4 Ways To Deal With Negative People

I consider myself a positive person but don’t get me wrong, there are moments when negative thoughts do enter my mind. And, I believe all of us have those moments…

During a nasty case of the flu.
Come home and find the pet pooch chewed up the couch and love seat.
Or, possibly someone hacked your website.

There are times when the negatives seem to override the positives. That is when we need to consciously give the positives more power.

It is something I have explained to all of you in the past in blog posts.

But today, we are going to delve into those people who seem to be living in a negative tunnel 90% or more of the time.

And while it is best to just stay clear of those people, it isn’t always possible.

So I want to help you!

Here are 4 ways to deal with negative people…

“Believing in negative thoughts is the single greatest obstruction to success.” Charles F. Glassman

Deal With Negative People #1: Just Ignore The Negativity

Notice that I did not say ignore the person; what I mean by this is no matter what negatives they bring to the table, ignore them and stay positive.

Here is an example:

Negative Nancy: “This government of ours just keeps taxing us to death. I can never get ahead.”

Positive Peter: “Business has been great, I just had 6 sign ups this week.”

No response to the negative. Just a positive statement.

“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” Alphonse Karr

Deal With Negative People #2: Ask Them To Say Something Positive

Now the way you say this needs to be handled carefully because you could be perceived as “picking a fight.”

But with a smile and in a “low way,” just say “Hey, tell me something good that happened to you this week.” Or something on that line of thought.

Hopefully, the person will get the message that you are tired of hearing negative stuff. Be sure and respond with their answer (if they have one) with something like “Wow, that’s great,” or a similar response.

“Beware of those around you who subtly sow the seeds of doubt.” Wayne Gerard Trotman

Deal With Negative People #3: Tell It To Them Straight

In some cases, the best way is to just be blunt… “Nancy, I am a little concerned. It seems like everything you say has negative tones and I feel it is affecting me and other people. If it doesn’t change, I am going to have to distance myself. I like you as a person, but I cannot allow myself to be drawn into a negative form of thought.”

Her response will be your answer as to what you do next.

If Nancy tells you she will change, give her the opportunity.

“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” W. Clement Stone