are antagonistic. They stay as neutral and unbothered as possible, much to the antagonizer’s dismay.

3. They redirect the conversation to more positive topics.

Two women engaged in a conversation in a bright, white space with a glass-paneled ceiling. They are smiling, one holding a piece of paper, both wearing professional attire. The image is taken from a low angle, emphasizing the open and airy environment.

If a classy person is forced to interact with someone who complains incessantly or doesn’t have anything nice to say about anyone, they’ll often ask that person for advice on a topic that’s important to them. Alternatively, they might ask them to tell them a story about when someone did something nice for them.

4. They are relentlessly positive and kind.

Two men sitting at a wooden table, both enjoying lattes. The man on the left, wearing a white shirt, is smiling and has his glasses in hand. The man on the right, in a striped shirt, is holding a cup of coffee close to his face, appearing thoughtful.

There are few things that can disarm a miserable person like someone who isn’t just unaffected by their misery, but who seems to transmute it into light and joy. Oh, you despise aunt Hilda’s potato salad recipe? What a perfect opportunity to perfect it with your own additions instead! How joyous.

5. They change the focus with a compliment.

Two women sit at a kitchen table engaged in conversation. One woman with dark hair gestures while speaking, and the other woman with blonde hair listens. Various kitchen items, including a milk carton, cups, and bowls, are on the table.

When dealing with someone they actively dislike, classy people will often compliment something about them. This is because it gives the troll a confidence boost, and they’re often so delighted to talk about something they like about themselves that they’ll forget what they were griping about a moment ago.

6. They seek common ground.

A man in an orange shirt sits at a table, engaged in a conversation with another person in a blue shirt. They are in a bright setting with shelves visible in the background. The man appears to be listening attentively.

One of the most effective ways of easing tension with somebody one actively dislikes is to keep the focus on common ground. No matter who you’re talking to, it’s inevitable that you have at least one interest, hobby, or shared trait that you can discuss in a positive manner.

7. They keep the conversation neutral with “small talk”.

A man in a suit and glasses is speaking to a woman in a black outfit. They are standing outside, next to a building with a tiled wall. The man holds a pen and notebook, appearing engaged in conversation.

People often dislike those whose personal or political interests are polar opposites to their own. As such, a classy way to avoid potential conflict (and insult-slinging) is to stick to small talk, rather than going into deep-dives about topics that are lighting up news broadcasts on a weekly basis.

8. They maintain a sense of humor.

Two people sitting on a couch engage in a conversation in a living room. One person with curly hair wears a white shirt, while the other has their back to the camera. A guitar and a tall plant are in the background.

Some people who like to antagonize others have no idea how to respond when people laugh at them instead of getting upset. Classy folks recognize that how others behave toward them is a reflection of themselves, so they laugh off judgmental comments or ignorant blatherings as utterly insignificant.

9. They avoid revealing any personal information.

A woman with curly hair in a white blouse is smiling and engaging in conversation with a man wearing a plaid cap and a brown jacket. They are standing indoors near a window.

People can’t attack others if they don’t have any ammunition. As such, some of the classiest people around will avoid giving others any info that might be used against them. Some might establish that they don’t discuss their personal lives, while others will just wave off such topics as boring.

10. They refrain from retaliating to personal attacks.

A woman in business attire, wearing glasses, looks directly at a man with an intense expression, while pointing her finger. Another man, also in business attire, sits beside her, appearing surprised. The background is white, creating a clean, professional setting.

Drama farmers and narcissists feed off the emotional responses they get from hurting other people. Classy people make it clear that personal attacks don’t bother them in the least, thus starving the former individuals of their food source. Instead, they’ll smile and change the subject, or even pretend that they didn’t hear what was said.

11. They keep themselves occupied with busy tasks.

A woman serves a platter of food at an outdoor dining table with several people seated. The table is set with various dishes, drinks, and decorations. A brick wall and greenery are in the background, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.

If a person is at an event where they’re surrounded by those they dislike, they’ll ensure that they’re too busy to interact with anyone for very long. This might involve helping the host with serving or cleanup, or walking around to get attendees to sign a guest book, and so on.

12. They leave the vicinity whenever they need to.

A person grips a red metal bar, opening a black lever handle on a door. The scene is indoors, highlighting the hand's action on the door mechanism, suggesting the door is being pushed or secured.

If the strategies listed here stop working, or the people in question are too appalling to contend with anymore, a classy person will find a way to get some space. They might take regular breaks to get some fresh air or use the restroom, or even leave early, with gracious appreciation for the host’s hospitality.