Human connections and relationships are essential. We can avoid dealing with people but we will miss out a lot if we keep on shying away from connecting with others. We were created as relational beings and we thrive through human interactions. 

But sometimes, people get on our nerves and push us to our limits. No matter how hard we try to get along, our threshold is limited. We snap, we break down, we shut ourselves out.

There was a time when I just wanted to shut myself out from any form of human interaction. I felt so stressed that I have to turn off all social media notifications and chose to ignore messages. I wanted to be alone. Guess what - it didn't last long. As much as I wanted to stay out of reach, circumstances will not allow me. Somehow, I am dependent on the people around me.

We cannot control how people will treat us, but what we can control is our attitude towards them and ourselves. When people choose to annoy the hell out of us, here are some things we can do to get along with them.

Be upfront and tactful. 

Tell them how their behavior affects you - your mood, your work, your peace, and your attitude towards them. Being upfront is better than brooding that annoyance inside you. It keeps you from "bursting out from the seams" by expressing how you feel. Do this politely so it might not be taken as an attack or aggravate whatever situation is brooding towards you. It also helps that person see what he fails to see in himself.

Play their game.

Some annoying people are just playful individuals. We just don't vibe with their wavelength. If this is the case, try to play their game. If they keep on babbling things, try to listen to them and return the favor. Perhaps they just want someone to talk to. If they want to get your attention because they want to befriend you, maybe lower your guard and let them have a piece of you. It may take courage and vulnerability on your part but it might be a worthy gamble. Take the risk, if you may.

Understand that people are wired differently.

As soon as you realize this truth, the easier it will be for you to get along with people. We are like puzzle pieces. Try to fit yourself among wacky people, emotional people, serious people, and airy people. There is a saying that opposites attract - and somehow this is true with people! In our differences, we complement each other. Imagine how boring and monotonous the world is if we are all the same. If you have taken tests like Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Four Temperaments Test, and Multiple Intelligences theory, you'll find out that people are carved from different molds and patterns. Even identical twins have distinctions.  

Stop spiraling

Sometimes, annoying people linger on our minds for a long time than necessary. They live on our heads rent-free! Don't let this happen. Don't overthink. Some people annoy us with their presence but don't let them annoy you even in their absence. Protect your peace at all costs. When at work, you may wear headphones to indicate that you do not want to be disturbed. Or distance yourself and make it obvious so they will know you're not in a socializing mood. Or maybe, just like what I mentioned earlier, set clear boundaries and make it known.

Annoying people will always be around and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with them. It may be a challenge, but it will develop our social skills and relational depth.