How to Stay Positive Around Negative People

We have all been there: the person at the office party, family reunion, or music recital that is negative about everything. This article can help you resist their negative attitude and contine feeling optimistic. Maybe your optimism will rub off on them!

Steps

1. Think about why they are acting this way. Did they just experience a tragedy or a hardship? Get to know them and talk to them a little before you judge them.
2. If they are fine and are just being negative, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath.
3. Try to get to know them a little better. Try to turn the conversation to their interests and hobbies, especially things they like to do.
4. Remind yourself (silently) that you are a wonderful, unique, kind, helpful, special person. Keep repeating this to yourself in your head as you talk to that person.
5. Try to get them to do something fun. Pull out a board game. Offer to have a knock-knock joke contest.
6. If they are still being negative, or they refuse to play, DO NOT LET THAT GET TO YOU. You probably just need to get to know this person better.
7. BE A GOOD EXAMPLE. Do not act discouraged or angry. Show them how much fun a positive and optimistic person can have.
8. DO NOT let their negativity rub off on you. Maintain a positive attitude no matter WHAT.

Tips

• Make a list of things you love about yourself and your life. Carry this list with you everywhere you go.
• Hang out with this person some more. Maybe you just need to get to know them better.
• If nothing seems to work, avoid them. Their negativity can and WILL rub off on you if you spend too much time with them.

 Warnings

• Never let someone make you feel negative.
• Always always ALWAYS be positive!
• Keep going, no matter what. You are a strong, smart, special individual and you need to remember that