We all have people with whom we interact that we find to be, well, difficult. Their sky is always falling, they incite gossip wars, tattle on others, are intolerant of everyone's weaknesses but their own, and are just plain whiny. You started your day pumped up and in a great mood, but within five minutes (or less) they've sucked your energy drier than Death Valley. You look at your watch. Is the day over yet? Nope... 7 hours and 55 minutes to go. Ouch. This is especially difficult if you work in an intimate environment where you must interact daily and can't possibly avoid them. Worse, it may be someone you really like on a personal level. So what do you DO?

1. Before you can change how you interact, you must change how you react. Take a good look at yourself in these situations. How are you contributing to the problem? Does this person see you a willing outlet for their woe? Do you smile, nod, or even verbally indicate agreement? Stop doing that! You are actively inviting their negativity into your space! Don't encourage them. Respond to their negativity with as much positivity as you can muster. This will generally either show them that you are not playing for Team Whiny, or frustrate them into keeping it to themselves. Interestingly, many negative people don't even realize what they are doing. They just see commiserating as a form of bonding. By responding positively, you may just show them that there is another option.

2. Seek the source of the negativity. What is causing their pain? What are they looking for? Is there some positive way you can help? Negative people are frequently attention starved on some level, so they attempt to draw it through sympathy. Try giving them attention in a different way. If the individual is a friend, greet them with a big hug, and ask them to share something about themselves that is non-negative - ask about the book they're reading, or what their kids are doing in school. If it's a coworker or more formal relationship, try giving sincere compliments to demonstrate their value - it could be on their clothing, their smile, or their accomplishments. They will likely blow this off, but repetition breed familiarity and comfort, so keep at it - it's a worthwhile endeavor.

3. If you feel confronting them is appropriate, adhere to the following guidelines:

a. Address the behavior, NOT the person: "Your negativity about this project is really pulling me down," as opposed to "You're so negative and you pull me down!"
b. Cite specific examples. "I don't like your negativity," will certainly not be effective, especially since they probably don't even think of themselves as negative. "It really bothers me when you complain about Mary like that," shows them exactly what the issue is.
c. Don't expect them to be a mind reader - be prepared to spell out what you'd like to see change. "I would prefer you not talk to me about others behind their backs."
d. Request immediate feedback. You've had your chance, now let them respond, and DON'T interrupt. Their feelings are every bit as valid as your own.

4. If you must listen to them, for whatever reason, take internal action to combat the effects of their negativity.

a. Recognize that there is no such thing as "out there," so this individual's negativity is in some way a manifestation of your own feelings.
b. Open yourself up. What do you have to learn from this?
c. As they are talking, create a filter in your mind. Ho'oponopono is an excellent technique for this (I love you, I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you.), or keep repeating silently
"I love you, and I am OK."

Remember, others can only affect you to the degree to which you allow it!

Kristy Nichols, a.k.a. The Average Goddess

Have you found your power? Visit http://www.thegoddesswithinmovie.com Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/averagegoddess