All In The Mind Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people
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Nov 1, 2025 Rachel Sampson, a clinical psychologist specializing in challenging relationships, joins Dr. Jessie Stern, a developmental psychologist focused on attachment theory. They explore how attachment styles influence interactions, particularly in work settings. The duo discusses the concept of highly sensitive people, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and effective conflict de-escalation strategies. They delve into when to cut ties with toxic individuals and emphasize the need to not take difficult behavior personally.
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Attachment Shapes Difficult Behaviour
- Attachment shapes how people show up in relationships and at work.
- Knowing someone's attachment pattern helps you predict and respond to their difficult behaviours.
Avoidant Versus Anxious Patterns
- Avoidant people often keep others at arm's length and resist teamwork or feedback.
- Anxious people crave reassurance and may need extra support during training or change.
Respond, Don't Diagnose
- Use the attachment lens to choose how you behave, not to diagnose others.
- Approach insecure colleagues by making interactions feel safer to reduce their defensiveness.
