This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love. Read the full disclosure here
Dealing with difficult people can be a challenge. Whether it’s a passive-aggressive coworker, a judgmental friend, or someone just trying to get under your skin, it’s easy to let others’ actions affect you.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. By shifting your mindset and using a few strategies, you can stop letting people get to you.
These 17 tips will help you stay calm, focused, and in control, no matter what life throws at you.
1. Focus on What You Can Control

When others’ behavior bothers you, remember that you can’t control their actions—only your reactions. By focusing on what’s within your control, like your response, you can let go of frustration.
Instead of letting someone’s negativity affect you, choose to stay composed and composed.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are essential for protecting your emotional well-being. When someone oversteps or disrespects you, it’s important to assert your limits.
Whether it’s telling someone you’re not available to engage in drama or walking away from toxic conversations, setting boundaries helps you maintain peace.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
3. Practice Deep Breathing

A simple but effective way to stay calm when someone is trying to get to you is by taking a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
This helps calm your nervous system and gives you time to think before reacting.
4. Shift Your Focus

When someone’s behavior starts to affect you, redirect your attention to something positive. Think about your goals, a happy memory, or something you’re grateful for.
This shift in focus will help you disconnect from the situation and regain control over your emotions.
5. Let Go of the Need to Be Right

Sometimes people argue simply for the sake of being right. If you find yourself getting caught up in a pointless argument, take a step back.
Recognize that you don’t need to win every battle, and let the need to prove yourself go. This will free you from unnecessary stress.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
6. Practice Self-Compassion

It’s easy to get frustrated with yourself if you let someone get under your skin. Instead of criticizing yourself, practice self-compassion.
Be kind to yourself, acknowledge that everyone has moments of weakness, and remind yourself that your peace of mind is worth protecting.
7. Don’t Take It Personally

Not everything is about you. People often act out of their own issues or insecurities, and their behavior has little to do with you.
By recognizing that their actions are about them, not you, you can detach emotionally and avoid getting hurt by their words or actions.
8. Walk Away if Needed

If the situation is getting too intense or the person is being too negative, don’t hesitate to walk away. Removing yourself physically can help you regain your composure and avoid saying or doing something you’ll regret.
Sometimes, space is the best way to protect your peace.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
9. Develop a Strong Support System

Having a strong network of friends, family, or mentors can help you stay grounded when people try to get to you. Surround yourself with positive influences who encourage you and remind you of your worth.
Their support will make it easier to brush off negativity.
10. Stay Mindful of Your Thoughts

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for emotional control. Practice being aware of your thoughts, especially when someone is trying to upset you.
By recognizing negative or reactive thoughts as they arise, you can challenge them and replace them with more rational, balanced perspectives.
11. Cultivate Emotional Detachment

Emotional detachment doesn’t mean you don’t care; it means you stop letting others’ emotions dictate your own. By detaching emotionally, you can respond to situations from a place of logic, not reaction.
This helps you stay calm and prevents others from influencing your emotional state.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
12. Use Positive Self-Talk

When people try to get to you, use positive affirmations or self-talk to reframe the situation. Tell yourself, “I am in control,” or “This too shall pass.”
This simple practice boosts your confidence and helps you stay grounded, even in the face of negativity.
13. Practice Gratitude

Cultivating a gratitude practice helps you focus on the positives in your life, making it harder for negative people to bring you down. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for.
Gratitude will shift your mindset and make you less susceptible to other people’s negative influence.
14. Limit Your Exposure to Toxic People

Sometimes, the best way to protect yourself is to limit the time you spend with people who try to get to you. If someone consistently drains your energy or triggers negative emotions, consider setting distance between you and them.
Your well-being is more important than keeping toxic relationships alive.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
15. Don’t Engage in Drama

If someone is trying to stir up drama or provoke you, resist the urge to engage. Simply walk away or change the subject.
Drama thrives on attention, and the less you give it, the less power it has over you. Stay focused on your own peace, and the drama will fade.
16. Build Emotional Resilience

Emotional resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. The more resilient you become, the less impact negative people will have on you.
Strengthen your emotional resilience by practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, and maintaining a positive mindset. Over time, you’ll be better equipped to handle difficult people.
17. Seek Professional Support

If you find that people consistently get to you and it’s affecting your mental health, seeking support from a therapist or counselor can help. Professional guidance can give you the tools and strategies to navigate tough situations and process emotions in a healthy way.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
More from Bullock’s Buzz

- 20 Things Narcissists Do When They Realize You’ve Seen Through Them
- 10 Legendary Beers That Are Gone for Good
- Seventeen Toxic Phrases That Reveal You’re A Manipulative Person
- 25 Classic Meals That Baby Boomers Can’t Get Enough Of But Millennials Don’t Know
- Healthy Kidneys Ahead: 13 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.