All around us, there are always negative people we meet. Now, I like to refer to these negative people as the human equivalent of “black holes”. These human black holes are the type of people that through their constant negativity, suck the life out of others.
Negative people are everywhere. They may be an acquaintance, in your friend group, or even in your family! The thing is, they may not know they are being negative and their negativity is not always their fault. But don’t worry, there is a way to deal with these types of people.
In this article we will discuss 5 ways to deal with negative people:
5 ways to deal with negative people:
1. Avoidance
While this tip may seem a bit forward, it is very effective! If someone is having a bad day, chances are they need to be alone. While humans are social animals and we do require human contact, being alone helps us process our thoughts and our emotions.
This idea is summed up in a quote by Doug Cooper,
Our best decisions are often what we choose not to get involved in.
Therefore, instead of being constantly around, try giving some space to those who need it. This space will also help you. For example, if someone lashes out at you, you will only be able to handle so much. Eventually, their negativity will impact you which will create an endless cycle of negativity.
2. Keep a Positive Attitude
Whenever you are around negative people, you should try and maintain a positive attitude. I understand this can be quite difficult, but this helps you and the negative individual. It essentially balances the situation and gives the negative person a good influence.
There’s a quote I really like that resonates with keeping a positive attitude:
A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.
3. Be Nice
Similar to the second point, being nice is always the best solution! Try to always be sympathetic towards the other individual. While you may feel annoyed by their negativity, you never know what they are going through. Therefore always try to be caring and understanding and help in any way you can. Your niceness will not go unappreciated and it may make a big impact on the other individual’s life.
Set an example. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are.
4. Confront
Sometimes it’s important to tell the negative person that they are being negative. It is possible that they are unaware of their negative behaviour, and you confronting them will help them realize and change their attitude. Although, remember not to be too abrupt as this can add fuel to the negativity. Encourage but don’t enforce.
As Chuck Swindoll once said,
If we confront someone, we should have one goal in mind: restoration. Not embarrassment.
5. Inspire
Throughout your life, you should always try to behave in a manner that helps inspire those around you. Now you may wonder “but how can I inspire others”? Well, the answer is simple. Through being optimistic and happy, and behaving in a positive manner, you will inspire those around you. Your positivity will enable the other individual to see the bright side of life and make any positive and necessary changes.
Final Words
Negative people are always surrounding you. Since you may not know the reasons behind their negative behaviour, you should always try keeping yourself optimistic and happy. Hopefully, your positive attitude will also rub off on the other individual. These 5 tips are `proven and effective ways to deal with negative people. I hope they help!
Here’s a quote to keep you going:
Negativity sucks away energy. If part of the negativity stems from your attitude or perspective, commit yourself at the beginning of each day and each activity to find something positive in yourself and in others around you. If the people around you are negative and you can’t change that, either remove yourself from the situation or view it simply as one obstacle you face in pursuing your own potential. Stay focused on your own goals and make the best of the situation
-Terry Orlick
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