Negativity of others. How do I stop it from affecting me?

Question

I have heard somewhere that other people's negativity can transfer to you and make you feel awful. Sometimes, my hubby and coworkers are negative. What can I do in an instant to "block" the negativity without insulting people? I always try to keep a positive frame of mind and even say something opposite in my head.... Should I try to inspire others with my point of view or just let them vent?

Answer 1

Listening to them is a very nice thing, right? Meaning you are an intelligent person that they run to and confide things with, they trust you...

Are you not happy you are that choosen person? And is it not good you have friends in the net that send you inspirations, like I do?...

Listen to them and keep your sane and positive wit in the process.

Answer 2

There are a few things that you can do.

Laugh and walk away - sometimes the only thing you can do is vote with your feet around negative people

Psychic protections - many people feel that you can protect yourself from negative energy by imagining yourself instantly surrounded by a spiral of white light or even a solid shield or ball of light surrounding you from 1 foot above your head to 1 foot below your feet. The spiral allows positive in while blocking the negative and the more tightly wound the less of anything that gets in (so a solid shield has you completely blocked to all kind of energy).

Visualizations - if you are encountering the negativity from the same people, there is a great visualization exercise you can do to try to help them be more positive. Sit quietly for 3-5 minutes and get a clear picture of the negative person, but imagine them happy and peaceful, calm and serene. Before you finish please also visualize yourself as happy and peaceful and calm, too.

Finally, intentioning is very important. So often when we have found consistent behavior in another we come to expect it or dread it. Will he be in a good mood? Is she just going to rant at me again? Try to stop these negative expectations and replace them with positive ones. Whenever you hear a negative thought in your mind, gently correct it, saying "No, that't not right - everyone loves me and is always nice to me. I am surrounded by positive energy at all times." After working with these affirmations for a while you will see that they do indeed replace the negative thoughts and you will also find that is it more true every day.

Peace!

Answer 3

You know, I had a friend that was always negative. I tried talking to her about it but to no avail. I tried leading by example but that didnt help. The only thing that worked was avoidance. The moment she would start talking negative I would either change the subject or leave. She quickly got the point and stopped doing that around me. As for your husband being negative, talk to him about it. Explain to him how much it bothers you. That you are there for him to vent but if he is going to constantly be negative that it will start affecting your relationship.

Above all, lead by example. When others talk negative, you find a way to say something positive. For example, lets say someone is talking bad about Sue (just fictional) at work. They are saying how she is always late or always sick. They are really sticking her in the back. YOU can say something like "Gee, I havent seen that at all. In fact, Sue has helped me so many times and I just love her sense of humor." That will make others stop in their tracks. And, if they keep bad mouthing her, simply tell them that you wont be around gossip.

Your a good person. Keep smiling. Smiles are the best contagious disease around.

Answer 4

Do your best to stay away from negative people. They'll only bring you down. Some people can just "close" their ears, shut things out. I wish I were that way, but I'm not. I let too many peoples opinions bother me too much. I like your idea of inspiring others with your point of view. After all, you are entitled to your opinion just as they are.
The negative people in your life may not even realize how they sound.

Answer 5

In addition to the above interesting offerings, I 'd like to add the following:

I notice that people who criticize others are measuring them with their own value system, in other words, they are judgemental. Knowing that does not make it any less painful when you first hear it, but if you quickly put it into the perspective of it's their opinion, not a fact, it might help to defuse its effect. Also, you can think of it as a comment on a behaviour and not on the person, but if it's to or about you, knowing that probably doesn't make it feel any better.

I think most of us probably make judgements about others to one degree or another, but it's when the idea is vocalized, either directly to the person or as a gossip item to a third person that the hurt and/or malice starts.

I like your idea of being positive and trying to turn around their negativity. Perhaps you could also mentally surround yourself with "white light" to prevents negative intrusions and send the others some too to help their psyches.

Who knows what really works but it doesn't hurt to try. Hanging with positive folks is also a good idea.

That's it for me on this one. Best of luck.

Answer 6

their unhappiness is nothing to do with you and you can't change them. you are very wish to allow their negativity to flow over your head and not through your head and wedge there. you are happy and you have probably worked hard to get there. the though it to put up an invisible net from these people and not let their energy into your system. just let me vent. take what needs to be addressed and help with that. all other mumblings let go of, they are not your problem. you are a wise person.

Answer 7

Everyone has times when they are negative but that does not mean you have to walk around acting perfect with a coat of armour on avoiding everybody. You too will have times of negativity too you know.

They have a right to vent, and you have a right to inspire them, just don't lecture them.

Answer 8

what your doing is great. Positive affirmations are an awesome way to combat negative energy and if u really want to get into it there is heaps u can do with chakra cleansing, meditation, crystals etc.
If u want to respond, always be respectfull and positive and u cant go wrong, even if the negative person doesnt like it.
You are doing really well tho! You go girl

Answer 9

I have a tough time when people vent. It is hard for most people to be around negative people. When someone has cancer or something tough to deal with--they say to surround yourself with positive people. Talk to your husband and tell him the trouble you have with negative people. Don't casuality tell him.Have a serious conversation with him

Answer 10

I think people that are negative just want to vent...that's their way of making themselves feel better. Of course, if it affects you, then you probably shouldn't listen to them at all. If someone starts spouting off negative things (in a nonproductive way), then I'll just tell them they're being negative and it's making me feel bad, and that they should stop.

If you don't have the nerve to tell them to stop, then...I hear Prozac and Celexa work really well.