How to Deal with Drama Queens
We all know at least one drama queen in our lives. The one who overreacts to everything, taking small issues and turning them into major catastrophes.
They can be overly dramatic, difficult to deal with, and often leave us feeling drained. But fear not, because in this article, we’ll be discussing some effective ways to deal with drama queens, so you can maintain your sanity and keep your peace of mind intact.
How to Spot a Drama Queen
The first step in dealing with a drama queen is spotting them early. Drama queens have a tendency to overreact to things that aren’t a big deal, so one of the clearest signs is when someone blows up over a minor issue.
They can also be very sensitive and get annoyed over the smallest things, and they may disguise their overreaction as concern for another. If you’ve been around them enough, it becomes easier to spot their behavior patterns.
Dealing with a Drama Queen in Your Life
Now that you can spot a drama queen, let’s jump into how to deal with them.
Calm Them Down Whenever Possible
When a drama queen goes off, they get worked up, and their panic rate increases. The best way to deal with them is to try to calm them down whenever possible.
Get them to breathe and take a break. Remind them that they’re overreacting and that the situation is not as bad as they think it is.
Encourage them to take a step back and look at things objectively.
Ignore Their Dramatic Episodes
Attention is like fuel to a drama queen’s fire, so it’s best not to give them too much of it. If they start telling a ridiculous story, try not to engage in it.
Don’t fuel the fire by giving them more attention. It’s better to ignore their dramatic episodes.
Counsel Them When They Need It
Although drama queens can be difficult to deal with, it’s important to remember that everyone needs someone to talk to when they’re upset. There will be times when the drama queen is genuinely upset and needs someone to listen to them.
Differentiate when they need counseling from when they’re just upset over a minor thing. When they do need counseling, be there for them.
Don’t Encourage Gossip
Drama queens often like to gossip because it fuels their dramatic tendencies. As a friend, though, it’s essential to ignore their gossip, and not encourage them to spread rumors.
Let them know that you’re not interested in hearing about it.
Talk to Them About Their Childhood
Drama queens may have issues stemming from their childhood. Discuss it with them but be gentle.
Let them know that you’re there for them, and you want to help them work through their issues.
Reinforce That You Care About Them
Drama queens crave attention, so when you reinforce that you care about them, it can help to halt their behavior. Let them know that you love them, and you’re there for them.
They’ll appreciate it, and it takes their focus off their drama.
Be Gentle with Them
Oftentimes, drama queens have been hurt in the past, and they lash out because they don’t understand their emotions. Being gentle with them goes a long way.
Try not to get irritated, even when you’re overwhelmed with their emotions. Your support can help calm them down.
Have Them Relay WHAT Happened and Not How They FEEL
When drama queens are freaking out and in tears, they tend to talk about how they feel instead of what happened. Encourage them to say out loud exactly what happened and have them explain why it’s not such a big deal.
This way, they can work through the situation logically, and it won’t be as emotionally charged.
Make Sure You Get Time Away from Them
It’s essential to recharge your energy, especially when living with someone who’s a drama queen. Spend time apart, recharge your batteries, and come back refreshed.
Make Yourself Less Available to Them
If the drama queen in your life has a habit of contacting you in the middle of the night or during your busy workday, make yourself less available. Don’t answer your phone, or tell them you’re busy with friends.
By putting up some boundaries and limiting their access to you, you’ll be able to deal with their dramatic episodes in a more manageable way.
Set Limits
Although friendships should be limitless, sometimes, it’s necessary to set limits, especially when the drama queen is overwhelming you. Let them know that you appreciate their friendship, but you need some space.
In some cases, it’s okay to cut down on contact with the drama queen.
Keep Calm
Lastly, remember to keep calm. Drama queens can be overwhelming, but your stability can be an anchor for them.
Try not to get irritated or blow up in their face. Instead, remain calm and collected.
Your behavior can have a big impact on how the drama queen responds.
Benefits of Having a Drama Queen in Your Life
In all honesty, there are no benefits to having a drama queen in your life. They can be draining and overwhelming.
However, if you have figured out how to deal with them and be supportive when they need it, then you have found a way to meet them halfway. As a result, you may have learned a lot about patience, empathy, and how to navigate difficult relationships.
But there are no tangible benefits, unfortunately.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a drama queen can be challenging, but with enough patience and understanding, it’s possible to maintain a healthy relationship with them. Try to remain calm, avoid fueling their drama, and be there for them when they genuinely need support.
Remember, it’s essential to take care of your mental health, so take breaks when you need them, and make sure you’re not being overwhelmed by their drama. With these tips, you can maintain your sanity and be a supportive friend.
In conclusion, dealing with drama queens can be challenging, but by following our tips, you can manage the relationship and maintain your sanity. Spotting early, calming them down, ignoring their dramatic episodes, counseling them when needed, not encouraging gossip, and being gentle with them are essential steps to take.
Additionally, setting limits, making yourself less available, and keeping calm can be effective ways to handle their behavior. Furthermore, while there are no tangible benefits to having a drama queen in your life, learning patience, empathy, and managing difficult relationships can make you a better friend and person.
By following these tips, you will be able to maintain a healthy relationship with the drama queen in your life while prioritizing your mental health.
