Taking away negativity is an art form, not something we easily achieve, particularly if we’re in company and those people are being negative. In the wrong company, it’s easy to feel drained and tired.
My suggestions below help me:
Know your conversation
Stop discussing anything personal or taking part in any conversation that would seem diverse to someone else. If the person you are talking to tries to engage you in conversation that could turn into a full-blown argument, leave the room, or change the subject if you can’t go elsewhere. If other people are with you, it may be more difficult to leave, but it would also be difficult for others to continue with the conversation.
Communicate assertively
Being able to communicate assertively is the key. We mustn’t accept another person’s abusive behaviour, and like children, adults need boundaries too. Establish your boundaries so that others can’t talk in a way that you feel is inappropriate.
Talk to positive people
If you are speaking to more than one person in a group situation, concentrate your energies on those in the group who you see as positive. That way you won’t come away from the conversation feeling drained. Also, be careful who you take into your confidence. If the person you’re speaking to generally gossips, make sure you keep anything you want to keep private to yourself.
Choose trustworthy and reliable friends
It is important to make sure your friends are good listeners, trustworthy and reliable. Being able to rely on those who have proved themselves is important.
Find acceptance
It’s important we accept the way people are, but they must do the same with us. If friends don’t have compassion or aren’t attentive, there’s no point in wishing they were. We must either accept they’re not or choose to see less of them. We cannot change others, we can only change the way we perceive and interact with them.
But it is possible for us to bring about change through our own personal beliefs. When in other people’s company, we must try to work on the way we handle ourselves. Trying to persuade others to believe what we believe only invites criticism and defensive attitudes.
Finally, when you’re out of their company and if you’re still dealing with negative thoughts and feelings, write your feelings down.
Whoa that's a lot to take in today.
I get the point and it's choose your friends wisely because the wrong ones come along all too often. Family is family and we just have to take them with a grain of salt and let go of any preconceived notions that they will be what we want them to be.
Knowledge of people's motivations has helped me determine whether or not they will be friends or not. There are very few people that I will ever trust with my emotions and I believe it's the only way to protect oneself.
Brian, sad but true...
Negativity has always been a factor in my life which is why I'm not used to dealing with positive people! It has made it very difficult to make new friends considering the kind of people I'm used to dealing with. Thanks for bringing up such an important subject which was very timely for me!
No problem Randy, thanks for your response to the post. It's something that you will get better with in time. The more you continue to deal with positive people, the more positive thoughts you will have.
So true. I like your journal. You are a good writer as well. Thanks for taking a couple of minutes to talk to me as well today. We just read yesterday and today's journal together. My staff loved what you wrote as well.
Colleen, it is always nice chatting with you. Thank you for taking the time to come back on site. I appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed my journal.
I agree with you on all points. Good information. Lisa
Thanks Lisa.
I think negativity is not a great thing, but it can also be a good thing. With all the negativity you have in life, you know you can come out of it no matter what and that's good.
Yes sometimes we can but it's not always easy to do.