The rest of your body language can also play a part. Angle your body away from the person and cross your arms or look down. If you’re with a friend, turn and engage in conversation so you can avoid looking at the person you don’t want to talk to.
Clothing can help you blend in or stand out. If you want to blend in, try wearing jeans and a dark-colored top, with plain shoes. In the summer, wear sunglasses; in the winter, wear a big coat with a hood.
Rummage for something in your bag, if you have one. Stop, and look at something around you. Try window shopping if you are on the street, or read a sign that is posted in the hallway. Pretend as if something is wrong with your shoe, and stop to fix it.
Pretend to answer a phone call. Keep talking as you walk away from the person you want to avoid. [4] X Research source Make sure that your phone is silenced or on vibrate; it would be a dead give-away if you were to receive a call while you are pretending to talk on it!
If it is the other person’s hygiene habits (a bad smell, picking teeth, etc) that make them seem strange, stand farther away when talking to them or keep conversations to a minimum. In the case of a bad smell, wear loose clothing to pull over your nose (discreetly) so that you won’t be distracted by it. Try changing the conversation if he/she consistently brings up a subject you are uncomfortable with. Interact with this person only if there are others around so that you won’t be stuck with the other person by yourself and you can make an easy escape. Set parameters for your interactions. If you notice the behavior only emerges at certain times (for example, boasting after taking an exam) or around certain people, avoid that person at those times.
If someone you don’t want to talk to insists on approaching you, it’s fine to make an excuse and leave. If you want to be more direct, tell them, “I’m sorry, I don’t want to talk right now. "
This is especially true if the person is a complete stranger. Walk in the other direction to disengage. If it’s someone you know, you can use an excuse to slip away, or just start walking.
If a strange person’s behavior constitutes harassment, speak to a teacher or supervisor to discuss what actions to take. If you feel you are in physical danger, seek help from law enforcement.
