The harsh reality is that we all are living in a world, where exists an extremely cutthroat competition, particularly in our professional life. All colleagues will not be kind, sweet, and helpful, there is always a bad apple in everybody’s workplace. There will always be one colleague says Shivani Sadhoo, who is rude and gets on to your nerves. You cannot retaliate and stoop to the same level, so what would you do in such a situation?
Here India’s top psychologist Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares some tips that might help you deal with a rude colleague without going inside the muddy waters.
Seek your colleague’s view if they feel the same
At times one tends to overthink so if you think a colleague of yours is being rude then speak to one of your trusted co-workers if they also, noticed the same thing or not. It could also be that you are the sole one taking offense. A small insight never hurts.
Speak less
If a colleague is rude then keep your interaction with him/her to the bare minimum. Take yourself out of the unpleasant situation. You cannot avoid your colleague every time but what you can do is reduce the amount of interaction you have with him/her.
Observe impartially
Another practice is not only in work scenarios but otherwise as well will be to detach yourself from the situation and thereafter observe. Look to see the person who you feel is being rude to you, from a different angle.
Take it in your stride
Channel your sense of humor, search for amusement even inside that rude attitude, and laugh it off. While you laugh, make certain it is not sarcastic and is non-threatening as it diffuses the tense atmosphere or the awkwardness that the rude conduct of your colleague has formed.
Do not take it personally
Grow a thick skin and do not allow your colleague’s words to get under your skin. If the rude behavior is not linked to your work or problem, maintain a calm composure. Remain motivated and focused.
Talk to a senior authority
If it gets excessive and you feel you are losing it, discuss it with a senior authority in your office about it. Let your manager, supervisor, or whoever has the authority, take care of those situations. Do not specify the name initially, share your problem, and if the situation requires further action, then so be it.

Shivani Misri Sadhoo is an internationally recommended relationship counsellor by the world’s biggest and most trusted study and research-based foundation for couples therapy – Gottman Institute. She is trained in specialised key relationship counselling Skills from AIIMS, VIMHANS and various other reputed institutions. Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also certified in emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy.
Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner with specialized training and experience in the field of affairs/betrayals, trust issues, difficulty communicating, conflicting values, bereavement, grief and loss (affairs, separation, divorce, childhood) and emotional health issue (anxiety, social anxiety, fear, depression, low mood).
Currently, Shivani Misri Sadhoo is one of the top counselors with the HIGHEST Success Rate with over 17,000 happy couples and individuals (based in India and abroad), who has benefited from her therapy. Psychologist and Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo not only practices independently from her clinic in Greater Kailash, Delhi, India, but also is listed on the panel of eminent hospitals like IBS Hospital Panel – Institute of Brain and Spine, Express Clinic, Fortis (formerly) based in Delhi.
Call Counselor: +91-8860875040
Email: saarthiforlife@gmail.com