Folks that are only interesting in picking someone’s brain—and not engaging their business or reciprocating any value—will monopolize your time. And time is your most valuable asset!

Since you run a for-profit business, your ultimate goal is to earn money and benefit from the connections your make along the way. Your experience and talent are what sets you apart from the competition. And as a professional, if you give that up for free, you eventually lose leverage and the position to negotiate.

1. Establish healthy boundaries

2. Take responsibility for your emotions

Either change the situation, or change how you respond to the situation. Perhaps you decide to walk away and enter a new environment.

3. Let other people be responsible for their emotions

don't take on responsibility for other people's emotions. You can't make everyone happy, and you can't make anyone mad.

4. Acknowledge your choices

acknowledging you have some say in the matter empowers you to take responsibility for your own life.

5. Live according to your values

You'll care less about going along with the crowd, and you'll be less concerned about other people's opinions when you're clear on your values. Identify the things that are most important to you, and live accordingly.

6. Forgive, and move forward

Holding onto a grudge diminishes your life, not anyone else's.

7. Stop trying to prove people wrong

Work on goals that matter to you.

8. Don't let your self-worth depend on other people's opinions

Don't make your self-worth dependent on anyone else.

9. Don't waste energy complaining

Choose to use your time and energy on more positive, worthwhile activities.

10. Stop thinking about unhelpful interactions with others

While you certainly want to learn from mistakes and plan for the future, don't ruminate on the hurtful things someone already said or the rude comments they might make in the future.