What to say to a negative person
By ZoeJoy
@ZoeJoy (1392)
United States
January 9, 2013 3:02pm CST
One of my neighbors is very negative. He tells me he really doesn't like living in our neighborhood, and tells me all the negative things about our neighborhood. I like where I live and see all the positive things about our neighborhood. No other neighbor is complaining like the way he does. Most neighbors like living in this neighborhood. I think this neighbor is just bitter and well, negative. :(
I try to say something positive to him. Tell him that is really isn't that bad living here. But that just makes him more angry and frustrated. I think next time I talk to him, I will just wish him a good day. And not try to change his view point. Just say as little to him as possible and only wish him a good day. :)
How would you reply to someone in your neighborhood or at work that you really can't avoid, who is really negative?
2 people like this
5 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
9 Jan 13
I would not bother to change anyone's mind about something that they really believe in their own head. I just don't say anything at all about it. I would say well sorry you feel that way when they bring it up with a smile on my face. =) Since I know for some people that might be the only smile they see all day.
2 people like this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
10 Jan 13
I agree with you. Wish him a good day and move on. If he starts to gripe about the neighborhood, look at your watch and tell him you have to go. What I do with one neighbor who drives me nuts is pretend like my phone rang and pretend to answer it. Then I can simply say I need to go and take the call. It's easier then telling the person you don't want to talk about the negative things in the neighborhood. I don't find it to be rude.
1 person likes this
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
10 Jan 13
Yes, that is true. Politely cutting off the conversation, especially when the conversation is negative or pointless, is not being rude. It is using your time wisely. I will pull out my cell phone next time or say anything to keep the conversation short. Also to say something positive, not just for his sake but also, for my sake. Thanks for the tip.
@GardenGerty (157622)
• United States
11 Jan 13
Just let him know that you hear what he is saying. It is his opinion, but you do not have to agree. He probably does not have many friends either. It is hard to be around negative people, but just remember that you do not have to be negative like him.
@Professor2010 (20162)
• India
10 Jan 13
Thanks for sharing, well i have faced many such persons, i handle them with patient and much care, tell them to think positive, work postive and be optimistic.
It works but bit slow..
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
I could tire myself allowing a person to see things in life the way I do. So if he sticks to be in the negative side, so be it. I don't want to be lonely and depressed.
1 person likes this
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
10 Jan 13
He lives by himself and doesn't seem to have a lot of friends. Perhaps he is lonely and depressed. So, I will just wish him a good day. Be nice to him but not spend time listening to his complaints. Perhaps, someday, he will realize that it is more important to see the sunny side to life.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
Definitely! Why waste our one chance in life getting depressed? We should always see the brighter things in live even if we seem to be walking in the dark at times.
