Pray for your heart and their heart 

Prayer has been so important to me over the last few years. My prayer often says, “open the right doors and shut the wrong doors. Show me how to handle this the way YOU would want me to handle this.” If I don’t see a clear answer, I wait and continue praying before I make any drastic decisions about the relationship.

Learn their side of the story

This is probably the most important tip i’ve learned. Watching my relationships with several people in my life get destroyed over these last few years has been devastating. Almost every single relationship was destroyed because someone chose to spread hate. The people that chose to listen to the hate, never checked both sides of the story.  If you have someone difficult in your life, take a minute to step into their shoes. At least admit that you have NO idea what they are going through because you’ve never been in that situation. Just because someone is doing things differently than you would, it doesn’t make them wrong, just different.

Remember you aren’t perfect

To someone else, you may be a difficult person. No matter how amazing we think we are, we still have our own flaws. Aren’t you so thankful for grace and forgiveness? Remember to practice offering forgiveness often.

Don’t run away

It’s an easy way out and it won’t solve the problems. As much as we want to run away and avoid difficult people in our life, running away isn’t the answer.

Don’t let fear drive your emotions

I am guilty of being afraid of the unknown. Confrontation is tough and it is easier to walk away and pretend we don’t care. Living in fear can quickly turn to hate and negativity in your own life.

Never miss an opportunity to bless them

Sometimes opportunities fall in our laps that allow us to be a light in someones life. If you have a chance to bless or encourage your person, take it, that may be the door God is opening for you.

Take some time to breathe

Don’t be afraid to take a step away from the relationships and situations. Remember what we learn when we are fighting with someone as a toddler? Walk away! This will give us time to reflect on our situation. Stepping away can give you new insight on how to handle this season.

Keep Boundaries in place

 Often times we can blur the boundaries of showing love and getting taken advantage of. You need to be reflective and make rules for your relationships. Be sure you aren’t hurting yourself by putting too much into one person. Keep it healthy and productive.