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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYears ago, I read a book by author Joyce Landorf Heatherly titled \u201cIrregular People<\/a>.\u201d As if to underscore the quirkiness of such people, the first \u201cr\u201d in the word \u201cirregular\u201d is printed backwards in the book\u2019s title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading \u201cIrregular People\u201d was eye-opening for me, because it helped me see beyond the frustration I felt toward those abrasive people who are hard to love. When you look beneath the sandpaper exterior of hard-to-love people, you gain a tiny understanding of why they are the way they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, sandpaper people cover insecurities with a rough exterior. The know-it-all is unsure he knows anything at all. The braggart secretly feels inferior. The critic is seeking self-elevation. The passive-aggressive harbors jealousy. Those who are bossy and domineering strive for control. The one who hangs onto offense hasn\u2019t learned to forgive. The prideful never admit wrong doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking beyond a hard-to-love person\u2019s prickly exterior helps us gain insight, apply grace, and maintain forward motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When someone seems unlovable, look for a positive quality in that person. I know, at a glance, it appears nothing is positive but look anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of us have some redeeming quality, even if discovering it requires a deep dive. Perhaps you can connect with the stone-faced critic on some element of trivia. Maybe the complainer turns out to possess a skill you\u2019d like to learn. Search for that tiny kernel that provides a shaky connection and cultivate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Responding to abrasive people requires patience, gentleness, and love, none of which are easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accept that hard-to-love people rarely change. Realize they are probably always going to irritate you, so be prepared by praying before you encounter them. Decide you\u2019re not going to argue or attempt to prove them wrong. Respond with respect and kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the difficult person who is mentally or emotionally abusive, set boundaries. Remember, their words don\u2019t define you. Don\u2019t trust physical abusers. Your safety is paramount and loving doesn\u2019t mean putting yourself in jeopardy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, the only way to love \u201cirregular\u201d people is to remember God loves them, and we have a mandate to love because God loved us first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBe humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n (Ephesians 4:2 VOICE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please read these foundational posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best Life Dream Story<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Best-Life Definition<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nLook for Something Positive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Control Your Response<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Read More from This Author:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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