Negative people are the Eeyores of the world. Like Winnie the Pooh's donkey friend, they bring down everyone around them. They habitually complain, wallow in self-pity and create problems where none exist. Even their compliments tend to be back-handed.

Where does this negativity come from? Are people born with personalities that are prone to negativity or does it come from experiences in their lives? The answer is probably a little bit of both.

Negative people often have valid complaints, when looked at from their perspective. After all, the proverbial glass of water is half-empty, but negative people have a difficult time seeing that it is also half-full.

Negativity can present itself in different ways. Some are easy to spot, other forms are less obvious. Negative people may be angry or rude to those around them. They may also be sullen and withdrawn, hardly interacting with others at all.

People with negative outlooks often play the martyr, but it isn't an act. Negative people truly believe that they are put upon by others and that bad things are always happening to them. They are often the people who make mountains out of molehills.

Negative people drain your energy and increase your stress. And negativity can be contagious. When you find yourself listening to a negative person, do you begin to think about the negative aspects of your own life?

Dwelling on the negative can lead to depression or increased stress. This can affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. And if it's bad for those around negative people, imagine how much worse it is for those with such a bleak outlook. Others can walk away and shake off the sadness, but negative people often feel overwhelmed and trapped in their misery.

When confronted with negativity, many people want to help but often do not know how. It can be difficult, as negative people may become so convinced of their pessimistic views that they are resistant to seeing life in any other way. It is easy to lose patience when faced with extreme negativity, which can lead to frustration and additional conflict.

Negative people may just need someone to listen. They may be dwelling on a problem and need to get it off their chests. Problems, like fears or nightmares, can seem much worse in our heads than when they are brought into the light of day. Try not to be too quick to offer advice. Sometimes listening and showing support with a simple, "I'm sorry, that must be upsetting"

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