Keeping Toxic People at Bay

Keeping Toxic People at Bay

I think we can all think of people we have come across who vent frustrations all the time, focus on the negative around them, or vocalize how bad they expect the world to get. Certainly, we may all have these feelings sometimes but for those who exude this negativity, it can be toxic to have them as an active part of our lives. Why?

Negativity can be infectious and will bring us down. It can hamper our own outlook and happiness. One way to address it is to limit it. We can gently remove ourselves from these conversations or situations. We can also talk with the person about it. They may not realize how they are effecting others and how negative they are truly being.

The fear in talking to someone about what they are saying might be making them angry or alienating them. However, if you believe you will do this, they may miss your genuine concern. This needs to be done in a calm and supportive manner, pulling them aside and saying something like "you don't seem to high on things right now. Is everything ok?'' Sharing in this way may be just want they need. They may be seriously discouraged or depressed. If, for whatever reason, this continue to be an issue, you can always limit your contact.
Of course, the more positive people we have in our lives can only enhance our existence and outlook towards the future. Look for these sources and add them freely.

Stuart A. Kaplowitz, MFT
www.encouragingyourlife.com
www.freewebs.com/stuartk