We come across difficult people everywhere -- at work, at family gatherings, and even while driving. No matter how nice you are and how diplomatic you aim to be, there will always be someone bent on raining on your parade, especially if they sense you're generally in a happy mood. Don't pay such individuals any mind. Think of it this way: Why allow someone who doesn't pay your bills, isn't there for you in tough times, and doesn't put you on their priority list exert so much control over your emotions? There are those people over which it makes complete sense to worry -- our parents, our kids, and the like. But letting that surly driver who cut you off on the way home or the obnoxious cashier at the grocery store ruin your day does nothing but empower them. Don't harp on the incident -- just let it go. Distract your mind by listening to music, watching a movie, throwing yourself into your work, taking a nap, playing with your child, or doing anyt...

The last thing you should tolerate from anyone is disrespect. Even if you're at fault, it doesn't give someone the right to disparage you. Part of being an adult is talking civilly with others. In order to earn people's respect, you need to stand up for yourself, or else you'll continue to fall victim to their insolence. This applies to everyone in our lives -- strangers, friends, co-workers, partners, even children. I'm in no way suggesting that you return in kind the impertinent behavior. By berating the individual, you're simply stooping down to his or her level. Rather, we should speak tactfully, if forcefully. It's not always easy to reach that fine line, but we can get there with ample practice. All of us are deserving of others' respect. If we make a mistake, we have no choice but to deal with the consequences. However, that does not entitle someone to denigrate us, let alone in public or around friends and family. If the other person is t...