8 phrases difficult people use when they don’t get their way, according to psychology

If you’ve ever had to deal with a difficult person, you know that it can be an uphill battle. It’s like a psychological tug of war that leaves you feeling drained and bewildered.

Difficult people have a knack for using specific phrases when they don’t get their way. It’s their way of manipulating situations to their advantage.

Understanding these phrases can be like decoding a secret language. But don’t worry, psychology has got your back on this one.

It’s not about picking a fight or trying to change them. It’s about being aware, so you can navigate these tricky interactions more effectively.

Below are the 8 common phrases difficult people use when they don’t get their way, as revealed by psychology.

1) “You’re just overreacting”

This is the go-to phrase difficult people use to belittle your feelings or concerns when they don’t have their way. They use this phrase to dismiss your feelings and make you question your own perceptions.

For example, if you express your disappointment about them cancelling plans at the last minute, they might respond with, “You’re just overreacting, it’s not a big deal.”

This phrase is a classic deflection technique that shifts the blame from their actions onto your response.

Psychologically, by accusing you of overreacting, they’re attempting to control the narrative and divert attention from their own behavior. They make you feel guilty and unreasonable for expressing your feelings or standing up for yourself.

It’s important to recognize this manipulation tactic for what it is. Your feelings are valid and you have every right to express them.

Remember, it’s not about you being overly sensitive, it’s about them refusing to take responsibility for their actions.

2) “I was just joking”

Difficult people often use humor as a shield when their actions or words don’t get the desired feedback.

If they say or do something that upsets you, they might quickly follow it up with, “I was just joking.”

This statement is a form of gaslighting.

It’s a way to disguise hurtful comments and behavior, making you question your own interpretation of the situation. After all, who gets upset over a joke, right?

But here’s the twist: it’s not about humor at all. It’s a subtle way for them to dodge accountability for their words or actions while making you feel like you’re the one with the problem.

Keep in mind that humor should bring people together, not create discomfort or harm. If a joke makes you feel belittled or disrespected, that’s not a joke – it’s an insult. And it’s okay to call it out as such.

3) “I didn’t mean it that way”

This phrase is a common fallback for difficult people when they’re caught saying something offensive or inappropriate. By claiming they “didn’t mean it that way,” they try to shift the blame onto you, implying that you’re misunderstanding them or overreacting.

This is essentially a form of projection, a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives onto someone else. It’s a way for them to disown their actions and make you feel guilty for their mistake.

But here’s the thing: communication is not just about intent, it’s also about impact.

The impact of their words on you is just as important, if not more so, than what they intended.

So, even if they didn’t mean to hurt you, the fact remains that they did – and it’s important for them to acknowledge this instead of trying to dodge responsibility with this phrase.

4) “You’re too sensitive”

When difficult people resort to using this phrase, it’s usually because they’ve said or done something that has upset you.

Instead of acknowledging their behavior and apologizing, they put the blame on you and label you as “too sensitive”.

This phrase is nothing more than an attempt to trivialize your feelings, making you question your own emotions and reactions. It’s like saying your emotions have a volume control, and it’s set too high.

But remember, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being sensitive.

Sensitivity is not a weakness; it’s a sign of empathy and understanding. Your feelings are valid, and they matter. You don’t have to tone down your emotions for anyone.

If something or someone upsets you, it’s okay to express that – don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

5) “That’s not what I said”

We’ve all been there. You’re in a discussion with a difficult person, and they deny saying something that you clearly heard them say. “That’s not what I said,” they insist, even though it’s exactly what they said.

This phrase is a common tactic difficult people use to disorient you and make you second-guess your own memory.

It’s a way for them to escape accountability and, at the same time, make you question your own sanity.

But trust yourself. Your memory isn’t faulty, and you aren’t hearing things. It’s just another manipulative game they play to get their way.

So hold your ground, stand by your memory, and don’t let them rewrite history in their favor.

6) “I’m just being honest”

Ah, the classic “I’m just being honest” excuse. I remember a former colleague who often used this phrase as a free pass to say hurtful things.

She would make sharp, critical comments and then quickly add, “I’m just being honest,” as if that justified her harsh words.

This phrase is a clever way difficult people mask their rudeness or insensitivity. They hide behind the guise of honesty to deliver their cutting remarks, making it seem like they’re doing you a favor by telling you the ‘truth’.

But let’s be clear: there’s a huge difference between being honest and being rude or hurtful.

Honesty isn’t an excuse for bad behavior. Genuine honesty is constructive and respectful, not degrading or damaging. So don’t let anyone use this phrase to justify their hurtful words or actions.

7) “You always take things personally”

If you’ve heard this phrase before, it’s time to set the record straight. Difficult people use this line as a tool to manipulate you into thinking you’re the one with the problem.

When they say, “You always take things personally,” what they’re really doing is invalidating your feelings and reactions. They’re attempting to make you feel guilty for being affected by their actions or words.

Remember, it’s natural to take things personally when you’re the one being targeted. It’s not about being overly sensitive or dramatic, it’s about feeling respected and valued.

You have every right to respond to how someone treats you. Don’t let them convince you otherwise.

8) “It’s your fault”

Perhaps the most harmful of all phrases, “It’s your fault” is a clear attempt to shift blame. By pointing the finger at you, difficult people avoid taking responsibility for their own actions.

This phrase can cause you to question your own role in the situation, even when you know deep down that you’re not at fault.

But here’s the crucial thing to remember: You are not responsible for someone else’s bad behavior.

People are accountable for their own actions and reactions. If someone tries to pin their mistakes or misbehavior on you, stand firm in your truth. You know your worth, and it’s time they knew it too.

Wrapping it up

Understanding these eight phrases is the first step towards maintaining your peace of mind when dealing with difficult people. Remember, it’s not about changing them, but rather about how you respond.

This article is designed to empower you with knowledge, but ultimately, it’s your choice how you apply it.

Your time and energy are precious. Save them for the people and things that uplift you, not for deciphering the games of difficult individuals. It’s perfectly okay to distance yourself from people who consistently make you feel inadequate or misunderstood.

Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair is a former competitive athlete who transitioned into the world of wellness and mindfulness. Her journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports has given her a unique perspective on resilience and mental toughness. Ava’s writing reflects her belief in the power of small, daily habits to create lasting change.

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