Talking to Crazy audiobook cover - How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life

Talking to Crazy

How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life

Mark Goulston

★ 4.0 / 5(53 ratings)
Start ListeningDownload App
Categories:
Communication Skills

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

Listen to Talking to Crazy — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from Talking to Crazy

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Talking to Crazy

Mind Map

Talking to Crazy
Understanding 'Crazy'+
Core De-escalation Tactics+
Managing Power Struggles+
Connecting with Inner Sanity+
Handling Specific Behaviors+
Relationships & Family+
Clinical Mental Illness+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10
What is the critical first step in reducing irrational or 'crazy' behavior in yourself and dealing with it in others?
  • A. Distancing yourself from emotionally unstable people.
  • B. Admitting and acknowledging your own crazy tendencies.
  • C. Diagnosing the specific mental illness of the other person.
  • D. Creating a logical argument to prove their irrationality.
Question 2 of 10
According to the book, what is the most effective initial response when someone goes into 'crazy mode'?
  • A. Identify their trigger and try to empathize with their headspace.
  • B. Calmly list logical reasons why their perspective is incorrect.
  • C. Walk away immediately to avoid reinforcing their behavior.
  • D. Challenge their statements to snap them out of their delusion.
Question 3 of 10
Why do people often snap into crazy, irrational behavior during a conflict?
  • A. They are trying to test the boundaries of the relationship.
  • B. They lack the vocabulary to express themselves clearly.
  • C. They are attempting to regain a sense of control.
  • D. They are subconsciously seeking professional psychiatric help.
Question 4 of 10
How does the author suggest you connect with the 'sane person on the inside' when someone is screaming at you?
  • A. By asking them to explain the root cause of their anger.
  • B. By reminding them of something mundane, like cooking dinner.
  • C. By matching their volume so they know you are listening.
  • D. By pointing out exactly how irrational they are acting.
Question 5 of 10
When dealing with manipulative behavior, such as a person trying to drive a wedge between two friends, what is a recommended strategy?
  • A. Confront them aggressively so they know you won't be bullied.
  • B. Express interest in their grievance but insist on speaking with the third person together.
  • C. Ignore the behavior completely until they stop trying to manipulate you.
  • D. Agree with their complaints to quickly de-escalate their anger.
Question 6 of 10
What counterintuitive strategy does the book recommend for dealing with a know-it-all or narcissistic person?
  • A. Ignore their comments to deprive them of attention.
  • B. Fact-check their claims publicly to humble them.
  • C. Boost their ego further to lessen their need to act superior.
  • D. Respond with intense emotional vulnerability.
Question 7 of 10
What does it mean to become your partner’s 'sponsor' in a relationship?
  • A. Taking financial responsibility for their past mistakes.
  • B. Committing to sharing and supporting each other through daily hardships and victories.
  • C. Acting as an objective mediator when they have conflicts with others.
  • D. Taking charge of all major decisions when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Question 8 of 10
If your partner completely shuts down and refuses to communicate, what technique should you use to jump-start the conversation?
  • A. Voice the negative thoughts you suspect they are having and ask if you are correct.
  • B. Give them the silent treatment until they are ready to talk.
  • C. Threaten to end the relationship if they refuse to open up.
  • D. Distract them with a gift or a sudden change of scenery.
Question 9 of 10
According to the text, what is the limit of using these empathy and communication techniques?
  • A. They only work on family members, not colleagues or strangers.
  • B. They cannot cure someone who is suffering from a true, clinical mental illness.
  • C. They are ineffective against people who use sarcasm as a defense mechanism.
  • D. They should not be used if the person is older than you.
Question 10 of 10
When a person is in 'crazy mode,' why does the author suggest looking at their left eye?
  • A. It is usually the first place a person shows physical signs of fatigue.
  • B. It forces the person to break eye contact and submit to your authority.
  • C. It distracts you from their aggressive body language.
  • D. It connects to the right side of the brain, helping you focus on their emotional side.

Talking to Crazy — Full Chapter Overview

Talking to Crazy Summary & Overview

Talking to Crazy (2015) acknowledges that each person has the potential to be a little crazy, giving into irrational behavior when the mood strikes. These blinks offer sound advice on how to empathize and communicate with a person in “crazy mode” so you can keep yourself from going off the deep end, too.

Who Should Listen to Talking to Crazy?

  • People with anger management issues
  • Anyone struggling with constructive communication in a relationship
  • Parents and teachers dealing with young adults

About the Author: Mark Goulston

Mark Goulston is a psychiatrist, business advisor and coach. He’s also the author of the bestselling books, Just Listen and Get Out of Your Own Way.

🎧
Listen in the AppOffline playback & background play
Get App