Here’s a way to deal with unpleasant people in your life. And it really does help.

When someone is nasty, rude, hate-filled or mean to you, imagine that they have some kind of disease. Pretending this makes it easier to feel empathy for them. This can soften a conflict.

The good news is that in a normal setting, 95% of the people you deal with – even those you disagree with – will be kind, loving, and generous to you.

Don’t let the nasty 5% ruin day or week, much less a month or year. Just know that there are always a few bad people out there. If you can’t avoid them, shrug, and go on with your life.

And remember what Jesus commanded: love your enemies. You don’t have to be a Christian or even particularly religious to know that that counsel is a winning strategy.