How to Survive a Negative Friend

People who are always complaining or seeing the gloomy side of life are everywhere and in most places they can be ignored or avoided. However, an always-negative friend might be worth a little extra work, allowing the relationship to be preserved while getting rid of the negativity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Point out to your negative friend, as gently as you can, that they are always complaining.
2. Ask if there's a reason that your friend is always so negative and listen to the answer. Your friend may be depressed and need help or she may have thought the complaints were funny.
3. Reassure your negative friend that you will continue to be friends and that you only want to him to be happy.
4. Offer to help break your friend's habit of negativity. Agree on a secret signal you can give your friend when she is being negative so your friend can stop and change the subject.
5. Begin a positive ritual with your friend. For instance, whenever you and your friend get together, begin by listing three good things that happened to each of you since you last saw each other. Agree to always respond to, "How are you doing?" with something positive such as "If I were any doing any better, I'd have to be twins!"

Tips & Warnings

• If your friend's negativity is always directed at you, consider that she is not really your friend. You may have to walk away for the sake of your own well being.