Hard to live with...

Do you have someone negative in your life that you find difficult to deal with?

• Someone who starts conversations contemptuously, expecting you to ignore their tone or criticism and respond nicely? 
• Someone who brings up negatives far more than positives? 
• Someone who looks upon everything with cynicism and makes snide sarcastic remarks?

Let's face it - you're dealing with someone who is plain rude and mean.

If you can't cut them out of your life (as in, they are family or coworkers), what can you do? Other than:
1. React and create more conflict or
2. Reach saintly levels of zen by pretending they are not getting under your skin?
Here is the thing - we are all human. So while I'd love to say: be generous, forgive, understand, don't take it personally - we all know that is not always possible. It's great to try though, it will definitely build character!
But setting boundaries - leaving the room, voicing that you don't appreciate their tone or comments, refusing to engage in negativity kindly but firmly, and limiting contact - these are completely within your power. It will not eliminate the problem but it will make you feel less like you are being bulldozed over.

Extra tip: to prepare for an encounter, try to anticipate common issues and practice lots of self love and self care.