I have always been able to get along with hard edged folks if they have something to offer. Some shit just doesn;t phase me as long as they don't cross the line. They can provide perspcetives in converstaion that can be interesting. If they pile it on too much I just walk, and I am good at smelling a bad idea way in advance of of most people. When I say no, I mean no. Any attempts to intimidate or con will be instantly written off.
Folks who try that b.s. can read people who aren't goning to put up with their marlarky, so they usually stay on good bevaviour.