In your work life, you will certainly have your share of dealing with difficult workmates. As if having a difficult boss is not enough! That's really a part of an employee's life, therefore you just have to accept it - unless you plan to start your own business.
Barring that, you need to arm yourself with the appropriate techniques so that when the situation stares you at the face, you know what to do.
1. Try to understand where he is coming from
You will only react violently if you really don't know why your co-employee acts that way. If you will take a look at his background, more than likely, you will be able to make some allowances for his 'rude' behavior.
2. Give the matter to your boss
If you see that the situation can't be resolved at your level, you have to escalate the dispute to your boss. Pray that your boss is an objective person. It is not wrong and it is not squealing on your co-worker if you ask your supervisor's help. But before doing that, you need to do everything to resolve the issue at your level.
3. Think twice before reacting
Reacting in an angry manner to your crappy coworker only exacerbates the situation. Keep your cool and don't just let nasty words come out of your mouth. Assess the situation and determine if he has a legitimate reason to get mad at you. And if he has, then readily say sorry and that you really don't mean to do what you did or say what you have said.
4. Treat him with kindness
One wise man said that he destroys his enemies by making them his friends. This is a bit hard to do, but it is worth a try. Be kind to him and return his 'evil' deeds with kind words and actions and you will see the conflict recede.
