Touched upon in 'bait and switch' employee (as they're equals), but escalated.

Those who just continue to push their luck.

Those who generally continue to get lucky because you're too soft - putty in their hands with no backbone to prick them?

However...

You've stood up to them by now, yet nothing changes, or things get worst; you're likely now the reason behind any atmosphere.

No matter what you're approach; perfectly polite and honest, you could have a good excuse, or you could be the type to 'set someone straight'.

Yet you prevented them from getting their own way, and if they're a good passive aggressor, they'll ensure you're:

• wrong to refuse

• wrong to say "No"

• wrong to be otherwise occupied

• wrong to stand up to them

They asked nicely, what more do you want? As we know, it's good manners to always answer yes.

These people are often popular in the workplace, so even though you don't want to rub anyone up the wrong way, falling out of favour with this person can spell widespread isolation.

They exaggerate often, have a back-up argument ready, a means of guilt tripping you and a sharp witt if ever the feel the need to get personal.

Office, restaurants, store - these people are everywhere!

Sometime, though it really isn't you and maybe unfair, fall into the role of that 'difficult person', but which would you rather be?

That overloaded soft-touch?

Or

That half-full 'moaner'?

Sometimes, however, it seems best to just leave people to make their own mind up about you, and if you know that part of their opinion is based on selfishness, oh well, it's up to them.

In my experience, I found it quiet liberating once people began withdrawing their bubbly-ness towards me when realising I wasn't going to be so soft.

I'm not someone who'll keep their gob shut for ages then one day sound off about everything that's happened in the past that bothers me (may seem a ranter here but day by day, this isn't the case ;D), as what can be done their and then?

I like to learn from the bothersome; know what to expect and shelve that knowledge having taken it in - I won't forget, as that's impossible, but I won't carry it around to throw back at source.

'Those' people have taught me to be a bit more mindful; spot the charming passive aggressor, even if they're the sweetest person you ever meet and your best friend in the workplace, still, boundary's setting early make a massive difference.

Also...

Wording a clear "No".

*My account & attempt at advise, which you can take or leave, I'm not one for giving advise, this is just something that's helped me loads*