Some people can be difficult to get along with, and that’s okay. The key is understanding what makes them difficult and finding ways to work together effectively.
One way to assess someone’s complexity is by taking an online personality test like the Difficult Person Test. Conceived by clinical psychologist Chelsea Sleep, this quiz measures seven key traits that may indicate someone being perceived as difficult.
Aggressiveness
Someone who is aggressive can easily intimidate others or cause others to feel uncomfortable. They tend to be loud and passionate about their beliefs, often finding it difficult to accept criticism or lack of support from those close to them.
Researchers have recently noted that people who are difficult to get along with tend to possess an aggressive personality trait. In a study published in Psychological Science by Dr. Chelsea Sleep and her colleagues, researchers examined thousands of responses to various questionnaires from thousands of individuals.
They discovered that an individual’s score on these questionnaires indicated how difficult they were to get along with. From their analysis, they compiled a list of seven traits which appear to be responsible for someone’s aggressive personality.
Miller describes callousness as a lack of empathy or concern for others. According to her, those who exude this trait tend to make others feel unsafe or defensive around them.
Another sign of narcissism is grandiosity, or an overwhelming sense of superiority over others. This could manifest in displays of bragging or contempt towards those around you.
Aggressiveness can be a powerful tool in the hands of sports players or businesspeople who desire to assert their authority. But it also has toxic consequences in the workplace and damages relationships.
Managers or team leaders who must manage challenging personalities have some strategies to keep their staff from feeling overwhelmed and worn-down. Try keeping everyone focused on major projects while being open to new ideas.
Callousness
The callous personality trait is one of the hallmarks of those who can be difficult to get along with. They lack empathy and often act in a way that causes others to feel unsafe or defensive around them.
Narcissists tend to exhibit these traits more than other individuals, though they can occur in other difficult individuals as well. According to research led by clinical psychologist Chelsea Sleep at the University of Georgia, people high in grandiosity were significantly more likely to demonstrate these characteristics than those who were lower in these characteristics.
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC and licensed mental health counselor at PsychPoint, believes this can indicate people don’t care how their actions impact others or lack guilt. They may also reject responsibility for their decisions and attempt to exert power over those around them.
Researchers have connected certain personality traits to antisocial outcomes, such as aggression and conduct issues. It’s critical to identify these traits early on – ideally in childhood – in order to prevent them from developing into serious adult issues.
Parents can help their children develop this trait by teaching them positive reinforcement and appropriate consequences for their behavior. But it’s important to note that children with these traits often don’t respond well to praise or punishment because they don’t feel good about what they’re doing.
Researchers have created a special parenting program for these kids, though its effectiveness remains uncertain. They hope the method will teach the children how to respond appropriately when praised or punished, leading to improved behavioral patterns.
Grandiosity
Grandiosity is a personality trait in which someone believes they possess superior intelligence or knowledge to others. This belief, commonly referred to as delusion of grandeur, may indicate an underlying mental health disorder such as bipolar disorder.
People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often exhibit grandiosity as part of their condition. If this personality trait runs deep in you, you may find it challenging to form healthy relationships and get along with others.
If you’re struggling with the negative effects of narcissism in your life, seeking professional help is your best course of action. Counseling can help you explore and identify causes behind your issues, gain more control over thoughts and emotions, as well as develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Another option is to see a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medications that will help manage your symptoms and enhance quality of life. These drugs will stabilize your mood while diminishing the effects of narcissistic traits or other mental health conditions that cause grandiose delusions.
Grandiose delusions are a frequent symptom of bipolar disorder, often occurring along with other signs such as mania or hypomania. If you suffer from this disorder and experience grandiose delusions, speak to your doctor about treatments that can help manage them.
Disagreeableness
People who are difficult to get along with may possess an unpleasant personality trait. This could include store clerks, colleagues or anyone else you come into contact with on a daily basis. They could be whiners, no-it-alls, angry and confrontational, pushy and me firsters, rudeness resentful manipulation or all of the above.
One reason disagreeable people can be difficult to get along with is that they often view everything as a competition. They strive to be better than everyone else at everything, whether that means getting in before you, winning the latest gadget, or being noticed by their boss.
They may even go so far as to use their disagreement with you in an effort to gain control over you, making the situation worse than intended for all involved. This is especially true in family relationships where one parent or child may be disagreeable, aggressive or overly controlling.
Agreeableness is one of the five core personality traits identified in the Five-Factor Model (FFM). It’s a positive trait that often manifests through cooperation, empathy and emotional sensitivity.
Research has indicated that agreeable people tend to achieve higher occupational status and earn more annually than their disagreeable counterparts.
Parents should be aware that disagreeable children often struggle with concentration and disobedience, while agreeable kids tend to be compliant and well-mannered in their interactions with others. Furthermore, those with low agreeableness have been known to develop mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Dominance
Dominance is one of the personality traits often observed in those who are difficult to get along with. The dominant personality typically craves power, whether in the form of leadership or authority.
Dominant personalities can be beneficial at times, but they also cause issues if not managed effectively. They may resist close supervision or appear intolerant to criticism about their behavior and approach.
Workers with high dominance tend to be impulsive and self-assured, often seeking leadership positions to make an impact. Their drive comes from a desire to be in charge, as well as taking risks that are new and exciting – such as taking on new projects.
They tend to work hard and possess strong interpersonal abilities that enable them to excel at work. Furthermore, these individuals possess a fierce competitive spirit which makes them top performers.
Low dominance individuals tend to be collaborative and cooperative, willing to work with colleagues toward achieving goals. They avoid conflicts and accept company policies without becoming aggressive or confrontational – preferring instead to keep their ego in check.
Dominant behaviors don’t intend to cause harm, but if not handled appropriately they may lead to abusive or toxic relationships. They also negatively impact how others view you, potentially damaging your reputation in the long run.
When dealing with a dominant personality, it’s best to approach them on their level. Do not interrupt or talk over them and be clear and assertive in your communication. If you’re having difficulty getting their attention, consider having an individual conversation or meeting in small groups where you can discuss your worries and concerns using concrete examples.
