I've got a journal where I put all the things that irritate me (about others & myself) down, because I know these are aspects of myself. So if at all possible, I will be working on these "irritations".

As Maz says - you can only try for so long before walking away is the best option. I've actually done that today, said goodbye to a good friend in my life because we are on different pages and this person, much as I care for them, isn't what I need in my life.