⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

6 Types of People Who Are Really Hard to Talk To Some people make conversation feel like a form of torture. Here's how to handle even the most difficult personality types.

By Jacqueline Whitmore

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Certain people are masters at feeding their own egos. If you've ever been cornered by a particularly insecure or competitive personality in the professional arena, you know how miserable these types of interactions can be.

They make conversation feel like a form of torture -- but it's possible to navigate even the most challenging exchanges with grace.

1. The braggart. This dialogue-destroyer emphasizes status and wealth. He'll share how much money he makes, with the conversation constantly revolving around his brand new Ferrari or his Fifth Avenue apartment.

Related: Master Your 'Mingle-Ability': 5 Creative Ways to Network

Often, the not-so-humblebrags are delivered indirectly. He'll tell you how the insurance on his yacht has skyrocketed in the past year, or how he wishes his girlfriend would stop buying Birkin bags. Whenever you run into a braggart, acknowledge his good fortune and then change the subject.

2. The rumormonger. This person is always at the center of gossip and drama. She'll involve herself in everybody else's personal lives and make it her business to spread juicy rumors.

Whenever you run into a rumormonger, change the subject -- or better yet, excuse yourself. Most importantly, never share anything confidential with her. If she's spreading other people's personal business around, you can bet she'll do the same thing with yours.

Related: Read This Before Your Next Hard Conversation

3. The one-upper. This person will let you know that, whatever you've done, he's got a story to top it. "Oh, you just got back from scaling Mount Kilimanjaro? That's a good beginner's trip. Climbing Everest was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

The one-upper likes to feel important. It can be a challenge -- but be patient and ask questions. "It's great to meet a fellow mountain climber. What was the most challenging part of your Everest trip?"

4. The hard-hearted. This individual has no filter. She says whatever's on her mind with no concern for others' feelings. Typically, this person isn't deliberately hurtful, but she lacks an ability to express herself without it being perceived as negative or rude. "You're looking super skinny. Have a chocolate brownie. You could stand to gain a few pounds."

Avoid the temptation to respond defensively. The best way to handle this situation is to kill her with kindness or deflect the comment with humor or flattery. "Thank you for your concern. I'm trying to lose a few pounds so I can look as good as you!"

Related: 3 Situations When You Should Shut Your Mouth

5. The brain-picker. This person takes and never gives back. He'll corner you and ask endless questions, always looking for free advice. "You're a dermatologist? Will you look at this mole on my arm? Should I be concerned?" Don't dispense your valuable knowledge for free. Respond with something like, "Call my office first thing Monday morning and my assistant will schedule an appointment for you."

6. The rambler. We've all had the experience of being held hostage by a rambler at a networking event. This person talks at you instead of with you. She thinks she's being social by speaking, but monopolizes the conversation and exhibits all the traits of a chronic non-listener -- often interrupting.

Try to introduce the rambler to someone else or excuse yourself politely. Make sure to engage and stay in control of the conversation, however, before you disengage.

Related: 5 Rookie Networking Fails and How to Avoid Them

Jacqueline Whitmore

Author, Business Etiquette Expert and Founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach

Jacqueline Whitmore is an etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Fla. She is the author of Poised for Success: Mastering the Four Qualities That Distinguish Outstanding Professionals (St. Martin's Press, 2011) and Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work (St. Martin's Press, 2005).

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Business News

Costco CFO Reveals Uncertain Fate of $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

CFO Richard Galanti reveals that the price will stay the same — but only "for a while."

Business News

The Most Unexpectedly Popular Side Hustle of the Decade Has Low Startup Costs and High Markups

A new report shows that vending machines are a popular investment — and the industry is set to grow up to $3 billion by 2031.

Marketing

Ever Wonder Why Certain Websites Rank Higher Than Yours? This SEO Expert Reveals The Secret to Dominating Search Results

It's often the smart use of SEO, now supercharged with AI, particularly in keyword optimization.

Business News

AI Is Impacting Jobs. Here Are the Gigs Affected the Most, According to an Analysis of 5 Million Upwork Postings

The researcher said in the report that freelance jobs were analyzed first because that market will likely see AI's immediate impact.

Leadership

Former Interrogator Shares 5 Behaviors Liars Exhibit and How to Handle Them

Five deceptive behaviors to look for and how to respond to those behaviors when you encounter them.