Are Difficult Relationships Stealing Your Joy? Here’s The Solution
“Life is Too Short to Deal with People You Don’t Like”
You don’t have time for that.
It’s easy to think that you must put up with people you don’t get along with. Maybe it’s a client, a collaborator, or someone you see at networking events. The thing is, life’s too short for that.
You’re building something of your own. You’re out here doing your thing. Why spend precious time with people who drain you, waste your energy, or make you feel small?
I’m not talking about being rude or avoiding the world entirely. But when it comes to the people you spend the most time with — be it in work or in life — you need to be selective.
Who you choose to engage with matters.
As Anthony Bourdain wisely observed, life is fleeting. We owe it to ourselves to surround ourselves with those who value and respect us. Choosing to distance oneself from negativity isn’t selfishness, but rather a recognition of one’s own worth.
If others choose to be unkind, that’s their prerogative, but it doesn’t diminish your value.
The Cost of Energy
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or creative, your energy is your most valuable currency. It’s what fuels your ideas, your output, your relationships.
If you’re constantly wasting energy on toxic people, that’s energy you can’t spend on your craft, your business, or the people who really matter.
I had a situation like this once in my over 10 years career. I had a client who was difficult from the start. He was picky, demanding, and borderline disrespectful. But I kept trying to please him, telling myself that it was worth the effort for the paycheck. I didn’t want to seem difficult or unprofessional.
I told myself that maybe I could “manage” him.
After months of frustration, a simple realisation hit me: I didn’t need this client. Yes, he was paying, but what was that exchange really costing me? The time, the emotional drain, the constant rework — it wasn’t worth it.
So I ended it.
Not with a big dramatic confrontation, just a simple “My services have evolved, and I don’t believe they are currently the best fit for your present requirements. I don’t think we’re the right fit to work together anymore” email.
The relief was immediate.
The moment I freed myself from working with someone I didn’t enjoy, I opened up space for new clients who were easier to work with, who respected my time, and whose energy aligned with my own.
And here’s the kicker: that decision didn’t just save me time and stress. It actually made me more money in the long run.
Because when you focus on the right people, the right opportunities come to you.
The most successful people I know didn’t get there by being nice to everyone. They got there by being deliberate about the people they worked with, the energy they surrounded themselves with, and the values they maintained.
It’s not about being a jerk, but about being discerning.
If you think you have to tolerate bad energy for the sake of professionalism, you’re wrong. It’s possible to be professional, and at the same time, selective. You can say “no” without burning bridges.
You can distance yourself without being rude. And most importantly, you can protect your time and energy.
You Get to Choose
Here’s the truth: You get to decide who you spend your time with. It’s a choice. You can’t control every situation, but you can control who you let into your circle. And that circle — those people — will shape your life and your business.
When you let go of the people who drag you down, you make space for the people who will lift you up. And this will make a difference not just in your work, but in your well-being and the joy you feel as you build your path.
So, ask yourself: Who are the people in my life and business that I’m tolerating for no good reason?
It’s okay to let them go.
Stay grounded,
Margaret
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P.S. If you enjoyed this brief missive about how to deal with difficult relationships, I invite you to subscribe here, where I share insights, case studies, and musings on business and beyond. As always, thanks for your attention and for being part of my journey.
