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so, perhaps my biggest help has been cutting off all or severely limiting any contact with these types. i've become quite adept at spotting these negativity-generators pretty quickly now, despite the fact that their public personas are often near perfect ones. the difference this has made in my ibs and in my general sense of well-being/ mental health is nothing short of miraculous.
My best friend from high school who turned into my college roommate also had a personality disorder, and my experience with her has me extremely wary of people. I'm very careful now about who I let into my life; I still try to be open and fair, but whenever anyone displays certain behaviors that remind me of that girl, I end the acquaintanceship there. Part of my anxiety involves being around people who will become like my friend and another part is that some day she'll try to push her way back into my life. I have to keep reminding myself that this happened ten years ago--she's probably changed, gotten help (I hope) and moved on with her life.

I definitely agree that the people who are close to you can have an impact on your mental/emotional health! If they start being overly needy or critical or display behaviors typical of someone with a personality disorder, I say, "GOOD BYE FOREVER!"

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