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As much as you might love the idea of bonding with your fellow co-workers, there are some with no chill that make this a very difficult endeavor. Some people know how to push buttons and do everything in their power to get you to react.

A workplace doesn’t have to be a site for socializing (after all, you do need to work) but it shouldn’t turn into a battleground where everyone is constantly trying to knock out their colleagues either. Healthy competition is good but not full-blown feuds. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my gig, I’m all about the coin. Who the heck wants to entertain foolishness that could cost you a promotion — or worse your job — down the road? Ain’t nobody got time for that!

It always amazes me how many people allow others to affect their happiness on the job. Yes there will be times when you can’t dodge shade bullets or need to grit your teeth while working with someone you can’t stand. That, my friend, is the game of life. Does it mean you need to fire shots and come up with your own diss record? Learn from Meek Mill and keep that mouth shut. All jokes aside, workplace feuds are extremely unproductive and a waste of time. If you happen to find yourself at the forefront of “colleague beef” here are some do’s and don’ts to getting out of the situation with your professionalism in tact.

DO take the high road. I know, I know, this is boring. Who wants to act like an adult when you can take a cue from one of the characters in Mean Girls? Regardless of how people treat you, it’s important to maintain professional behavior at all times. You never know who’s peeping the situation from a distance.

DON’T take it to social media. As funny as the beef is between Drake and Meek Mill (those memes though!), that type of behavior on social media will get you fired. Stay off Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and any other platform if you’re only going to use it to tear down your co-worker.

DO prepare for battle. This doesn’t mean you need to figure out how to make weapons out of office supplies, but focus your mind on positive thoughts. If you already know the day is going to be long because of craziness, start it off with an inspirational word or read.

DON’T include others. The last thing you need is for someone to say you and a group of your colleagues ganged up on them. It’s one thing to ask trusted eyes around you to peep what’s going on, but a completely different story to build up a mini army.

DO look for ways to break the tension. There’s nothing wrong with trying to call a truce. It might be hard to let go of your feelings — or your pride for that matter — but if it helps, by all means. This is super important if you’ve been at war with the same person for several years. Just let it go please.

DON’T flip out! Consider it career suicide if you have a dramatic episode, or worse, get physical with the person you can’t stand. No one, I repeat no one is ever that important for you to sacrifice your everything you worked to achieve. Go to the bathroom to catch your breath, scream in your car, or telecommute (if possible) for a few days. Do anything except show unprofessional behavior.

DO involve management if necessary. Sometimes things get so bad that you need to call in the big dogs. Speak with your manager about anyone who can’t keep things professional. Even if it’s considered snitching, there’s a bottom line here. The last thing you need is for someone to try and sabotage your work and do other crazy stuff because no one put them in check.

Related read Your Vibe Affects the Office: How to Be a Better Person on the Job

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