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We’ve all had this problem. It might be a coworker, a friend, a family member, or an acquaintance. Whomever it is, they are constantly (or often) negative and complaining. They bring you down to their level so you’re miserable and complaining too. Before you know it, you’re that negative person bringing others down. This is especially not fun when you are trying to stay positive about a situation. In this post, I’ll be giving you a few ideas on how to stay positive when others are negative, no matter how hard it may seem.
As a teacher, I’ve noticed how other teachers in this profession can be jaded and negative. They think testing is unfair, the students aren’t prepared enough, the school is putting too many programs on us, etc. Guess what? There are negatives to every profession. On the same note, there are also positives to every profession. The key is to see past the negatives to focus on the positives.
How I Stay Positive
I avoid the negative people. This is the most simple and obvious solution to staying positive when others are negative, but it can also be hard. You can’t avoid everyone forever.
I take a step back and say something positive to counteract their negativity. If someone is complaining, sometimes all it takes to get them to stop and re-evaluate their feelings is to say something positive about what they’re complaining about. For example, if they are complaining about a person you both know, go ahead and tell a funny and positive story about that person instead!
I remember that I am in charge of my feelings. This is something I’ve really been focusing on this past year. I read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and habit one is Be Proactive which means being in charge of you. This has really changed my perspective. No one can make you feel any certain way. You are the only one who can control how you feel. So don’t let a negative person control you or make you feel down. By the way, I definitely recommend reading Stephen Covey’s “The 7 habits of Highly Effective People” which you can find on Amazon.
I will find a friend to confide in. This is someone whom you trust and you think shares similar ideals with you. Come up with a plan together on avoiding the negative person, or maybe work together to confront them. You will feel more confident once someone else knows.
I can confront the negative person. I won’t lie, this is my least favorite thing to do. I’m just not a confrontational person. If you are, great, skip right to this! Sometimes, when you confront them, they won’t even have realized they were being negative. They just needed someone to vent to and get their opinions out. You could just say “Hey, sometimes you talk negatively, and it’s getting difficult for me to stay positive.” Seems so easy, but I get it, it’s hard and unpleasant.
So, remember, you are in charge of your attitudes and feelings. Maybe after speaking to or confronting someone negative, you might need a little self-care. That’s perfectly okay! You are entitled to your feelings, but don’t let others constantly bring you down and make you negative. Stay positive!
What are some ways you stay positive when others are negative?
Everyone should definitely stay positive. Being negative affects other.
Yes agreed! Unfortunately that doesn’t always happen
This is such a good article! I have noticed in the past that being around negativity makes me start thinking in negative patterns. It is absolutely necessary to surround ourselves in positivity and to share that with those that we come in contact with. And you are right, when you come across someone that is negative, it is good to share a bit of our positive breath with them, but move on before it turns us the wrong way. Maybe over time they will get enough little glimpses of positivity that they turn things around for themselves!
This was so nicely said! It’s important for us to spread positivity wherever and whenever we can!
That’s the hope! Every little bit of positivity helps!
So simple but yet so hard to do! Surrounding yourself with people who have the same positive attitude completely changes the atmosphere! We need more “you can sit with us” attitudes!
Yes we do!
I struggle with this, mostly because I take on the emotions of those around me. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
I definitely do that too sometimes. You’re welcome, hope it helps!
I am the type of person that turns people’s negativity into positivity!
We need more people like you!
I agree, confrontation can be hard. Avoidance can work better but sometimes I’ve had to get confrontation out of the way. Not easy! Good tips.
Yeah it’s never fun! Thanks!
This needs to go viral ! The need of the hour is to be positive even if everyone is crashing in front of you !
That’s what I’m trying to do!
There are so many others who can’t seem to shake negativity. And when you’re not negative it’s hard to be around them. I know I have encountered this time after time. I like how you really narrow down how to handle people like this!
I’ve dealt with a few negative people so I’m just hoping my ideas will work for others!
This is always challenging and a daily chore. I have been doing some of these things already but this is helpful.
Interesting tips! We need to deal with negative people everyday, so this is something to put to practice right away. I usually just keep distance. Having that kind of people around all the time is not healthy.
OMG, this is so timely. Thanks for this! Lately I find myself in this situation and it’s so easy to get caught up in the negativity and drama. Trying hard to keep my distance from it!
These are great tips. I think they can also be helpful in trying to transform negative views one might have about themselves too. I am my own worst enemy at times.
Yes that would be a great idea!
Great tips! I remind my pre-teen daughter of this all too frequently lately.
Yes and it can be hard at any age
Great article and sometimes it is hard to stay positive. You listed good tips on how to !!
It is, but I try!
Great article! Sometime it really is so hard to stay positive but these are some good tips that can help.
Great I hope so too!
Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how we are going to live our life.
Yes exactly!
Choosing to stay positive wins you half the battle. Great points here.
Thanks!
I was drawn to this post because I really, really need help to do this. I’m trying to change my mindset to a more positive one, and it’s impossible when those who are meant to support you are nothing but negative.