How To Deal With Negative People

Sometimes, things go your way. Sometimes, they don’t. You understand that that is life, so you try to have a positive attitude most of the time.

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We All Know Someone Like This

There are always going to be people out there who will focus on the negative. We all have people like that in our lives, whether it’s co-workers who hone in on the work that isn’t done, parents that insist on comparing you with your more successful cousins or children of their friends, or friends, who like to call you and bemoan the fact that they are single – yet again.

While you love all these people, and believe that they are good-intentioned at the heart of it, negative people can be draining to your energy, bad for your health, and a downright drag.

There are ways to deal with these people.

First of all, try to understand what they are talking about. By listening, maybe you could help them feel like someone truly cares, and you could gain some insight in to why they are the way they are. Even if you can’t offer a solution, you’ll be able to better understand where they are coming from.

Try to change the subject or bring their focus elsewhere

If a colleague is complaining about a heavy workload, remind them of how bored they were during the slow season, and that more work generally means employment security. If a friend is talking about how her last boyfriend left her, you could draw her attention to all the other men who would love to be with her. Suggest fun activities, group activities, and things to do where not as much talking – and therefore complaining – is required. Be your happy self. Just as negative attitudes are contagious, so are positive ones.

Remember that there is only so much that you can do. It’s not your responsibility to change someone else’s attitude or outlook on life. What is your responsibility is keeping yourself happy. If you find that someone is dragging you down, it might be best to see these people in smaller doses, or to limit your contact with them.

Simply put, you are responsible for your own happiness!

Candice Galek is the founder and CEO of Bikini Luxe, the third largest online retailer of bikinis and swimwear in the world. More information: www.bikiniluxe.com

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