While aggressiveness can come in handy in many situations that require force and manipulation, in most cases, aggressiveness can be difficult to deal with. It is also true that an aggressive person can get violent and dangerous anytime. Here are some ways to deal with an aggressive person adequately without attracting his/her wrath and put yourself in danger as well.
Recognise the warning signals
Most aggressive people are very predictable and hence it is very easy to identify the warning signs before they actually get aggressive. If you are tactful enough, you can take the warning signs and do the needful to prevent the person from becoming aggressive. In such cases, you must either withdraw from the fight or discussion or just move away from the scene before he becomes aggressive. It is also a great idea to shift the topic or tell the person that you are a bit busy to discuss it now or can discuss at a later time when things have cooed down a bit. This will help you gain time and plan strategies to deal with the situation adequately. Recognizing the warning signs should come naturally when you deal with an aggressive person on an everyday basis. Try to understand his mental makeup and make sure that you catch him at the right time to be able to avoid aggression.
Keep calm and cool
Once you have started attracting an aggression from the concerned person, there could be nothing that you can do to stop it. In such cases, do not start fighting back and make matters worse. Remain calm and talk with politeness and respect. At no point should you give him the idea that you do not agree with him or are trying to negate him. Talk to him in a calm manner and ensure that you do not say anything that will aggravate his mood. Try to point out his mistake and manner in a gentle and polite way and help him get over the issue. It is important at this time to remain approachable and help the person sort out the situation amicably. Aggressive people may think that some situations require aggression to make the other person understand the importance. Once he/she understands that the person he/she is talking to is mature and approachable and can be easily made understood, the aggressive person will cool down and will be willing to take a more gentle approach.
Stay away from immediate vicinity
Aggressive people can be very dangerous and can act rashly as well. Therefore, even if you are talking to him/her, make sure that you keep your distance from them so that you are safe. Allow them time to cool down and then you can reason with them. Whatever it is, if that person has been identified as very aggressive, it is important to stay away from them and not give them any reason to fight or argue with you. Aggressive people do not require much to become violent and if you too are the kind to lack control easily, stay away from them so that you do not have to attract their aggressiveness on a daily basis.
Ensure your safety
Staying with an aggressive person can be dangerous and if you have kids involved, it is important to ensure that you and the people around are safe while the person picks up a fight. As aggressiveness can never be equaled to presence of mind, the aggressive person can do anything that can be dangerous for you and the people around. This can be throwing things at you which can hurt you, getting violent etc. Ensure yours as well as your childrenâs safety when you are near such a person. Do not try to anger the person when your family is around as things can go out of control in such situations. Always isolate the person and make sure you are safe as well before you answer back or plan to fight it out with him.
Get help
Living and dealing with aggressive people can be a constant threat to your existence. In such cases, decide as to whether you want to continue living with that person or dealing with him if it is a work environment. Seek counselling or get help from the management so that things can be sorted out amicably. Sometimes aggression can be the result of mental problems and if this is the case, psychiatric counselling is required to bring the person back to sanity. Check what has gone wrong and get adequate help before it becomes too late.
