How to live positively with negative people

via Dr Tim Sharp (aka Dr Happy) – from my free, weekly eNewsletter

In an ideal world, everyone with whom we interacted would be positive, uplifting, kind and caring and supportive…

…but the reality is, we don’t live in an ideal world!

The sad reality is that some people, for a variety of reasons, are negative and difficult, pessimistic and even disruptive.

So if we acknowledge this a reality, how can we deal with these people? How can we live positively, despite some negativity? How can we not allow them to drag us down?

Well, as with many things in life, there are no simple answers. But there are some practical strategies, tried and tested over many years by many people, that you’ll almost certainly find useful:

• to begin with, remember you can’t control or change everything or everyone. Accordingly, it’s important to accept that some people will just be…who and what they are
• when and where possible, just let them do their thing and listen or observe, without judgement
  again, as much as possible, do all you can to stay calm (as noted, we can’t control other people but we can try to control ourselves)
• where necessary, let the person know as clearly as you can if/when they’re doing something that’s distressing or disruptive. When doing so, focus on the issue NOT the person
• If possible, find ways to turn their difficulty into a positive. Can, for example, that pessimist be used as a form of risk management!
• If necessary, limit your time with this person
• Avoid, where ever possible, becoming defensive; and remember, where ever possible and appropriate, that humour can be very useful
• and finally, do all you an to take care of your health and wellbeing

…So that’s today’s mailing. Take some time to reflect upon the message and how it might apply to you. Check out, also, the links below for some additional readings and resources.

I hope it helps you enjoy some more happiness. Until next time…

Keep well & keep smiling
Tim Sharp (aka Dr Happy)