Ah, the unavoidable joy of working with people who make “awful” look like an art form.

While every office has that person, it doesn’t have to be as difficult to deal with them as you may think.

“Navigating the modern professional workplace often means we encounter co-workers who seem to possess a unique talent for draining our energy and patience,” said Twanna Carter, Ph.D., a career coach based in Bowie, Md. “Just like a vampire drains the blood out of its victims, these co-workers can leave us feeling depleted and exhausted.”

But as Maya Angelou once wisely stated, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

That’s why Carter stresses that it’s important to remember that there are ways to cope with their impact on both us and our organizations; so long as you’re willing to put in some work, the office can once again be your oyster.

Here’s how to deal with the atrocious co-worker.

Don’t let it linger and allow your anger to seethe up to a boiling point. Sneha Mandala, a speaker, coach and consultant on work culture and peak performance in Reno, Nev., recalls a day when a rude co-worker yelled at her to leave early because it was Friday.

“In reality, he was just a co-worker,” she said. “I couldn’t fathom why he thought it was acceptable to boss me around, especially when I was simply wrapping up my pending work at my desk, minding my own business. His behavior that day was needlessly disrespectful, and it left me in tears when I finally went home.”

Every workplace is bound to have someone who, whether intentionally or unintentionally, affects your performance and mental health. “One of the worst pieces of advice I’ve come across when dealing with such situations is to simply ignore them,” said Mandala. “This approach is flawed, because it can actually exacerbate tensions.”

Mandala believes that empathy can help pave the way for a meaningful conversation with a problematic co-worker.

“By understanding their perspective, you can either reach a compromise or construct a persuasive argument, whether you agree with their viewpoint,” she said. “Congratulations, you regain control and stand your ground confidently.”

Nate Djeric, career counselor at Career Boost in Newark, Del., remembers a time early in his career when he was paired with a co-worker who was the epitome of pessimism.

“Every brainstorming session felt like wading through quicksand,” he said. “Instead of succumbing to frustration, I took it as an opportunity to refine my communication and empathy skills.”

Djeric employs the “feedback sandwich technique” — starting with a positive comment, following with constructive feedback and ending on another positive note.

(Hey, could this even work with your anxiety-inducing roommate or college best friend, too?)

Embrace this way of thinking for not only a better work life but a better personal life, too.

“Understand that you can’t control others’ behavior, only your reaction to it,” said Carter. “By emotionally detaching, you can prevent someone else’s negativity from influencing your mood or self-worth.” Often, just establishing this small amount of control results in reduced stress and helplessness.

Along those lines, prioritize taking care of your mental and physical health.

“Regular self-care activities such as meditation, exercise and hobbies can boost your resilience. Harvard medical studies show that mindfulness meditation actually changes the brain,” said Carter.

The psychologist recalls a client who was so stressed out by their bullying co-worker that they just fantasized about punching them in the face.

After a particular session of mindfulness training, they were feeling much better.

Still, the disgruntled colleague quipped, “If the co-worker tripped and fell, I’m pretty sure I’m still laughing. And nope, I’m not helping them up!”

A mantra worth repeating when you’re dealing with a pesky cubemate.

“I often stress the importance of maintaining a stress-free and burnout-free work life by embracing your natural, authentic self,” said Mandala, adding that if toxic behavior from co-workers or managers starts compromising your authenticity to the extent that you have to conceal a part of your identity, it could negatively impact your mental health and job performance.

It’s essential to evaluate the frequency of such behavior, whether it’s directed solely at you or others. If there are recurring patterns in how this individual behaves or when they act out, “document your observations and, if it feels safe, share them with your manager or HR partner,” said Mandala. “Going forward, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries with co-workers who thrive on stirring up trouble. As the saying goes, ‘Your liberties end where my nose begins,’ and this principle remains relevant today.”

As Djeric elaborates, setting boundaries doesn’t mean being confrontational but being assertive about your needs and limits.

“For instance, if a co-worker constantly interrupts your workflow with nonessential chatter, politely communicate specific times when you’re available for casual conversations,” he suggested.

Speaking of that office chatterbox, could they present a good opportunity for you to work on your listening skills? It’s all about reframing, folks.