5 Ways to Handle a Difficult Ex-Partner 1. This isn't about you. 2. Avoid being drawn into the drama. 3. Consider it a commercial partnership. 4. Consider how you will answer. 5. Make a list of affirmations and speak them aloud. Everyone has difficulties at some time in their lives. But there's a distinction to be made between being tough when under duress and being unpleasant all of the time. You may be dating a persistently difficult person if you are frustrated by your partner's lack of enthusiasm for the things you do for them. If you can honestly claim you've given your relationship your all and your spouse still believes you don't care enough, you probably have a chronically difficult partner. According to Josephson, your spouse may be tough if they have a history of unstable relationships. Respect your partner's limits if they don't want to talk about it. However, if they are hesitant to discuss anything that makes them uncomfortable, you may be unable to resolve relationship concerns. You'll probably feel that your spouse doesn't trust you at some time, which might lead to distance.