How to Deal with Negative People Who are Addicted to Problems

In today’s episode, Christal discusses her ways of dealing with negative people. Problems are inevitable but the attachment is a choice. She shows some productive ways of assisting people without getting attached, and what our negative emotions can be calling out in us.

How are we supposed to handle negative people who are addicted to problems?

That’s exactly what we discuss in today’s episode.

As I write, I am looking out at the ocean (in Kona, Hawaii) and sipping a Chardonnay. I’m not a big Chardonnay drinker but if I’m gonna have one, it has to be chilled, dry, crisp and buttery. I LOVE the Nickel and Nickel Sullenger, and the Patz & Hall Chardonnay it’s the perfect balance. It tastes better when you’re not looking at the price… EEEK!

Ok, this literally has nothing to do with today’s topic but I thought I’d let you know my current situation and since we are girlfriends and I love sharing my bougie finds sometimes.

This past week we flew 28 of our family members to Hawaii for a family vacation.

Now, this was only HALF of my family, the other half, if you remember, I spent January with them in Costa Rica earlier this year.

It’s one of our greatest pleasures to spend time with our family in remote locations. I understand that this is not the norm for most, which is why I don’t take any of this for granted.

There is nothing more rewarding than being able to spoil the very people that have made my life so meaningful. Seeing the joy on their faces and the ability to connect in real time is priceless. Andrew and I had our parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins and significant others all on one trip!

SIDE NOTE: I think by now I am a PRO at family vacations and well… vacationing in general. Should we do a post on how to host a family trip? Or even a romantic getaway? LET ME KNOW BELOW!

I get emails all the time about family dynamics and as blessed as I am to have the family and extended family as I do, it would be a lie to say family dynamics don’t play a role when we are all together. But is that a bad thing? And how do we not let these dynamics trigger us?

One of the most common things I was told by the house staff on our trip was, “I’ve never seen a family that gets along so well!”

It’s true, we do. But with all family comes baggage, past stories, personality clashes and more. There will always be something that triggers us, but what stops us from reacting irrationally is by loving someone through the behavior or action that triggered you.

In past episodes, we’ve discussed emotional triggers at great length, but I really wanted to talk about how to handle the negative people around us.

Sometimes it’s not about our triggers, sometimes it’s that Debbie Downer or Negative Nancy in our life that we just can’t shake.

In the comments below, I’d like to hear about your experience with negative people. How did/does this person trigger, and what have you learned from this episode that can help you deal with them much better?