It is a fact of life: sometimes you have to deal with mean or negative people. This is a lesson we first learn young and it is reinforced throughout our lives. But as we grow older, experience and perspective often makes it easier to deal with—but not always.
If you have a mean or negative person in your life right now whom you are struggling to deal with, and you feel like their vibe is harming yours, there are things you can do to reduce or eliminate their impact. Check out our ideas below.
Address the Problem
The first step in resolving any sort of conflict should be addressing the problem with the other person or persons involved. In many cases, you will discover it is a case of miscommunication or mismatched expectations. However, there will be those situations where more is needed.
Establish Boundaries
Why do we find ourselves stuck in uncomfortable situations? Often because we are afraid of somehow offending the other person, even if what they are doing is offensive or upsetting to you. But sometimes being nice isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Instead, establish and enforce boundaries. Keep in mind, this can be done politely and there is nothing inherently rude in having established limits.
Steer Clear of Habitual Complainers
We all need to vent sometimes, and getting things off your chest can be helpful. But when complaining becomes commonplace, it also becomes toxic. Listening to other people complain brings down your energy, and it also makes it tempting to join them in their negative cycle. Work on avoiding habitual complainers when possible, and redirecting the conversation when it is not.
Gray Rock
If someone is bothering you and confronting them is not the best course of action, opt to gray rock it. Going gray rock simply means to make yourself less interesting to the person bothering you. So, if they are latching onto something specific in your personal life, hide that aspect of yourself away. If they are seeking a specific reaction from you, quit delivering that reaction.
Cut Out Truly Toxic Individuals
Sometimes we hold onto relationships that we know are no good for us because we have a sense of duty to that person or believe that our connection to them—long-term friend or a family member—means that we simply have to deal. But if people are preventing you from living your best life, you don’t have to just accept things. If you are sacrificing your health and happiness to keep someone around, instead, cut them out.
