Personality expert Bill Eddy says roughly 10 percent of people are highly conflict-prone due to personality disorders, a pattern he has observed through decades of work in therapy, mediation and family law. In his book 'Five Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life,' he outlines five common disorders and explains how they often surface in workplaces, relationships and family disputes. While individuals with these traits can appear charming and capable, conflict can trigger an intense need for control, hostility and blame.

Eddy argues that these individuals operate differently in moments of stress. Unlike most people, who gradually process grief and pain, they tend to become stuck in anger, causing them to relive unresolved past conflicts in present disagreements. He advises against trying to correct their version of events or rehash the past, and instead recommends setting firm boundaries and focusing discussions on future solutions.

He offers a practical '90 percent rule' to help identify extreme behavior, suggesting people ask whether most others would react in the same dramatic or aggressive way. Because high-conflict individuals often appear charismatic early in relationships, he recommends slowing major commitments and observing patterns over time. While avoidance is not always possible, recognizing predictable behaviors and managing boundaries can help people protect their relationships and well-being.