Susceptible people: their 6 characteristics, and how to deal with them

Whatever lifestyle we lead, it is clear that sooner or later we end up running into susceptible people. Individuals who create drama to a minimum and, although they do not have to enjoy conflicts, the truth is that they take everything to the personal field very easily.

In this article we will see how to identify susceptible people by their typical characteristics. Of course, keep in mind that these are general indications, and that each human being is a world that cannot be fully summarized with just one label.

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Characteristics of susceptible people

Among the signs that show that we are dealing with a susceptible person, we find the following.

1. In the face of ambiguity, they see conflict

In personal relationships many moments of ambiguity usually arise, which are open to multiple interpretations. When this occurs, especially susceptible people assume the worst possible scenario, and easily imagine offenses directed at them.

2. They do not stop to reflect on their anger

Another of the basic aspects of susceptible people is that they do not stop too long to consider what really happened when they feel offended. However, they do not always directly confront the person who, according to them, has attacked them; it is also possible to simply adopt a passive-aggressive attitude.

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3. They try to turn the conversation around the alleged attack

It is not easy for these individuals to turn the page in a matter of seconds, since they give so much importance to the cause of their upset that they may try to put aside the topic of conversation that was being discussed before, or what was being doing.

Although that does not mean that it is impossible to prevent that false attack from gaining prominence; there are ways to show that it has no reason to exist and therefore should not be paid attention to.

How to relate to them?

If something characterizes us as a species, that is diversity. Human beings are capable of adopting many ways of living life, and that is why we have different personalities, attitudes and ways of perceiving life and personal relationships.

However, our diversity means that in some cases, we find people with a very extreme personal characteristic, much more developed than average. When this characteristic has to do with hostile attitudes or the facility to generate conflicts, it can become a challenge to deal with these individuals.

Susceptible people are a reality that it is better to know how to manage in our personal relationships, without having to become friends with them. Practically no conversation is predestined to end in arguments and anger, no matter how much predisposition to conflict there is.

1. don't ridicule

Sometimes the susceptibility of those who talk to us can seem like a joke to us. However, for them the reason for their anger is very real, they don't do comedy.

The first step is to accept that they have been really offended, although that does not mean that we give much importance to the situation if we see that it is not serious enough to limit ourselves to not fueling that confrontation.

2. Apologize only when you have reason

Apologizing for the simple fact that someone has taken a comment or action badly is not recommended, at least in all cases. just have to do it if there really has been a reasonable misunderstanding, that is, one in which you believe that a large part of the rest of the people could have fallen in that context.

It may seem that by refusing to apologize to the susceptible person you are creating conflict, but it does not have to be the case. On many occasions, apologizing will only feed the story that there has been an offense, and not a misunderstanding, and that It can even spoil the conversation more, anchoring it in hostility.

3. If you are going to criticize, adopt an impersonal and constructive perspective

When you want to criticize something that a particularly susceptible person has done, do so by referring to a person's perspective. fictitious person, who does not know any of those involved, and always placing emphasis on what can be improved, and not on what That's wrong.

4. Use non-hostile non-verbal language

Your postures and gestures should denote confidence and acceptance, not hostility or defensiveness. Avoid assuming slouched postures or keeping your arms crossed or covering a good part of your frontal zone in general, and shows that the context does not deserve to see an enemy in the other person.

5. Keep a polite attitude, but don't obsess

Being afraid of offending the other person does not make sense, because that in any case only creates a rarefied environment to which susceptible people tend to be sensitive. Just assume that you don't have to try to fully control the situation, and stick to some basic rules of politeness.

Bibliographic references:

• Gimero-Bayón, Ana (1996). Understanding how we are. Dimensions of personality. Bilbao: Desclée de Brouwer.
• Gonzalez, Jose (1987). Psychology of personality. Madrid: New Library.