Life Would Be Easy If It Weren’t For Other People

by Connie Podesta

In this book, Connie Podesta shows how to develop healthy communication patterns with difficult people. It includes practical strategies to help make relationships work better for you… immediately. This book is for both the novice and the seasoned professional who desires positive communication in their business and personal life.
“A virtual how-to manual for dealing with people both personally and professionally. A must-have for anyone eager to succeed!”

Genres: Self Help, Business

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 1999

Reviews

[Mia Bolding · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The book explains that while we cannot control the actions of others, we can control our own reactions and responses to them.

The author identifies six types of difficult people: Tankers, Snipers, Grenades, Know-It-Alls, Think-They-Know-It-Alls, and Whiners. She provides practical strategies and techniques for dealing with each type, including setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and managing our own emotions.

The book also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-care, and encourages readers to take responsibility for their own happiness and well-being. It provides exercises and activities to help readers identify their own communication style and personality traits, and to develop a positive mindset and healthy habits.

Overall, "Life Would Be Easy If It Weren't for Other People" offers practical advice and insights for navigating difficult relationships and improving our interactions with others.” - summarized by AI


I was introduced to this author during college, and I am very glad to have discovered her work. For a long time, I had placed too much emphasis on hard skills, such as implementation, while neglecting the importance of soft skills, such as navigating relationships and dealing with difficult people. However, I have come to realize that mastering these skills can dramatically improve my quality of life and enhance my mental health. This book offers a high-level view and a sense of calm understanding about the different types of people, their impulses, and, most importantly, how to interact with them. I highly recommend it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Connie!
I've listened to this many, many times. It never gets old.

[Bridgette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me AWHILE to get through. It could be because there was a lot of detail and examples or it could be because there was a lot of repetition. One thing I enjoyed were the conversation examples on what you could say. I originally picked up this book because I was burned at work by a passive-aggressive person and wanted to see if there was something I could have done to change the outcome. There wasn’t really since I learned those sort of people always create lose- lose situations. I guess I will continue to be closed off and guarded at work because it isn’t worth the risk of exposing myself to someone and I don’t have the effort to give to a broken person to try to adjust their behavior.
The main purpose of this information book is to say that we cannot control individuals but we can control how we react and interact with them, which might in turn, change them for the better. This read felt like a lot of emotional responsibility was placed on the reader to fix the emotional maturity styles of their broken peers and relationships. After being burned, I don’t think there is a way I can come back from the hurt that person created, I will always walk into the office with my guard up and under the suspicion there is a passive-aggressive person in the room who ultimately would find satisfaction in my hurt. Chances are I will be right, and sacrificing some potential good friendships and relationships to stay safe out there, is worth the risk for me.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit repetitive but very easy to read. The points were driven home with easy to understand examples

[Liliana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good.

[Sarah Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource to navigate your personality type along with others around you. Based on assertive, aggressive, passive and passive aggressive communication types.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun fast read and educational at the same time. The point of the book is to assist in learning to communicate with others more effectively. It was simple and easy to read and they authors really drive the point home with excellent examples of healthy and unhealthy communication. They add a little humor throughout to keep things light, but ultimately teach valuable lessons about communication styles. I gave it 5 stars because it was easy and quick to read and I really liked the various examples provided for each communication style. The only thing I may have changed is a little more editing. There were a few things that I felt were redundant, however, I feel that was the intent of the authors in order to drive home their point. It has helped me in how I approach things in my business and also at home with my family.