It can be tough to deal with a negative person, especially when they’re constantly bringing you down.
You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them, and you probably want to avoid talking to them as much as possible.
But what if there’s a way to help them see the brighter side of things? Continue reading for a few tips on how to talk to a negative person in a way that will help them find some contentment.
Let them know that you’re there for them
When they’re feeling down, give them a call, send them a text message, or drop by their house with a bag of groceries. Whatever it takes to show them that you care. And be prepared for some long conversations—negativity is a habit that’s not easy to break. But it’s worth it because you will be helping someone who’s struggling and could use some support.
Encourage them to see a counselor or therapist
A good therapist will help them understand the reasons behind their negative thinking, and they will give them the tools they need to deal with their problems.
If your friend or family member is resistant to the idea of therapy, you can try to convince them by sharing your own positive experiences. Sometimes all it takes is for someone else to say “I believe in you” for a person to start believing in themselves again.
Help them see that their negative thoughts may be biased
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For example, if they’re always complaining about their job, ask them to list five good things about it. This can help them get a more balanced view of their situation.
You could also encourage them to take action. If they’re always saying that they want to do something but never actually do it, challenge them to take a small step in the right direction. A little progress is better than no progress at all!
Avoid phrases that sound like you’re minimizing their feelings
When you’re talking to a negative person, it’s necessary to avoid phrases that sound like you’re minimizing their feelings. For instance, try not to say things like “It could be worse” or “At least you have _____.”
These phrases can make the person feel like you’re not taking them seriously and that their problems are insignificant. Instead, try to say something that shows that you understand what they’re going through.
As an illustration, you could say “I know it feels like things are never going to get better, but I have faith that they will” or “I can see how much this is affecting you, and I’m here for you.” By using phrases like this, you’re not only validating the person’s feelings, but you’re also showing them that you care.
Sometimes it can be tough to know what to say to someone negative about everything under the sun. You could try asking them about the good things that have happened in their lives. This can help break the negative cycle and put them in a more positive frame of mind. Most significantly, try not to take their negativity personally. It’s not about you, and it’s not your responsibility to change their outlook on life. Simply being there for them and offering support is often good enough.