Dealing With Negative People

Remaining Positive In The Face Of Negativity

Dealing with negative people and situations can sometimes be a daily occurrence, not to mention a daily struggle! It's something you can't avoid as long as you're living here on earth.

You have to deal with different people... that have different attitudes and different personalities. How you survive the on-slaught will depend solely on you.

Try to understand what's going on with the person that could cause them to be so negative about life.

When that fails, bring it to their attention, hoping to stop their negative thinking, while trying not to let it rub off on you. When that fails, just basically try to limit you interaction with this person or situation.

You can't always change a person with words and action. Sometimes, changing their outlook will have to fall onto their shoulders.

The important thing when dealing with negative people, is not letting their negativity rub off onto you.

Do Not Argue with Negativity

As soon as I take the approach of being in opposition with them, they pounce on the opportunity to ensure me that life stinks. Their negativity escalates and the situation gets worse before it gets better. Know when to remain silent and let the negativity pass.

Flood Negativity with Love

Even if you don't quite understand the person's feelings, know that your reality is different than someone else's. Ask how you might help the negative person. This shows a genuine concern for his happiness. Offer a hug even if you get rejected. Remember not to take a rejection of your love personally. Negative people often have difficulty receiving love from others.

Look for the Positive

I admit that sometimes a negative person doesn't want to see the positive. This might require her to shift her perspective. Negativity can become a person's best friend and no one wants to willingly give up their best friend. Be patient and gently remind your grumpy friend or family member to look for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Hopefully, in her down time, she will begin to reflect on what you have said.

Ask Negative People to Be Specific

Questions like "Which men are jerks?" or "What specifically about your job is making you miserable?" forces a person to evaluate what he or she is really trying to say. A negative person will either give up because it takes too much effort to explain himself, or he or she will get to the bottom of the issue.

Detach And Let Go Of Trying To Change The Negative Person

When her son told her he had no friends, she agreed with him. When he complained that his teacher was stupid, she couldn't agree more. After several minutes of this kind of dialogue with her son, his mood suddenly shifted. He declared that he was tired and he went to bed with a smile on his face.

Avoid the Negative Person

There are certain people like a boss, friend or co-worker that you can remove from your life or at least avoid for long periods of time. Other people, such as children and spouses, may require professional intervention if their negativity is affecting your life. Reinforce very strong boundaries with chronically negative people so you can protect your well being.

Manage Your Own Negative Thoughts And Behavior

Express your gratitude for all the positive things in your life. Take the time everyday to stop and smell the roses, watch children laugh and play, and listen to the birds chirp in the morning. Read inspirational material and listen to joyful music. Seek spiritual connectedness with your God. Do whatever you have to do to remain positive and joyful despite the negativity you face. The world will be a better place because of you and your attitude. And you never know, you just might help a negative person make the transition to a better way of living.