Bossy people are usually perceived as people who are always giving orders - as if they have some unlimited power of giving orders to just about anyone, no matter how reasonable it is or not. We’ve all had encounters with these bossy people and we have different ways with dealing with them; so I’ll be sharing some of mine.
First of all, try to understand that person. Bossy is just an adjective used to describe that person at a certain point in time. She/he could be more than that: she/he could be a perfectionist who doesn’t settle for less or she/he could simply have a lot going on and the only way they can cope with that is by trying to control everything around them. There can be a lot of reasons as to why they have a domineering attitude and the first step for a healthier relationship with them is to attempt to understand why they are the way they are by observing them or by asking the right questions.
Second, try to find peace, calm the f*** down, and simply don’t let the overflowing demands get to you. There are just some orders that you can’t reason out with, and for situations like these, try to sort out what that person wants and simply accomplish it without complaining so that you won't be able to give yourself additional unnecessary stress.
Third, if you think and feel like the demand is too unreasonable, stand up for what you believe in or try to share your ideas with that person. They might just consider it and it is always better to be pushed to do something you are actually willing to do rather than be forced to do something you don't like.
Fourth, when you stand up for yourself, do not fear the bossy person. Just like you, they’re humans too, but if you wake up every day terrified of that person, it will only make that person’s manipulation over you stronger. Never let that happen.
Lastly, you are your own person. Always remember that. That bossy person who has control over you can only do that for a day, or during a specific project, but not for the rest of your life. You can speak up, you can say no, and you can share your ideas. Don’t let these bossy people take over your lives, they’re just temporary fixtures after all.
- Therese Goudin
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