Sometimes it’s easier than others. Like, if you can stay emotionally distanced, you can see what a tool someone is being and then, feel superior and know the interaction will end eventually. It’s when you get drawn in emotionally (frustrated, hurt, outraged, or whatever) that it starts to take a toll on you.
Myself, personally, I have a couple of techniques, ‘Ice Queen’ and ‘Sarcasto-tron’. If someone is being a real dick for no reason, they will get their needs met, but by an emotionless robot who doesn’t see them. Something about this technique very often turns the person around and they start being nice. I couldn’t explain how I do it, seems it’s more vibe-y than anything. Cold as ice, baby. Cold as ice.
Sarcasto-tron is when I’m feeling spicy. I will be sarcastic, sometimes I toe or just go past what I think is the line and I get a bit scared I’ll get in trouble, but I don’t know, no one has ever complained. Sometimes the person is too dumb or clueless to even realize I just insulted them.
I pretty much hate the general public, but that’s my job and I’m actually pretty damn good at it. :P