How to handle a colleague you genuinely cannot stand — professionally

I work closely with someone I find deeply frustrating. This is not a toxic situation — they're not doing anything wrong per se — but our working styles are so different that every interaction takes energy.

What I've done that actually helps:

Reduced unnecessary contact. I only interact when the work requires it. I'm not rude, but I don't manufacture reasons to engage.

Assumed positive intent. The behaviours that frustrate me (over-explaining, talking over people, needing constant validation) are probably not malicious. This frame makes it less personal.

Identified what I can influence. I can't change their personality. I can control how I respond, what I put in writing, and how much mental space I give the situation.

Talked to my manager. Not to complain, but to flag that collaboration with this person is challenging and to ask if there are workflow adjustments. Framed as a productivity question, not a personal one.

I still find them frustrating. But it no longer actively harms my work.