Difficult People: Navigating Toxic Relationships

by Gregory L. Jantz Ph.D.

Here we go again…

Burned out by the drama of difficult people? Whether it’s with a coworker, a friend, or a family member, toxic relationships can drain your joy, amplify your anxiety, and derail you from the purpose God has for your life.

But unhealthy relationships don’t have to control your life. Dr. Gregory Jantz, author of How to Deal with Toxic People and Beyond Burnout, equips you with powerful tools for navigating challenging relationships. Illustrated with real-life scenarios and Dr. Jantz’s decades-long clinical expertise, Difficult People helps

Identify the patterns of behavior that fuel toxic relationships and conflict Establish clear boundaries that protect your heart and help you live in peace and freedom Understand when to engage in difficult relationships, and when to walk away Invest in healthy relationships that help you grow through mutual respect instead of tearing you down Grounded in the Bible and packed with practical wisdom and actionable steps, Difficult People will empower you to reclaim your peace and walk in the life God has for you.

208 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever felt discouraged by a manipulative coworker, a highly critical family member, or a drama-loving friend, Dr. Gregory L. Jantz’s Difficult People: Navigating Toxic Relationships is a highly recommended read!

Jantz breaks down 14 specific toxic personality types that you'll probably recognize right away (like the "Gaslighter" who makes you question your own memory, or the "Guilter" who constantly manipulates you into taking the blame for everything). It’s incredibly validating to see these exhausting behaviors called out and exposed for what they are.

But the most empowering part of the book is its central reminder: you are not powerless. Jantz gives you a very practical toolkit to take your life back. He walks you through how to create personal protection plan to guard your emotional health, and he shows you exactly how to set and enforce firm boundaries.

Jantz address the guilt many believers feel when pushing back against toxic behavior. He makes a really strong case that drawing these lines isn't unloving at all. In fact, he points out that even Jesus stepped away from harmful people, making boundaries a deeply biblical way to protect your peace and your God-given identity. He also guides you through the messy internal work of letting go of chronic people-pleasing, neutralizing your own relationship anxiety, and genuinely forgiving the people who have hurt you

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory Jantz wrote a gem here. This book is great for those navigating challenging relationships at work, family life, or in any and everyday life situations. Instead of labeling behaviors on people, he explores the roots behind why people act the way they do.

One of my favorite themes in the book is how Jantz lays a clear picture for identifying different personality patterns and communication styles. The strategies are straightforward and actionable- setting boundaries, improving self awareness, and learning healthier ways to respond instead of react. I really like the solutions=focused method instead of the clinical or overlay technical jargon.

At times the book can seem repetitive and I do think more research would have been done with more citations used. However, the accessibility is also what makes the book useful for a broad audience.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficult People was a good read. I thought it was easy to read and understand. It had some really good points and helpful information. I don't know if I agree with everything the author said or all the ways he said to navigate toxic relationships, but I thought it was a good read overall. I was saddened by the unexpected note from the author's wife at the end of the book.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a practical and helpful book if you are in any type of relationship with a difficult person. Whether you have relationship stress with a spouse, family member, boss, coworker, or person at church or another organization, this book will give you much-needed insight and affirmation. It offers tips to help you set boundaries with these people while also being more understanding.
I received a preview copy from NetGalley.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book everyone should read! It's enlightening and so helpful with clearly laid out ideas and steps in dealing with difficult people. I especially loved that is was God centered.. It's very well written and packed full of fantastic insight and content with boundaries being very important. One of the best books I’ve read on dealing with these types of people. I highly recommend this wonderful book.