Holiday Party Poopers

How to Deal with Party Poopers

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Tis' the season for holiday festivities and family gatherings. With all this socializing, you're bound to run across a few party poopers. You know, the people that you just dread talking to -- Tactless Ted, Whining Wendy, even Merv the Perv. Get tips forpushing past the poopers so you can focus on the party.

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Nosie Nettie: Remember, you are under no obligation to answer Nosy Nettie's prying questions. A quick way to quiet her is to respond with, "Wow, that's quite a personal question. Why do you ask?"

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Tactless Ted: Don't lose your cool when Tactless Ted makes a racist remark. Instead, calmly state that you don't support his view and either walk away or change the subject. If you are the target of the slur, try responding with, "You must be talking about me. I'm (whatever it is)." Then sit back and watch Tactless Ted squirm.

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Whining Wendy: When Wendy whines, ignore it. Without attention to feed it, whining will shrivel up and die. You could also have fun by exaggerating Wendy's complaints with an over-the-top story of doom and gloom. By the time you're done, she'll either belaughing or leaving.

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Nick Know-It-All: One way to handle Mr. Know-It-All is to listen and thank him for his advice or information, then change the subject. If his facts seem suspect, catch him off guard by asking him to share his source or provide supporting evidence.

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Gossiping Gayle: First, don't discuss anything remotely confidential near Gossping Gayle. If she approaches you with some new, juicy tidbit, politely but firmly tell her that you're not interested or calmly ask, "How does this affect you?" Hopefully she'll get the hint.

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Merv the Perv: If Merv the Perv crosses a boundry, speak up! Typically, if you ask him to stop, he will -- especially if its loud enough for others to hear. Describe the behavior clearly, for example, "It makes me uncomfortable when you talk to me/touch me/look at me that way. Please don't do it again."

• How to Deal with Party Poopers

  Boring Betty: When Boring Betty monopolizes yet another conversation talking about herself or something equally as dull, interject and ask someone else to share an opinion or story. If this doesn't steer the conversation in a different direction, steer yourself away from her.