Want to ignore someone and regain your sanity and peace of mind? Sometimes, learning to block someone in your mind can give you the peace you need.
The secret to understanding how to ignore someone isn’t the same as ignoring an actor you don’t like. You can’t just change the channel and avoid them. It is harder than it sounds in real life.
You think you don’t like someone, so ignoring them should be easy as pie, but it is human nature not to do that. We’re all wired to want to be liked, so as much as we say we want to ignore someone, it’s not always that easy. Strangely when we don’t like something, we get sucked into that dislike, annoyance, or even hate.
You end up resenting them or even being angry at them, which are emotions that are exhausting to hold around. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can learn to how to ignore people without the drama and negativity that comes with it. [Read: How to ditch the bad company in your life]
Why would you want to ignore someone?
There are several reasons you’d want to ignore someone, one of them being not liking the person. Whether it’s a coworker, a friend, or even an acquaintance, you’re ignoring them because you don’t like them as a person. That’s a valid reason.
Sometimes, we find their personalities annoying and unbearable, and it’s best to cut ties. Another reason could be they did something bad to really disappoint you. If it’s a friend, maybe they spread a rumor about you, or they backstabbed you.
If it’s someone you dated, well, obviously you’d only ignore them because they broke your heart and want nothing to do with them any longer. In that case, learning how to ignore people is necessary.
It might sound harsh, but it’s a valuable life skill when you know how to ignore someone. It doesn’t make you a bad person – it only makes you human. [Read: The psychology of ignoring someone: Why we do it & ways to fix it]
There are also some specific types of people you really need to go out of your way to ignore and avoid.
1. The quintessential jerk
These are the types of people you want to avoid at all costs. They are obnoxious bullies who actively put you down through insults and demeaning comments. Their idea of social interaction is antagonizing everyone and making their lives miserable. [Read: How to stop selfish people from hurting you]
2. The constant whiner
These people might not be jerks in terms of personality, but they unwittingly ruin your day by their constant complaining of their problems, which are often simple and superficial.
They’ll come to you for advice, but whatever advice you do give will fall to deaf ears. They think that the whole world should mourn with them if they have problems.
These people are also known as “ask-holes.” [Read: How to deal with negative people and stop them sapping your energy]
3. The narcissistic braggart
You’ve met one of these at least once in your life. They’re the ones who steal the spotlight from any conversation. They are self-centered, attention-grabbing jerks who think that they are infallible and should be worshiped by the people around them.
These are the types who talk behind your back and just talk a lot in general. [Read: How to quickly spot narcissistic traits in a relationship]
How to ignore someone politely
Ignoring someone may initially sound mean or cruel, but it is also something you must do for yourself sometimes to be happier. You don’t want to hurt an old friend or a coworker, but cutting them out may be exactly what you need. If you want to do it politely, you certainly can.
1. Do not reach out to them
You need to remember that you aren’t entitled to like every person on this planet. Not only is that exhausting, but it’s also unrealistic. You won’t like everyone you meet, just as people aren’t always going to like you – and that’s okay.
Do not reach out to them on social media or in person. That way, they’re less likely to reach out to you. [Read: Toxic people – 48 warning signs and the best ways to deal with them]
Avoid making eye contact if you have to be around them at work or events.
When we make eye contact with someone, it’s almost a silent invite for them to approach you and engage in conversation. Remember, you’re trying to learn how to ignore people here, not how to be approachable! [Read: Eye contact attraction – it’s powerful, but is it fatal or real?]
3. Explain why you’re avoiding them if they did something to upset you
If this seems too harsh to you or you want to explain to someone why you are ignoring them, you can. If they hurt you somehow, or if there’s something they did, you can simply tell them just so they’re aware of what they did.
By giving a short explanation to someone about why you’ve chosen to ignore them, you are being as polite as you can. Being straightforward is the best thing you can do here. [Read: The guide you need to grow up and face life like an adult]
How to ignore someone online
It is both the easiest and the hardest to ignore someone online. It is almost impossible to escape someone’s online presence, but it also only takes a few steps to avoid it as much as possible.
People are everywhere online. You’ll see their posts on Facebook, their comments and likes on Instagram, and their rants and ravings on Twitter. Here is how to ignore people online.
1. Block them
First things first, you’ll want to block them. That is definitely the most effective way of ignoring someone online. You can do the same to their phone number, and they never have to know.
When you block someone on social media or via phone, you won’t be bothered by them or their posts, but they’ll likely never know that you are ignoring them. [Read: Power trip – Is the psychology of blocking someone about your ego?]
2. Mute their posts/change their visibility settings
If you want a more subtle way of ignoring someone online, you can always mute them instead so you can peacefully disregard everything they post. This is also known as changing the visibility of their posts.
In this way, it’s actually much easier to ignore someone online than to do it in person; if you can resist the temptation to visit their profile page. [Read: Ignoring a guy – Why this works so well & how to use it right]
3. Filter out their emails
You can also learn how to ignore people online by filtering their emails. Simply head to your email page and set filters on who you don’t want to see.
That way, they’ll disappear into another mailbox and you simply don’t need to look at it.
Many social media platforms allow us to video or voice call people from our apps these days. If you don’t want to totally block them, but you really want to ignore them, look at your settings.
Block phone contact as much as you can and they won’t bother you. In terms of your actual cell phone, that’s pretty easy to do – look at your settings and block! [Read: How to get someone to stop texting you]
5. Unfriend them
If you think it’s not going to make a huge drama when they realize you’re no longer connected, just go ahead and unfriend them.
That’s probably the easiest way to learn how to ignore people online because that way, you don’t even see them!
This is pretty extreme, but if you’re really have an issue with someone and you want to ignore them, you can go ahead and create a new account on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram, etc.
You can also block them from that account so they don’t search for you and find your new page. [Read: The dangers of social media – Why it makes you feel really insecure]
How to ignore people who breed negativity
Sadly, however you try to avoid them, you cannot keep negative people at bay forever. There will be times when you’ll have to deal with them. In that case, try these tips.
1. Don’t talk to them
Annoying people feed on your reaction to their provocations. That’s the reason for their constant efforts to make you miserable. One easy way to nip it in the bud is to ignore them completely.
If they see that you don’t care, they’ll probably leave you alone. [Read: Negative Nancy – 17 traits and ways to deal with their attitude]
2. Or, keep your conversations short
If dealing with them is unavoidable, you can make things easier by using short responses. Make sure you limit your conversation to questions answerable by only a yes or a no.
If they try to strike up a longer conversation or start jerking around, walk away.
3. Try to avoid their space/favorite hangouts
You might have an idea of where these people move around or hang out, so if you want to decrease the chance of encountering them, stay away from those places. [Read: 10 simple tips to avoid being rude in any situation]
4. Stay busy
This is effective at school or in the workplace. Being busy with your work makes you less susceptible to being disturbed by other people.
And it has many other benefits, too. You’ll get things done, time will fly, and you’ll keep the jerk away. [Read: How to motivate yourself to do pretty much anything]
5. Take buffer people
Buffer people, as cruel as it may sound, can be used as a human shield to prevent that annoying person from talking to you. This could be a coworker who is equally displeased with the person, or even an intimidating friend.
Tag along with them when you’re most vulnerable, such as during your lunch break.
6. Use your phone
Appear busy by fumbling through your phone or feigning a call when you notice that the annoying person has gotten you in their sight. Keep doing that while walking away.
Rude? No. It’s necessary. [Read: Do you feel emotionally drained? 15 reasons and cures]
7. Wear headphones
Another way ignore negative people is to wear your headphones and listen to some feel-good music when you realize they’re hovering around like vultures ready to pick on your good day.
Headphones serve as a big “do not disturb sign” over your head and are a good excuse to not hear them.
8. Do not make them a topic of conversation
Let’s say that the person has successfully turned your day sour. The trick is to forget it and move on. Make the person realize that you are not affected by their douchiness.
Complaining and talking about them will only make your day worse. Take a friend and talk about a fresh topic to keep them out of your head. [Read: 15 questions to reveal a controlling personality instantly]
9. Adopt evasive maneuvers
These are simple ways to avoid those obnoxious people when you detect them in your radar:
1. If you pass them by the hall, fumble in your bag as if you’re looking for something while walking faster.
2. Use terrain to your advantage. The water dispenser, an empty cubicle, or a corner store can provide you with sanctuary when the need arises.
3. A quick bathroom break can help you escape from them should they prove to be persistent. [Read: 12 more ways to stop negative people from sapping your energy]
10. Walk quickly
By walking quickly, you look like you’re very busy and have somewhere you really need to be. Unless this person is rather stupid, they’re going to pick up on that and will simply leave you alone.
Bonus points if you do so while looking at your phone.
11. Use your body language
When learning how to ignore people, your body language is a great tool. You can appear very ‘closed off’ by simply crossing your arms over your chest, sitting with your legs crossed, and slouching so you look super-unapproachable. [Read: 10 subtle body language moves to appear more confident]
12. Find a new walking route
If you often bump into them as you walk a certain way, be it on your break, on your way to work/school, or simply as you’re going about your day, find another route.
It’s good to mix things up and it will help you totally avoid this person who seems intent on sucking all the positivity out of your life.
General advice on how to ignore someone you don’t like
Other than virtually and nicely, there are more methods you can take when learning how to ignore someone you don’t like. Here are a few other things you need to keep in mind while ignoring someone, so they don’t invade your peace of mind or ruin your sanity!
1. Stop thinking about them
We know this will sound more literary than literal, but the only reason you want to ignore this person is that you are letting their existence have power over you. Stop thinking about how they annoy you or what you don’t like about them. If you can do that, everything else will fall into place. [Read: 17 ways to welcome positive energy into your life]
2. Be positive
Not liking someone and cutting them out is the next best thing to not caring. When you have negative feelings toward someone, cutting them out is one way to ignore their presence. But if you focus on the positive instead of the negative, you won’t have to put so much effort in.
Instead of reminding yourself of the rude things they say, the inappropriate things they do, or anything else, remind yourself that you are surrounded by plenty of people you do like. [Read: How to be positive: Stop the downturn and find the silver lining!]
3. Keep everything brief
Sometimes we have to interact with people we don’t like. Whether you work with them, they’re a member of your family, or anything else, you may have to interact at some point. So during the times you do interact with them, remember to keep it brief and concise.
There’s no need to lengthen a conversation you’re trying to avoid in the first place. If they attempt to extend it, tell them kindly you have to go or that you are running late for a meeting or errand.
4. Be cordial
We’re not telling you to compliment their hair or flash them a friendly big smile. What we’re telling you is to be mature. Handle yourself around this person like a polite adult – you don’t want to make things worse.
You can still be civil with the person you’re trying to ignore without making a fuss about it. So if you want to know how to ignore someone, indulge in the necessary small talk and move on. [Read: How to be nice]
5. Let go of the urge to push back
People we try to ignore tend to push our buttons. It is easy to push back and then blame them for our bad mood. Instead, let whatever they say or do wash over you, as if you’re wearing a poncho.
You are aware they are there and annoying, but it doesn’t affect you.
So if they say something mean or harsh, don’t give them the satisfaction of knowing they’re negatively affecting you. [Read: The art of not giving a shit – How to not care in 15 steps]
6. Don’t be fake
Okay, we know how easy it is to be fake when learning how to ignore someone. However, this can come and bite you in the ass. You don’t have to fake-like them or go out of your way.
You also don’t have to show distaste for them. Just be neutral and polite. This will end the interaction as quickly as possible so you can go back to entirely ignoring them. [Read: How to spot a fake friend – 13 signs they can fake but can’t hide]
7. Distract yourself
Don’t like someone? Having trouble ignoring them? Easy, just do something else. If you are letting them get to you and can’t seem to shake them off, stay busy. Take up a new hobby, get a side job, or make plans with the people in your life that bring you happiness.
Distractions are the best way to forget they exist.
8. Focus on those you do like
It sucks how the slightest bit of negativity in our lives can outweigh all the happiness. But in this case, it doesn’t have to. Instead of focusing on ignoring this person, enjoy the people you do like.
Stop letting the people trying to give you more negativity than intended from entering your mind. Instead, counter that negativity with people you actually enjoy being with. [Read: How to surround yourself with positive people]
9. Focus on yourself
This might seem cliche, but it works wonders for learning how to ignore someone. If you have focused on others that bring you joy, take the rest of your time to focus on yourself—practice self-care. Clean your place, purge any stuff that doesn’t make you happy.
If you make yourself the focus, you won’t have the space or energy to worry about the people you don’t necessarily like. You might even forget they exist with this simple trick. [Read: How to focus on yourself – 27 ways to create your own sunshine]
10. Don’t blame them
When we don’t like someone, we hold onto that and can turn it into a grudge. It becomes an ugly, festering sore that eats away at your positive outlook. We blame them for annoying us, we blame them for having to ignore them actively.
But we shouldn’t have to change our routines or plans to avoid them when they are annoying.
You need to understand that isn’t really their fault. Some people are just irritating to us, and that’s it. The more you’re looking for a finger to blame, the more you’re bringing drama and negativity into your life. [Read: 20 most common reasons why some people are disliked by everyone]
11. Don’t gossip
Gossip is a nasty thing. We may vent to our friends or coworkers about them when we start ignoring someone that we don’t like, instead of having less than pleasant interactions. We know you’re annoyed at them to an extreme level, but there’s no reason to cause drama and spread gossip about them. [Read: When & how to end a friendship if they’re toxic & holding you back]
12. Remind yourself why you’re ignoring them
If you are having a hard time ignoring someone you don’t like because they have a charming side, they are friends with one of your friends, or for any other reason, actively remind yourself why you are ignoring them.
Remind yourself how they affect you negatively and why you don’t want to be around them. Even if their charm works for everyone else, remind yourself why they’re not a good fit for you. [Read: The shallow traits a superficial friend just can’t hide]
13. Tune them out
This sounds the easiest, but it isn’t. Tuning someone out to ignore them takes a lot of practice, but it is doable and widely effective. At the end of the day, you have full and complete control over the people you choose to affect you.
They won’t irritate you if you don’t let them – simple as that. [Read: How to tell your real friends from your fake friend in an instant]
14. Do not smile around them
There is absolutely no need to fake a smile. Don’t worry, it doesn’t make you an ice king/queen. Smiling at a person that’s giving you stress is like giving food to a crazy dog.
Just do what you’re doing, and hope they will ignore you, too. Even small talk could affect your well-being, so don’t entertain that by flashing a big smile.
15. Delay responses as long as you can
Whether through e-mail, text, DMs, or Skype messages, make it a goal to always delay your replies—unless it’s for work. Be calm, and realize that replying late is not offensive.
This “cold shoulder” should send them a message that you don’t want to be close to them. It’s effective, yet they can’t confront you about it. They would sound clingy or bossy if they asked you why you’re not replying quickly. [Read: Ghosting someone – Ways to disappear quickly and get away clean]
16. Limit face-to-face interactions
If you’re pissed with a co-worker, it’s difficult to avoid them for a very long time, because it will affect your work. You could get fired by not complying, just because you opted to avoid them.
But you don’t have to torture yourself by seeing their face every day. If there’s a way for you to submit your work through e-mail or consult via chat, do it. This will make your life easier.
Less interaction, less stress. [Read: 13 happy things you need around you for a really happy life]
17. Change your routine
If you usually leave the office around 5 PM, maybe you should leave a little earlier or a little later. If you usually eat at McDonald’s, try eating somewhere else. Use another path to get to work.
These little changes in routine will likely change your pattern of interaction with the person that stresses/annoys you.
18. Say no to invitations
If they invite you to a party yet they really stress you out, don’t go. Say no. Come up with an excuse so you won’t appear unkind—but even this is not a requirement.
Simply saying, “Thank you, but I’m too tired lately, and I just want to stay at home and sleep all day” is not too lame. [Read: 10 tips to set boundaries around difficult people]
Also, if you know they’re attending a certain party, don’t go there! Again, plain and simple in theory, but could be a bit challenging in real life—especially if you have a lot of common friends.
19. If you can’t ignore them, take deep breaths
If you’ve done all the things mentioned above, yet they’re still around, maybe it’s time you start living with the fact that they’re always going to be around. Take long, deep breaths for at least one minute, and it will help you recharge after being exposed to negative energy.
This way, you will be able to protect your core from their negativity and function as you should. [Read: 12 steps to change your life and fill your life with happiness]
20. Be joyful to the point where they don’t bother you anymore
Yep, the best way to ignore someone who’s mentally stressing you is by being so joyful and exuberant, that you’ll even want to hug your enemies.
If you develop this kind of attitude, there’s absolutely no one that can rain on your parade or make you bitter. It takes a ton of work, though, as you have to rewire the way you think and feel.
Aside from cultivating an “I don’t give a damn” attitude, you should also develop your inner strength to shield yourself from stressors. [Read: How to find happiness within yourself and manifest a better tomorrow]
Is learning how to ignore people actually a bad thing?
No! Sometimes we need to ignore people to look after our own mental health. There is nothing wrong with that.
Of course, don’t go around ignoring everyone just because you can. That’s simply mean. But, if someone really bothers you and you don’t want to deal with them, these tips on how to ignore people will see you through.
Ignoring someone really all comes down to not letting them affect you in all aspects. The more you make a fuss out of everything and make a big deal out of it, the more likely you’ll be annoyed by their presence.
[Read: 34 life-changing steps to fall in love with yourself all over again]
We all have people we don’t like and can’t tolerate, especially as we can’t be fond of everyone we meet. But, now that you know how to ignore someone you don’t like, you can move on without causing unnecessary drama in your life.
