Simplifying your life can feel like a breath of fresh air—until you encounter people in your personal or professional circle who operate in the opposite way. Some individuals thrive on complexity, clutter, or overcommitment. They might create unnecessary drama, demand your attention, or complicate plans. These behaviors can make it difficult for you to maintain your simplified lifestyle.
While you can’t change others, you can control how you respond to their behavior. Learning to set boundaries, manage your expectations, and protect your peace allows you to maintain simplicity—even when others complicate things. Here are 11 strategies to help you navigate relationships with non-simplifying people.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
When others overwhelm you with requests or overcomplicate situations, setting boundaries is essential. Define what you’re willing—and unwilling—to do, and communicate these boundaries clearly. For example, if a friend constantly invites you to events you don’t want to attend, let them know you’re focusing on downtime and won’t be saying yes as often.
Boundaries protect your time and energy, ensuring you can focus on what matters without guilt or resentment.
2. Limit Your Exposure
If certain people consistently complicate your life, consider limiting your time with them. This doesn’t mean cutting people off entirely—especially if they’re family or colleagues—but it does mean being intentional about how much energy you invest.
You can still maintain the relationship on your terms. Choose to meet in settings where you feel comfortable, and avoid situations where they tend to create unnecessary stress.
3. Don’t Engage in Drama
Some people thrive on drama and conflict, complicating situations that should be straightforward. When others try to draw you into unnecessary arguments or gossip, choose not to engage.
Instead, respond calmly and change the subject, or politely excuse yourself from the conversation. Refusing to participate in drama sends a message that you value peace and won’t invest in unnecessary conflict.
4. Use “Soft No” Responses
Non-simplifying people often try to rope you into their plans or commitments. Saying yes out of guilt or obligation only adds complexity to your life. Practice saying soft no’s—responses that decline requests while maintaining kindness.
For example:
- “Thanks for thinking of me, but I have other priorities right now.”
- “I appreciate the invite, but I’m not available this time.”
Soft no’s allow you to protect your time without damaging relationships.
5. Manage Your Expectations
If you expect non-simplifying people to change, you’ll likely be disappointed. Accepting people as they are helps you manage your expectations and reduces frustration.
Recognize that some people thrive on busyness or complexity—and that’s okay. Rather than trying to change them, focus on how you can respond in a way that aligns with your simplified lifestyle.
6. Focus on What You Can Control
When others complicate things, it’s easy to feel frustrated. But investing too much energy in what you can’t control only adds to your stress. Instead, shift your focus to what you can control—your own reactions, decisions, and boundaries.
For example, if a colleague makes a simple project unnecessarily complicated, focus on completing your tasks efficiently. You can’t control their behavior, but you can control how you manage your part of the project.
7. Simplify Your Communication
When dealing with non-simplifying people, clarity is essential. Complicated communication—such as vague emails or endless text threads—can create confusion and stress. Keep your communication simple and direct to avoid misunderstandings.
For example:
- Instead of: “Maybe we could meet up sometime soon if you’re free?”
- Say: “I’m available Thursday at 4 PM—does that work for you?”
Clear communication prevents unnecessary back-and-forth and helps set expectations from the start.
8. Prioritize Self-Care
Dealing with people who complicate things can be emotionally draining. Prioritize self-care to recharge and maintain your emotional well-being. Whether it’s journaling, meditation, exercise, or quiet time, self-care practices help you stay grounded and resilient.
When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle complicated situations without feeling overwhelmed.
9. Practice Emotional Detachment
Not every complicated situation requires your emotional involvement. Practicing emotional detachment means learning to observe situations without getting caught up in them emotionally.
If a friend is stressing over trivial details or creating unnecessary drama, remind yourself that their stress doesn’t need to become yours. Detaching emotionally doesn’t mean you stop caring—it means you recognize what’s not yours to carry.
10. Choose Your Battles Wisely
Not every situation is worth your time and energy. Some conflicts or complications are better left alone. Ask yourself: Does this really matter in the long run? If the answer is no, let it go.
Choosing your battles wisely helps you stay focused on what’s important and avoid unnecessary stress. This doesn’t mean ignoring issues altogether, but rather being selective about where you invest your energy.
11. Lead by Example
One of the most effective ways to influence non-simplifying people is by leading by example. When you maintain a simplified, intentional lifestyle, others may notice the benefits and feel inspired to do the same.
You don’t need to lecture or convince anyone to simplify. Simply living with clarity, peace, and purpose can demonstrate the power of simplicity more effectively than words.
Moving Forward with Peace and Clarity
Dealing with non-simplifying people can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to derail your efforts to create a simpler life. By setting boundaries, limiting exposure, and focusing on what you can control, you can maintain peace even in complicated situations.
Remember, the goal isn’t to change others—it’s to protect your own well-being and align your life with what matters most. With practice, you can navigate relationships with non-simplifying individuals while staying true to your commitment to simplicity.
