How to Deal With a Hysterical Stranger

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Figure out WHY the person in front of us is acting hysterically.

   This may sound a simple task to do, but bear in mind that the reason why somebody is angry, unreasonable and even aggressive might be much more complicated than what you primarily considered.
   
   Try to reason the other by your words if possible to calm the hysteria away.
   
   NEVER act aggressively! Things will just get worse, plus you might also hurt yourself or even end being beaten.
2. 2

   Step 2: Be aware that there isn't always a quick answer

   There is always a reason why somebody acts hysterically, but sometimes it just might happen that that reason is something out of your solving range.
   
   So if there is something you can do to help, then do it, but if not the best solution would be to do nothing.
   
   This may seem cowardly or irresponsible, but if there is NOTHING you can do to help, then the next best thing is to just try not to make things worse.
   
   So yes, act passively and let the stranger's outburst go by you.
   
   If the stranger accuses you for something (it really could be anything), go with his flow.
   
   If by any chance his words have the slightest portion of truth in them, apologise and take responsibility.
   
   If not, just ignore and go away. , Should it happen the person you tried to avoid starts pursing you, blocking your way and/or threatening you, then things are getting serious.
   
   Consider the fact that the stranger you are facing could easily be mentally ill.
   
   So while on his side he cannot be accused for his acts, you will take full responsibility for whatever you do.
   
   Don't fall on his/her level and act crazy, 'cause that's where your "opponent" has the most experience.
   
   Act passively, apologise if he/she believes you did something wrong be reasonable and act like you take what he said seriously into consideration.
   
   Try not to cause any disagreements, solve the issue the person may have with you and continue your life.
   
   NEVER, ever, not once call the hysterical person "hysterical"
   
   "crazy"
   
   or anything you believe that might be offensive.
   
   Don't be cynical and rude with your whole behavior either.
   
   You can freely think whatever you want, but if you want to get out of trouble appear understanding and polite.
   
   Even if you get offended by the other person, try to get OUT of your discomforting place, don't be fool enough to make things worse.
   
   Besides, when arguing in public with a fool, the audience can't tell the difference.
   
   The best way to prove yourself as civilized is to act like one.
   
   If it helps, think of yourself as a superior being that will not allow himself fall in the level of someone beneath. , You might get lucky enough to find a man of excellence and wisdom standing near you, ready and willing to help you.
   
   If you ask a few people that saw the other person's hysterical act for help an find them really unwilling to support you, reconsider you own behaviour.
   
   It maybe was you who started things or gave ground for more hysteria.
   
   You know it really is not bad admitting your own faults and correcting them.
   
   Sure the other person did not behave in a good way to you, but even if that is the case, just fix your fault and reduce you contribution to the problem. , If treated as such, call a friend or a policemen.
   
   After all, you don't know the guy, from the little time you spent with him you figured that you don't like him and therefor you are not obligated to waste you time with him.
   
   That is the last step.
   
   That means try the others first.
   
   There might be reason to his hysteria after all.
   
   The minute you will think you wasted may have helped somebody deal a problem he/she had which caused the "hysterical" behavior.
   
   Always running away from others problems makes people selfish jerks.
   
   You want to end up being called egocentric bastard? Don't think so.
   
   Not to mention that there ARE things that would drive almost anybody temporally insane.
3. 3

   Step 3: or anything you can do.

4. 4

   Step 4: Be prepared to defend yourself.

5. 5

   Step 5: Ask someone to help you if the stranger has not left you alone.

6. 6

   Step 6: Ignore the other person completely and persistently continue you way.

Detailed Guide

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