Accept people as they are, but don't let them torture you. We get burned when acceptance turns into unlimited access, when we keep people close even after they've clearly shown us who they are. We tolerate, ignore, then wonder why we're drained. Look, everyone has a role in our lives, but not everyone gets authority. Some people belong close, some at a distance, and some don't belong at all. Your behavior determines the position you hold in your life. So lead yourself well: upgrade, downgrade, or remove access... respectfully.