Most people have at some point experienced the stress of dealing with a particularly rude coworker on the job. Difficult coworkers can make going to work every day a frustrating and taxing situation. If you are in a position where you have to deal with a rude coworker that is having a negative effect on your job, it's essential that you take control of the situation so that it doesn't impede your work productivity.

Take a long, hard look at yourself. Before jumping to the conclusion that your coworker is the problem, analyze your own behavior. Consider what you may be doing that's wrong. For example, is your coworker rude to you because you are always late and forcing him to cover for you in the mornings? Perhaps your coworker is snippy with you because of your lack of consideration. Always identify initially what you may be doing to contribute to a troubling situation.

Avoid taking the rudeness to heart. Realize that rude behavior isn't always personal. If your coworker is snippy and short with you in conversation, shrug it off. Carefully select your battles and don't let someone's attitude ruin your day or your job. If your coworker is simply a grouchy person, let her be. It has nothing to do with who you are as a person. Keep a safe distance away from her unless absolutely necessary.

Speak with someone you trust. Try to get a clear analysis from a trusted person in your life, whether it be another employee, a close friend or a spouse. Explain your situation with your coworker to gain perspective on what to do. If you want to get an unbiased view of who's wrong and who's right, talking to another person can be effective.

Communicate with your coworker. If someone's rudeness is truly affecting your work, don'tt just sit back and let it slide. Instead, approach your coworker in a manner that is neither confrontational or threatening. Avoid going to a higher-up at first. You don't want to risk increasing the tension between you and your coworker. If at all possible, handle it among yourselves. Talk to your coworker, without placing blame, about what he is doing that bothers you. Ask him if there's anything you can do to help him and if there's anything that you do that bothers him. Try to work together as a team to get through the problem. Avoid pointing fingers and always remain calm, patient and rational.

Treat your coworker kindly. One tip for dealing with a rude coworker is simply to be as nice as possible. The nicer you are to someone, the more difficult it is for that person to treat you poorly. Avoid matching your coworker's nasty behavior and always behave in a courteous and polite manner.