How can I deal with someone that is acting like a 'diva'?
95 Answers
Last Updated: 05/22/2022 at 9:00pm
Moderated by
Polly Letsch, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.
Top Rated Answers
I think it's important when dealing with anyone we're having trouble getting along with to try to remember that everyone has a reason for their manner. Try to see things from a different perspective. It might be frustrating, or difficult to deal with someone acting this way, but that doesn't mean we can't do it. If it's getting really out of hand, it might be worth it to pull them aside and talk to them about it. They may not realize they're acting this way. Try to be understanding, and polite, There's no need to call them out and embarrass them in front of others. If that doesn't work, at least you know you made an attempt. If it's more than you can handle, there's no shame in backing yourself away from the situation that makes you uncomfortable.
You can distance yourself from them. If you don't like the way someone is acting, you have the right to choose to separate yourself from them. If you don't want to deal with them, don't. If it's someone you care about and you aren't willing to cut them off, then kindly confront them on the issue you are having with them and explain to them how they could change.
Validate any accurate or adaptive perceptions they may have about themselves, and lightly challenge any possible delusions of grandeur by gently asking them to think about the behavior that seems diva-esque. Ideally, with some introspection, they will come to realize that some of their behavior and self-expectations are a bit unrealistic, without you having to directly shut them down on anything.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2016 7:54pm
Gently try to help them with their problems no matter what they seem to be acting like, because labeling them would be an assumption
Anonymous
November 6th, 2016 6:54pm
Make sure that you don't let them walk all over you, just because they are full of themselves. It's so important that you maintain your perception of yourself and not let their ego make you think worse of yourself.
Try and keep your distance if they are irritating you. You can't change people, but you can change your response to them.
Keep treating them nicely no matter how much they bother you. Let them know you're a strong caring person! Don't be rude though !!
Anonymous
October 5th, 2016 3:24am
Try to look past the diva moments and focus on the other parts of the person. If this does not work, try telling the person they are making you feel uncomfortable.
From my experience "diva's" are people that have a big attitude. I have found that the best thing to do is to try to understand why they are acting up.
Leaving them to it or calling them out may just make the situation much worse, so it is in my opinion best to listen and understand.
If you do not particularly like this person, I think it would be best to just avoid them rather then potentially hurt their feelings by saying something they may not want to hear.
Maybe you should speak to this person and ask them why they are acting in that particular way. However, if after your conversation they refuse to change in anyway, the best thing you could do is avoid them.
Sometimes the best you can do is ignore them if it's a coworker, classmate, etc. If it's someone you know then, maybe you should talk to them about it. If they refuse to listen to you, then may be it's best to cut them out of your life.
When I have had to deal with people like this, I've usually found that the best thing to do is to gently tell them that they're overreacting or being rude.
Anonymous
August 6th, 2016 9:38pm
There are a lot of different ways depending on how you want to do it. You could always be direct and just tell them, or you could just ignore them or do something subtle like roll your eyes at them.
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2016 1:33am
Simply ignore them. They are not worth your time. Giving them your time is pointless because you can not change someone who doesn't want to change.
Anonymous
July 15th, 2016 11:19am
Give them the 'pity' look! Just kidding, but if it really bothers you, just avoid interacting with them.
if your looking to fit in with their crowd then you have to go along with it. If you don't like it and want to not deal with it, stay away from them
Anonymous
February 16th, 2018 4:01pm
I need my personal experience the best way Tom deal with a diva is to either walk away. Failing that. Try to make them see the bigger picture. Show them that there is more to it than just what they are seeing.
Just ignore them. They aren't worth your time or effort. If they want to continue to be a child for your attention , then just leave it alone.
The first suggestion i could say to be the best way to deal with this is to try your absolute best to accept every individual for who they are. You may not like to be around this 'kind' of person or character and there is nothing wrong with that but, it would be totally unfair to treat them any different from anyone else. If you find yourself getting annoyed or uncomfortable to be around someone whom is acting like a diva, the next best thing to do is to walk away.
Confront them about it and ask them why they are acting this way. Maybe the person is trying to hide their real feelings by putting up an act. Tell them that it’s bothering you and talk it out.
When someone acts as though they are a "diva", they are deflecting off of themselves and onto you. :) When someone acts like this, the best thing (imo) to do is to humor them or to express to them how it makes you feel. If they do not respect your feelings, they are being very toxic towards you.
Anonymous
April 25th, 2018 4:36am
There are a few definitions of a Diva, But I assume you're using it in a disparaging manner and to refer to those who act entitled, Narcissistic.
Whether it is in the workplace, or at home, you have to settle a Diva down by telling them EXACTLY what is distasteful about their behavior, and then set some boundaries for them.
This will make it extremely clear to them about what they're doing and now you have a clear line in which they should not cross.
Anonymous
April 22nd, 2018 9:36pm
Understand it. By using the word 'diva', it's clear to see you feel negatively about it. Try to understand why you do feel this way, and what you need to do about it.
indifference is your answer. you don t want to lose your chance because someone's behavior affects you. in the end, no one really cares about you, than the family. so let her make her own show.
In my opinion I suggest you respond to that person's words and actions in a neutral way as possible. What do I mean by neutral? I mean by not expressing any feelings in your words and actions. Don't try to fight that person because that person will be more of a diva than ever. Don't accept it and submit under that person's diva personality. What I mean by that is don't treat her like she's the center of the world. That will only add fuel to the fire. If that person says something or does something that indicates a diva then just interact with it by treating that person like a normal person. I know it would be hard to ignore that person. It's gonna be hard putting up with a diva. Don't give up try to be neutral as possible.
I can deal with someone who is acting like a diva by not being responsive to the behavior which is usually aimed at intimidating the other person.
Minimal and unemotional responses seem to work best with somebody who is acting overly dramatic. Typically a diva wants to stir up drama. When you don't give them that, they don't have much to work with.
Anonymous
January 26th, 2018 4:27pm
If someone is acting in this way, try to talk to them about how you feel in a non-confrontational way. Could you tell me more about how you are feeling?
Anonymous
January 25th, 2018 4:37am
I think it would depend on how well you know this person. If you are good friends and the person is just having a moment, maybe let them have it. They may be trying to get something out of their system. If they are someone you do not know very well, this may just be their personality, or they may also be having a moment and just need some time to get out of it. I would suggest trying to discern why the person is acting this way, but if it is really bothering you, you may want to find a way to leave the conversation.
Related Questions: How can I deal with someone that is acting like a 'diva'?
I'm too short for a guy to date. What can I do?How do you tell your friend that you disagree with them without hurting their feelings?Why do I have a gut-wrenching feeling down my stomach after a friend told me something I disagree with, not physically, but emotionally?How do I know if I'm in love? What's the best way to deal with emotional blackmail from a partner? Because of my mental health condition, I think I'm probably being emotionally toxic to my bf. Is it best to just leave the relationship?How to express my feelings to my husband?My wife treats me like a servant. She doesn't do anything for herself and makes me do everything, How can I bring this up without royally upsetting her?What can I do when my husband constantly threatens for divorce anytime we disagree or argue? I have told him many times how his empty threats upset me, should I take him seriously?I am anxious that my wife is going to cheat on me all the time, due to past experiences with different relationships and our now. It is breaking us and I do not want to lose her. How do I stop it?