We all know that one coworker who seems to thrive on making others uncomfortable. Whether they’re overly critical, passive-aggressive, or just plain abrasive, dealing with unpleasant colleagues is one of the toughest parts of professional life. Unfortunately, avoidance isn’t always an option...especially in team-based environments.

The good news is, you’re not powerless. With the right strategies, you can interact with difficult coworkers while maintaining your professionalism, boundaries, and, most importantly, your sanity. Here’s how.

1. Maintain Professionalism, Even When It’s Difficult

The first and most essential rule is to keep your interactions professional. Responding emotionally (no matter how tempting) can escalate tensions and even reflect poorly on you. Professionalism is your armor in these situations.

If a coworker makes a snide comment during a meeting, resist the urge to snap back or roll your eyes. Instead, maintain a calm tone and stick to the facts. You might say, “That’s an interesting perspective. Here’s how I see it...” Shifting the focus back to the topic at hand not only neutralizes the tension but also shows your colleagues and supervisors that you handle conflict maturely.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Unpleasant coworkers often exert their negative influence because they’re allowed to push boundaries unchecked. Setting limits, politely, yet firmly, is one of the best ways to protect yourself from their behavior.

If a coworker perpetually crosses the line in conversations, you can redirect the discussion back to professional topics. Say something like, “I’d prefer to keep this conversation focused on the task at hand.” Boundaries can also extend to time. If someone frequently interrupts you during work, establish that you need focus time and suggest catching up later.

If the behavior continues, don’t hesitate to escalate the boundary-setting. A calmly worded email documenting your discussion points can serve as both a reminder of agreed-upon boundaries and a record you might need later.

3. Focus on Solutions, Not the Problem

When forced to collaborate with a difficult person, try shifting your mindset from “How do I deal with this person?” to “What’s the best way to achieve the result we both need?”

Focusing on the project or goal you’re working toward can help you sidestep their personality quirks and focus on what actually matters. If communication is a sticking point, set ground rules about how and when updates will be shared. Keeping things task-oriented often minimizes the chances of conflict while also creating clear expectations for both sides.

4. Find (or Create) Common Ground

Even the most unpleasant coworker is human, and sometimes finding a shred of common ground can help defuse tension. This doesn’t mean becoming their best friend; rather, it’s about finding something neutral you can connect over.

If you discover you both like a particular TV show, enjoy the same type of coffee, or root for the same sports team, you might have a quick topic to fill silence during small talk. Shared interests may not make the person more pleasant, but they can help create a slightly less tense atmosphere.

Be realistic, though—not everyone will be open to bonding, and that’s okay. Your goal is to improve interactions enough to make them manageable, not to fix the person or force a friendship.

5. Seek Support When Necessary

If the unpleasantness morphs into outright hostility or harassment, it’s time to involve others. Document the behavior: Keep a record of incidents, dates, and any relevant details. This can be invaluable if you need to raise the issue with your manager or HR.

When discussing the problem with someone in a supervisory role, stick to facts rather than emotions. Say, “Here’s an example of how X’s actions impacted our project timeline,” rather than “X is so frustrating to work with.” Framing the issue professionally shows you’re focused on finding a solution, not venting frustrations.

6. Protect Your Mental Well-Being

Dealing with an unpleasant coworker day after day can take a toll on your mental health, even if you’re handling the situation tactfully. Recognize how it’s affecting you emotionally and take steps to mitigate stress.

Engage in regular self-care, whether that’s stepping away for a quick walk during lunch, practicing deep-breathing exercises, or talking things out with a trusted friend after work. If the stress becomes overwhelming, consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist. Sometimes, having an objective party to help you process emotions can make a world of difference.

Also, remember that mindfulness can be a powerful tool in these situations. Techniques like journaling or meditation can help you maintain perspective. The goal isn’t to ignore or suppress your feelings, but to manage them in ways that don’t negatively affect your work or energy.

7. Know When to Move On

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the situation may remain toxic. If the unpleasant coworker continues to negatively impact your well-being or your ability to succeed at work (and management isn’t supportive) it might be time to consider whether the role is still the right fit for you.

Deciding to move on doesn’t mean you’ve failed to handle the situation; it means you value your own professional growth and happiness. Knowing when to prioritize your well-being is a strength, not a weakness.

8. Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

While navigating interactions with difficult coworkers isn’t easy, it’s an opportunity to build resilience, patience, and interpersonal skills. Each instance teaches you something about managing boundaries, maintaining professionalism, and handling conflict—a skill set that will serve you well in any role, no matter where your career takes you.

Remember, you’re not alone in facing these challenges, and it’s okay to feel frustrated or exhausted at times. By approaching the situation with mindfulness and intention, you give yourself the best chance to not just survive these relationships but grow stronger because of them.

Keep reminding yourself: you’ve got this. Turning an unpleasant situation into a manageable one isn’t just about work; it’s about proving to yourself that you can handle whatever challenges come your way. When you do, you’ll realize just how capable you really are.