We all have those kind of friends. Friends who like to rain on your parade and pick holes in what you say. No one wants that kind of negativity but no one wants to say anything either. It's not your fault, that's just the kind of people they are. But sometimes, the negativity can get to you so much that you get frustrated and end up feeling worse than you did five minutes before. Well, when things get a bit too much, here are a few tips to get through it.
1. Continue to be yourself
If you feel like someone is bringing you down, don't let the negativity affect you. Just continue to be yourself and don't sink to their level. If you feel a dig coming up, move onto another subject. The worst thing you can do is feed the negativity back to them and engaging in bitter words will only make things worse. Just keep calm and move on.
2. Show them a good time
Very often, people find faults with other things because they're not as open minded to them. Bring your friend somewhere they wouldn't normally go, even something simple like a different place for lunch. Make it a habit of introducing them to new things, try to bring a little inspiration into their day. Once they get familiar with new things, the faults they would have originally found should disappear.
3. Be understanding
No matter how frustrating it can be, remember that there is probably more going on in your friend's life than you. They may not even be aware of what they're doing. If it's really bringing you down, talk to them about it and ask them if there's anything wrong. Be a good friend and listen. Offer advice, point them in the right direction, and let them know that you are here for them. They'll thank you for it.
4. Spend your time with people who make you feel good
If you leave a meet up feeling inspired, you know that person is a good person to have in your life. Your friends should inspire you, not patronise you! If you really feel that the relationship has run its course and that your friend is doing nothing good for you but bring you down, it's time to spend your time with the people who bring you up.
Have you got any ideas? Let me know!
Sinead
