Dealing with people who treat us like enemies when they are angry and then act as if nothing happened once their anger subsides can be quite challenging. Here are some strategies you can consider to handle such situations:
Stay calm and composed: When someone is angry and treating you like an enemy, it can be tempting to react defensively or with anger. However, try your best to remain calm and composed during the interaction. Responding with anger may only escalate the situation further.
Give them space: If the person is very angry, it's often best to give them some space to cool down. Trying to reason with someone who is extremely angry may not be productive. Allow them time to process their emotions.
Seek understanding: Once the person has calmed down, try to have an open and honest conversation about their feelings and behavior. Express your concerns without being confrontational, and ask them to share their perspective as well.
Set boundaries: Let the person know that while you understand they may get angry, it's not acceptable for them to treat you like an enemy. Communicate your boundaries and that you expect to be treated with respect even during disagreements.
Encourage communication: Encourage the person to express their emotions and concerns more constructively. Help them understand that open and honest communication can lead to better resolution of conflicts.
Address patterns: If this behavior happens repeatedly, try to identify any patterns or triggers that lead to these reactions. Understanding the root causes can help both of you work on finding healthier ways to deal with conflicts.
Suggest professional help: If the person's anger issues are affecting their relationships and overall well-being, you might gently suggest that they seek professional help or counseling to address and manage their emotions more effectively.
Practice self-care: Dealing with someone who treats you poorly during their anger can be emotionally draining. Take care of yourself by engaging in activities that help you relax and reduce stress.
Set limits: If the person continues to treat you badly without any effort to change, consider setting limits on your interactions with them. You have the right to protect yourself from harmful behavior.
Evaluate the relationship: If this behavior is a recurring pattern and causes significant distress, it's important to evaluate the overall health of the relationship. Sometimes, it may be necessary to distance yourself from people who consistently mistreat you, even if they apologize later.
Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, even during disagreements. It's essential to stand up for yourself and set boundaries when dealing with such situations. If the person is willing to work on their behavior and communicate more effectively, there is a possibility for positive change. However, if their behavior remains consistently harmful, it may be necessary to reassess the dynamics of the relationship.