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There are many kinds of negative people and identifying them isn't usually hard. Generally they tend to use negative language and you will be left feeling low after being in their presence unless you recognise whats happening and take preventative measures.

Negativity in individuals can occur for a variety of reasons from sadness to dissatisfaction with their lot in life. Sometimes negativity can be displayed by people who are lonely and who have learned that indulging in gossip and misery can help them to gain comrades in arms who enjoy wallowing with them.

For such people negativity becomes a way of life and is as natural to them as brushing their teeth in the morning and switching off the bedroom light at night. In a way, being negative is comforting to them and remains a constant companion. However, like an addiction it affects others around them badly and and prevents them from making the most out of their lives.

Dealing with negative people requires firstly that you understand that they may not want to change. Instead of attempting to alter their behaviour you can change your responses to them in order to protect yourself. By changing every negative comment that they make into a positive one you will be able to see whether you are conversing with a person who obstinantly refuses to see the sunny side of life or who really can't see beyond the black cloud of their making.

As you remain positive you will keep your own spirits lifted, and if luck is on your side the negative persons spirit may brighten up also. The more positive you are the more the other person will be able to recognise just how overwhelming their own dark views and opinions are in comparison.

If at all possible, try not to spend too long in the company of negative individuals. If you have no choice but to be with them on a regular basis then make a conscious effort to spend an equal amount of time each day with people who are up beat and who make you smile so that you retain balance.

It may be that the negative person is someone that you live with, or who is a family member who you feel responsibility towards. In such a case you can practice the art of visualization to help you to mentally throw off any negative energy which comes in your direction.

Some people like to visualise a white light around them like a halo, while others imagine that they have an invisible protective shell around them through which no hostility can pierce. At the same time you will find that misery likes company. By not providing the negative person with any ammunition in the form or verbal agreement with their grievances they will eventually run out of things to say.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
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