Most of us have at least one friend or coworker who always seems to be unhappy – and has a way of dragging us down with them. Negative people can be challenging to understand, so here are some surprising realities to consider when dealing with them:
It’s not just about them. At first glance, it may seem like the negative person is the problem. But check your insecurities. If you tell that person about an ambitious goal and they shoot your idea down, it’s not just their pessimism that bothers you – it’s your fear that they might be right. Most of us feel the need for validation from others.
Compassion does not help. Chronically negative people are often reacting to challenges in their lives. But indulging their storyline will tell them they can count on you for an emotional response – which is often precisely what they’re looking for. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into their drama.
Preemptive positivity. If you know a friend or coworker’s tendency is to be negative, interrupt their pattern by offering a positive comment. You never know! And this will show them that you’re not likely to follow them down a rabbit hole of negativity.
