How to Avoid Negative People

How do you avoid negative people? Well, the first step would be to identify them, since most of the time; we are surrounded by them, and are hardly aware of it! Negative people are the ones that will probably leave you with feelings of doubt, pangs of guilt, or take away from your self-worth. Here are some tips to follow to avoid such kinds of people.

Steps

1. 
   If the negative people that pull you down are the ones you cannot physically avoid, for instance, family, or your co-workers, try being up front with them, and let them know that you don't appreciate their opinions and views. Also, if you realize the trend in their manner of speaking, do not discuss your plans with them, since by experience, you know they will probably discourage you from moving forward. It is better to be alone and take decisions, rather than discuss and not do anything. As the saying goes, 'too many cooks spoil the broth'.
   • When you confront them, they are likely to accuse you angrily of wanting to isolate them, or otherwise 'get back at them'. Keep your cool and calmly explain that they have a pessimistic streak, and that it is negatively impacting your life.
   • Sometimes, a seemingly perpetual negative manner indicates depression or another mental illness. Although many people have bad days or tend to see the glass half empty, be aware of this. If someone was reasonably happy with their life and now is very negative, keep an eye on them. Another sign of a mental illness is the sudden appearance of drastic, frightening mood swings. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, talk to one of their family members about having them evaluated for depression.
2. 
   For the ones that you meet once in a while, like friends, or neighbors, you might try maintaining a distance with them. You don't want to sever relations, so maintain a polite and cordial relationship without divulging too much information.
   • Once again, explain that you do not want to isolate them or in any manner cut them off entirely.
3. 
   No matter who it is who that is negative, if their talks are depleting you of your mental energy, and sapping your hopes, they are not good for you. So be on your guard, build a stronger mental base so as not to get affected by their discouraging opinions and talks.
   • Negative people can spread their depressing outlook - it tends to be contagious. If you spend too much time around them, loved ones will start to notice a downward trend in your behavior and outlook. If this happens, remember to take 'breaks' from them when you need to spend a long period of time with them.
   • Try making new friends with positive and enthusiastic people - you find them everywhere! If you need other uplifting things to do, try doing community service or helping others to get that warm fuzzy feeling. Religious groups are often a source of hope. Learn something new. Try yoga or meditation: focus on the good.
   • Negativity has its base in the negative emotion of fear. Banish fear, discard it, uproot it and throw it out of your life. Negativity is created by the media, so avoid watching too much of television, listening to radio news, or discussing depressing world events with people.
   • Change your pattern of thinking and see that people will get more attracted to you. Maintaining a positive attitude will not only increase your popularity, but will also bring more positivity in your life.