5 Tips To Deal With Negative People

Negative people have an essential trait – they can drain you and start feeling negative when you spend too much time with them. This is true when it involves family and colleagues.

That’s why it’s so important to be around people who you easily connect with and who uplift your spirits. We all know that’s not always possible, though, especially since we don’t get to choose our family members or coworkers. However, you have the power within to bring about positivity and not necessarily allow the negativity to harm you.

Below are five tips to help you not only deal with negative people but protect you from falling into the trap of frustration and panic when they surround you – be it in a home or office environment.

Unplug

When someone acts a certain way, it is their frustrations and problems – not yours. It has nothing to do with you. They have to deal with it, not you. If you do not unplug, you will end up plugging into the negative spiral.

Be Compassionate

Show compassion and empathy, but it is not necessary to tell them to stop behaving negatively. This is not going to work and may end up placing you in a slightly uncomfortable position if they turn around and accuse you of not listening to their problems.

Remain Calm

If you are talking to them calmly, remain like that. There is no point in being sarcastic, blaming and feigning ignorance. You have the power to change the direction of the conversation or walk away.

Say No

At some stage, you will have to say no. No, you are not okay with their constant belittling of someone. No, you are not okay that they are taking up your energy and time and trying to change your belief or values. You must never allow a negative person to take advantage of these.

Self-Care

How many times have you felt drained after having a conversation with a negative person? So, make sure you listen to some soothing music or read something uplifting or motivating.

The most important thing to remember is this – if the relationship is getting too toxic where it is now impacting your personal and work relationships to a breaking point, you need to take action. If that means, you have to walk, do it. The walking may not necessarily mean ‘walking out’, it could mean putting a temporary break and speaking to other family members (personal situation) or management (office) or a therapist.

The point is, we are going to be surrounded by negative people in the journey of life. How we navigate is important, not manage them. It is their responsibility to manage their issues, not yours.