How to deal with an uncomfortable situation: 7 useful tips

Moments of tension and doubts about what to do are frequent. What to do?

No one is totally free from going through uncomfortable situations from time to time, and it is normal that throughout our lives there are several and diverse situations where we do not feel completely at ease with what is happening.

It is part of the functioning of social relationships to face moments in which ambiguity makes us not know what attitude to take (or even hesitate to do when we realize that something is wrong). For that reason, surely in more than one opportunity we have asked ourselves the question of how to deal with an uncomfortable situation?

In this article we will review a list with the best ways to remove the weight of the uncomfortable to certain experiences in which we hesitate about what to do, in part, by the image that we can give.

7 tips on how to deal with uncomfortable situations.

Here are some ideas and tips that can be of great help when dealing with uncomfortable moments in your life.

1. Keep in mind that situations are relative.

From this perspective, the awkwardness of the situation will diminish to a great extent, since by seeing the event as something relative, we are reducing the annoying effect of the situation. we are reducing the weight of the uncomfortable effect it may have on us..

What is uncomfortable for us, does not necessarily have to be uncomfortable for others, and it often happens that by assuming that others are feeling uncomfortable, we feel uncomfortable ourselves.

It is always best to be sure of the feelings of others before making value judgments, to avoid discomfort. If you have doubts about how others feel when talking about a certain topic or being in a certain place, you can ask them so that you don't feel uncomfortable for them.

2. Learn to manage silences

Silences do not always have to be uncomfortable. Depending on the moment it is important to manage what we say and when we are going to say it.

Although it is true that there are times when not saying anything generates a moment of tension and discomfort in the conversation. and discomfort in the conversation, in other scenarios keeping silent represents an attitude of intimate understanding between the participants.

For example, when we are asked a question we were not expecting and we remain silent instead of answering, the atmosphere can become tense, while when someone is venting about their negative experiences, it is natural and to be expected that several seconds pass in which no one says anything.

The best thing to do in these cases would be to be assertive and say how you feel about a question that raises doubts in your mind.. Always be polite and don't show any signs of displeasure; keep in mind that the other person may not be trying to make you uncomfortable.

3. Practice assertive communication

This point is about learning to communicate our thoughts and emotions in an appropriate way, without giving up saying how we feel.This point is about learning to communicate our thoughts and emotions in an appropriate way, without giving up saying how we feel and at the same time respecting the other person.

It is common for uncomfortable situations to occur after a misunderstanding in conversation. Therefore, to avoid experiencing uncomfortable situations, the ideal is to to use good communicative stylesThe first thing to do is to recognize our emotions before expressing them.

Once we know what our emotions are, we will be able to manage them in a better way, and we will avoid that emotions control us and we say things without thinking about them.

4. Know yourself

The more you know yourself the less likely you are to be exposed to uncomfortable situations with others. If you are armed with the knowledge of the things that bother you and are clear about them, then you will be able to accept them and prevent them from acting as a trigger for uncomfortable situations.

Knowing ourselves makes us more tolerant of other people's opinions and thoughts.. Instead of them bothering us with their ideas, we will be able to respect them even if we do not share them, and therefore you will not show signs of hostility to opinions that are far from your own.

5. It is not necessary to respond to everything

It is important to understand that it is not necessary to respond to everything or everyone, each person is responsible for his words and actions. We should not let the words of others take away our peace of mind.

Sometimes it is enough to know that we are right without the need to get into an argument with people who are not willing to give in. It is not necessary to win every argument.

Sometimes peace is found in the ability to avoid arguments, even if we know we have the best arguments. Keep in mind that there are people who deserve an answer, others who deserve an explanation, and some who deserve none of that.

6. Avoid conflicting relationships

Our environment significantly influences the situations to which we expose ourselves. It is important to have the personal resources to deal with uncomfortable moments, but it is also fundamental to to know how to choose our personal relationships.

If our circle of close people is largely composed of people who are prone to engage in conflictual discussions, then we will inevitably be caught up in that habit.

7. Vent your emotions in a timely manner

When for some reason we avoid expressing what we feel, it may be the best thing to do at the time, out of prudence. But we will also need to have the opportunity to let out what we think; otherwise, we will accumulate emotions and the time will come when we will be in uncomfortable situations by the action of anxiety.

To avoid this you can keep a diary where you can vent your emotions in a fluid and honest way, or you could also tell them to someone you trust. It is important to properly release emotions to preserve our emotional health.

Bibliographical references:

• Ferguson, S. D.; Lennox-Terrion, J.; Ahmed, R.; Jaya, P. (2014). Communication in Everyday Life: Personal and Professional Contexts. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Turner, L.H., y West, R.L. (2013). Perspectives on family communication. Boston: McGraw-Hill.