Negativity is Contagious….but there is an antidote!

Negativity is Contagious….but there is an antidote!

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

This morning, I had a conversation with a dear friend of mine.  We were catching-up from over the weekend. This friend of mine - I truly respect his judgment, values and insights. His presence and friendship is a gift in my life .

As were talking about events in  our lives he said: “Remember, Negativity is Contagious”. I stopped him and said: “That is a powerful and true statement”. I told him I was going to write a Blog Post about that statement - and that I would refer to our exchange. But he is so right: “Negativity is Contagious”. Think about it - all the personal and professional exchanges we have on a daily basis. The exchanges that are positive and supportive add so much more value to our lives. Who doesn’t want to be validated, supported and recognized for their efforts? Who doesn’t want to increase affiliation with individuals who are positive, energized, supportive and engaging? That being said, then why do we make ourselves available for the: ”negativity-exchange”? And the answer is we don’t have to. However, it is a practice to disengage from these exchanges. Is there a vaccine to protect yourself from this negativity-contagion effect? Yes, there is - it’s called: “self-care, self-management and self-worth”… don’t be drawn in - there is no value in: “seeding the negativity-exchange”.  The best outcome is very simple:: “a tip of the hat” and move on.

What I have started to realize from this conversation this morning is - the best way to deal with negativity in an interaction - is not to deal with it…. Not to add to it….or engage with it….but that requires practice…. and remember….you are worth it....their: "dark clouds of negativity will pass"....and once again....you will be surrounded by clear blue skies. Oh and one more thing, it will be a "game-changer all around"....it will be a lesson for them as well.... that you don't find any personal value in reacting to their: 'negativity-exchange" ....try it….you will like the outcome….