A lot of dramatic displays, exaggerated stories, and over-the-top conflict are signs of attention seekers.Ignore their antics if someone is bothering you with these behaviors.It is possible to stay calm and in control with strong personal boundaries.If the attentionseeker is a loved one, you might want to see if you can help them overcome their behaviors with the help of a mental health professional.
Step 1: If they do something that makes you angry, ignore them.
The best way to show that you won't notice the behavior is to ignore it.Don't ask the attention seekers to stop or look at them.Pretend as though they aren't doing it.Many attention seekers enjoy both positive and negative attention.They might whistle because they know you will snap at them.Ignore the whistling in the future.Use ear plugs or listen to music.If the person uses stories to get your attention, make an excuse not to listen to them.You could say, "I have to get work done now, but I'm busy at the moment."
Step 2: Stay calm during their antics.
If you can't ignore the person, try not to show emotion.Don't say anything that makes you angry, frustrated, or excited.Don't pretend you're interested either.Keep a cool expression.If your coworker is talking about an argument with your boss, just nod your head along.You need to get back to work when they finish.If they are telling a story, don't ask any questions.Use short statements like "okay" or "that's nice" instead.Don't be afraid to show your interest if the person has a good idea.Everyone needs attention now and then.You might enjoy the conversation if you are interested in their hobbies or stories.
Step 3: If they try to play the victim, ask for just the facts.
Playing the victim is a way for attention seekers to get sympathy.They may tell a story of being insulted and targeted.Asking objective questions about the facts of the story is the best way to respond.If they are talking about how a cashier was rude to them, you might ask what they said.Is it true that they called you that to your face?Where was the manager?
Step 4: It's a good idea to walk away from dangerous or extreme situations.
The attention seekers do what they are told to do.Some people may engage in dramatic displays.Walk away if the situation gets too much to handle.This will show them that their antics won't get them the reaction they want.Do not reward dangerous stunts with attention.If attention seekers engage in risky activities for attention, tell them that you don't want to see them harm themselves.If this continues, I'm not sure we can hang out.Talking about their death, giving away their possessions, or increasing their use of alcohol or drugs are some of the signs that they may be thinking of suicide.Encourage them to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.You may want to suggest that the person see a mental health professional if they have a lot of public displays of crying, screaming, or shouting.
Step 5: Tell them what you will not tolerate.
Make sure the attentionseeker knows that you won't deal with certain behaviors.They might stop doing it in the future if they know that a certain activity won't get a lot of attention.If you don't want them touching you, you might ask them, "Would you mind not grabbing me when I want my attention?"If you need me, knock on my desk.I get nervous when you show me videos of you jumping off buildings, but I know you're fond of parkour.Don't show me anymore.
Step 6: Time limits should be set for conversations.
An attention seeking person can take up a lot of your time.Tell them at the beginning how long you have to hang out or talk for.The conversation is over when time is up.You could say, "Hey, I can only talk for 15 minutes."If you are hanging out with them, you should say something like, "Let's get lunch, but I have to leave by 2:00."It's a signal to you and the other person that the conversation has to end.
Step 7: Don't follow their social media accounts.
Some people post too much on social media.Unfriend the person or remove their posts from your feed if they are annoying.A person might want more of a human connection if they post too much on social media.If this is someone you care about, reach out to them by phone or in person and ask them to hang out.You may be tempted to respond or leave a comment if they post controversial material on social media.Try to ignore the urge.If you block the person from commenting on your own posts, they will not be able to search for reactions there.
Step 8: Contact should be minimized if they are causing stress, anxiety, or annoyance.
If the attentionseeker is creating too much of a burden in your life, cut off contact.Cut your interactions as much as possible if this isn't possible.You can schedule 1 phone call a month for family members.You don't have to always accept their calls.Tell your coworkers that you prefer to discuss work-related matters in the office.Give them a time limit before they come back to work.
Step 9: There is an underlying cause to their behavior.
Trauma, neglect, or other stressors can cause attention-seeking behaviors.It can be a sign of low self-esteem.If this is someone you care about, try to find a time to chat to see if something is causing this behavior.You could say, "Hey, I want to check in."If the other person does not want to talk, they don't have to.If you ever want to talk, just let me know.
Step 10: When they aren't actively seeking your attention, you can boost their self-esteem.
If your loved one doesn't seek out their attention and approval, no one will care for them.When you aren't paying attention, let the person know that you love them.You could send them a text saying, "Hey, I was just thinking about you."You can say things like, "I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do," or "even if we are apart, you're still important to me."They don't need to resort to drama or conflict to get attention.
Step 11: If you think they will hurt themselves, suggest they get professional help.
Extreme behavior can include threatening to hurt or kill themselves, locking themselves in rooms, or breaking down over minor events.These are signs of mental health issues.Your loved one can receive support and treatment from a mental health professional.You might tell your loved one that you are upset.I want to make sure you get the help you need.These behaviors could be a call for help.Don't dismiss these threats as just attention seeking.They may be legit.People with personality disorders may engage in extreme attention-seeking behaviors.