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to your advantage, and non-verbally let the person know that you are surprised at their words. When they ask you why you are looking like you do, explain that you were astonished that they could be so negative.

Acknowledgment that each of us view life through our own rose-colored lens, but that each of us see a different shade helps us to understand that some people will have a positive outlook on life, while others prefer to remain in the throes of negativity. We each believe our own assumptions to be the right ones, and we work on a set of standards and conditions that we set based upon those assumptions. When dealing with negative people, try to remain positive, and refuse to allow a negative person to draw you to them, regardless of how much they try. Remember the old adage, "misery loves company."

Lastly, remember you needn't put up with anything you do not wish to put up with in your life. If a person refuses to keep their negativity to themselves, you can simply refuse to listen at all. Nothing wrong with just stating that you feel the person to be very negative and explaining that you simply do not want to hear it anymore! This may even do them some good, some people may not realize how negative they are being.

Whatever you decide to do about your nay-sayer, recognize that it is not always healthy to listen to negativity often, and it is not your job to try to "fix" their negative outlook on life. Remembering that we cannot change a person is helpful, and no matter what you say, their outlook is likely not going to change. You can, however, be honest with them and explain that you don't like negativity in your life, and ask them to stop complaining.

Studies show that negativity has a direct impact on our health, our outlook in life, and our happiness. People with negative outlooks are more prone to develop coronary heart disease, and people who are depressed and negative following a heart attack are more likely to die within the following 6 months. Negativity increases our stress, our weight, and our use of alcohol. The effects of negativity in our lives are serious, and a positive outlook in life has rewards well worth the small effort necessary to keep a positive attitude and surround ourselves with positive people.

Learn more about this author, DJ Triplett.
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