Most of us are pretty likable people. (Our moms say so.)
But – whether the result of career competition, a fallout with an old friend, or the ramifications of a complex love triangle (if that’s even still a term) – most of us have that one person who we’d prefer to just never see again.
Like, ever.
And definitely not when you’re out on the town with your friends trying to have a good night.
So we’ve come up seven ways you can handle that awkward run-in with your “enemy,” and always come out classy.
1. Don’t Let Him/Her Kill Your Game
We all take on a heightened persona during situations that call for ample social and professional networking. Meaning, we know when to be “on,” and can generally train ourselves to be in a personable mood, tune out the world, and be present when we need to be. Don’t let that moment of panic when you see your least favourite person from across the room kill the vibe you’ve got going.
2. Don’t Blatantly Dodge Him/Her
It’s one thing to strategically avoid eye contact or the same bar line for drinks, but it’s another if you’re practically pushing people over and hiding behind the waiter in an attempt to dodge the other person. What if he/she sees you? It gives you much more power to act unaffected by their presence. Even better; be unaffected.
3. Save the Dirty Looks; This Isn’t High School
If you do happen to lock eyes with your said “enemy,” the worst thing you can do for your game is to rewind 15 years with a Mean Girls-esque dirty look. It will immediately put you in a position of lower power because it shows they’ve affected you. Instead, offer a slight smile in acknowledgement. Unless the situation with the two of you is really bad; then just casually look away.
4. Be Confident (No Matter What)
Of course, not letting them kill your vibe and being able to face them if it’s unavoidable definitely requires a degree of confidence. But no matter the circumstance, don’t lose your sense of calm. The second you do, you lose. If you have to, picture a time when you felt most confident…and remind yourself how awesome you are.
5. Keep Talk to a Friendly Banter About Your Surroundings
Whether we like it or not, our cities are small and some of our friends and coworkers are bound to have positive connections with your nemisis. This means you could very well end up standing next to him/her in a circle of mutual peers. Don’t ignore him/her, but do not discuss anything that invites the opportunity to open up grievances from the past. Stick to the basics – the music, the décor, or the great performance you just saw.
6. Nobody Should Sense Any Tension Between the Two of You
In a group situation, nobody (aside from your best friend who already knows) should sense that there’s any animosity between the two of you. This isn’t high school, and any hint of drama will make others around you uncomfortable too. It’s enough there’s already a subtle awkwardness between the two of you, no need to make it a collectively awkward situation.
7. Leave if it Does Get Awkward
If your nemesis is basically behaving in the opposite way of everything we’ve just mentioned above, there’s no sense in continuing the evening – you’re not going to have a good time. You don’t lose the silent power struggle if you simply opt to leave. Even if it’s just your bed, they’ll think you have better things to do.
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