Whether your job requires collaboration or you simply want to establish friendly relationships with the people you work with, difficult co-workers can complicate things. Here are a few ways to handle bad attitudes in the workplace.

1. Keep your cool. First and foremost, never lose your temper on a fellow employee, no matter how bad the situation gets. This will only make you lose face in front of your bosses and the rest of the office. Simply remind yourself to maintain a calm, even voice, or just walk away from the situation.
2. Practice good conflict resolution skills. If the co-worker in question frequently disagrees or argues with you about work issues, learn how to resolve these conflicts before they start. Identify common ground by pointing out a mutual goal, and be sure to hear him or her out completely before giving your point of view.
3. Address the issue in private. No one wants to be viewed as unprofessional, so privately point out when a co-worker is being particularly dramatic. Say something neutral, like “It seems like you’re getting very angry about this.” This might make your co-worker notice the error of his or her ways.
4. Don’t be a pushover. It pays to be kind, but don’t let this difficult co-worker feel that he or she can walk all over you. Adopt a fair yet stern attitude that shows that you can’t be manipulated or disrespected.

Three Tips to Deal with a Passive-Aggressive Colleague [Harvard Business Review]
20 Ways to Deal with Difficult Co-Workers [iVillage]
Ten Tips for Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers [allBusiness]
How to Deal with Difficult Co-Workers [Forbes]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Aidan Jones

If you're overdue for a girls' night out, then Pinot's Palette is here to help. Not far from Stevenson ranch on Mcbean Parkway, the painting studio promises a unique night of fun complete with paintbrushes and booze. Unlike other BYOB art studios, Pinot's actually has a bar in-house, which means you don't have to stop to pick up a bottle on your way there. Just bring along some cash for wine, beer, or a booze-free drinks. (Sweeter sips like sangria and cider are on the bar menu, too.)

While you sip away, you'll also be creating a masterpiece. The expert instructors at Pinot's Palette host classes and private events during which they teach pupils how to recreate a striking scene or popular portrait. You don't need to have any previous artistic experience to be able to master the masterpiece—folks of all abilities will be able to keep up and have some fun along the way.

Pinot's Palette
25850 Mcbean Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 260-0846
www.pinotspalette.com/valencia
www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-valencia-valencia

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr A y A Pintura y Decoración

For 25 years, the California chain Pick Up Stix has served classic Chinese food to diners in a hurry. Locals say the Stevenson Ranch location is a good place to grab lunch. Regardless, they seem to love the cream cheese wontons, the house special chicken served with brown rice, the house tofu, the Mongolian beef and the chow mein.

Vegetarians can substitute tofu in any Pick Up Stix entree. Lunch specials are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can feed a group with the family value pack. Pick Up Stix caters weddings and other events throughout Southern California. Pick Up Stix is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays.

Pick Up Stix
25960 The Old Road
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
(661) 288-2090
www.pickupstix.com
www.yelp.com/biz/pick-up-stix-stevenson-ranch-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/The Culinary Geek