Expert explains how you can use the ‘grey rock method’ to deal with toxic behaviour

Ever dealt with someone who just simply won't catch a hint that you, quite frankly, can't be bothered with their relentless drama?

Well, if you have, the stress is finally over as one expert has explained exactly how you can use the 'grey rock method' to deal with toxic behaviour.

Selena Rezvani, author of Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Boost Connections, and Make Bold Bets on Yourself, took to TikTok to explain the method.

TikTok/@selenarezvani

Selena began by telling her 261.4K followers: "If you're dealing with a co-worker who's toxic or manipulative, or even someone who overshares to the point it makes you uncomfortable - try this technique called grey rock."

Diving the theory, Selena explained: "Just like a grey rock is dull and uninteresting - being a grey rock around people like this can cause them to stop coming around you as much or to disengage."

So how do you unlock your inner 'grey rock'?

TikTok/@selenarezvani

Well, the expert states the first step is to keep your responses to such a colleague as 'minimal and boring'.

"If they tell you gossip about a colleague just simply mutter 'uh-huh' or 'huh'," the author goes on. "Don't ask questions and probe further."

Uh-huh.

"You can also show your disinterest with your body language," Selena informs. "For example, when they come to you with gossip, simply shrug with disinterest or don't even look up from your papers to make eye contact as they bring drama your way."

She concluded the TikTok telling her followers: "The duller and more boring you seem, the less you can escalate their drama and get entangled in it.

"And that's something manipulative people tend to look for. So remember, keep it minimal. Less is more here."

The TikTok has since clocked up nearly 80k views with dozens of people rushing to the comments to share their verdict on the matter.

One TikTok user revealed: "I'm a grey rock naturally, I don't want to hear the drama."

A second admitted: "I'm a 'grey rock' 8 hours a day , 5 days a week!! It’s mentally exhausting."

It sure is.

"I have a natural quiet personality... that usually does the trick lol," commented a third.

"Good idea I like it," praised a fourth while another added: "Love your help!"

A final TikTok user who clearly tried out the theory for themself confirmed it 'works like a charm'.

Will you be trying it?

Topics: TikTok

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 in English Literature. Alongside her studies, she was the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the largest student newspaper in the United Kingdom. Her favourite topics to write about include sex and relationships, bizarre lifestyle trends and all things travel.