Let’s talk positivity.
If you’ve been following me for a while then you’ll probably know by now that I am a big fan of positive thinking. Today though, I want to talk about some of the bad effects of positivity that look supportive but could actually be hurtful to your relationships. I think it’s important to know what makes positivity successful, and what doesn’t.
The bad effects of positivity.
Simply put, life is hard and people struggle. We all experience ups and downs and we need friend who can be there for us when we’re going through a tough time, not someone who will tell us we’re being silly.
Sometimes a simple “Good Vibes Only” bandaid just can’t fix the problem, and if you say that to someone when they’re in the middle of a divorce or losing a child or being laid off, you could lose a friend.
Instead, there are things you can say and do to support people who are struggling to find hope without losing your positive side.
Let’s explore what these bad effects of positivity look like.
“You’ll get over it.”
Letting people know that you understand their need to heal from a painful situation doesn’t remove your ability to be positive, but it does show that you are a loyal friend who will be there no matter what. Empathize with people knowing that you have likely experienced healing at one time or another and had a friend with you during that time too.
“Stop being so negative.”
Negativity is easy to fall into. When a friend is talking negatively it can become an old habit we slip into with them. Sometimes people just need someone to listen and then the negativity goes away. They might even be more open to listen to your positive perspective if you took the time to listen to them. We all need support from time to time. Continue to be positive while listening and hearing others.
“Why are you still so sad?”
Sometimes from an outside perspective we may wonder why someone is still struggling after so long. It may feel like a long time for us but may not feel that way for them. Be patient and share your hope that the future will provide answers that might not be visible right now.
“Just be positive.”
Positivity is a great thing. I look to see the good in everything while also being sensitive to those who might not be able to see the positive at a particular moment. If you’ve got a friend who is struggling, you could even try saying, “I’ll carry the positivity for both of us” as a way to support them when they can’t support themselves.
“Everything is awesome in my life.”
PLEASE share your triumphs and your joys with the world. Don’t hide those things, we need more positivity in the world! But don’t be afraid to tell others when you have a bad day too. Being vulnerable is part of living authentically and it’s inevitable that even the positive people will have a bad day. Share your honest journey and people will feel like they can relate to you more because of it.
It’s about being supportive.
Ultimately, it’s about being there for people when they need it most in order to give them hope to keep going.
There are ways to share in a way that provides hope without the bad effects of positivity. We all go through tough times and instead of seeing positivity as a feel-good, happy-go-lucky approach to life, view it as a deeper awareness of the goodness and meaning in life that isn’t affected by changing circumstances.
Positivity is hope.
If you’ve fallen into extreme positivity, I hope the 5 bad effects of positivity will help you think twice before saying something you might regret later. Supporting others during a painful time should be hopeful, which means we can’t run away from pain. We have to wait it out even while we look for a rainbow waiting on the other side of the storm clouds.
Let the hope of a rainbow give you the strength. There is meaning to our lives and when you find something meaningful to hold on to, you can ride out any storm. Find meaning outside of yourself. Hold on to anything that helps you see the bigger picture, even in those moments of struggle. And of course, be there for a friend when they are going through painful moments too.
Together, we can get through anything.
Connect the Dots
Each week, subscribers to Million Dollar Bathrobe receive a worksheet that helps them set up a concrete plan to take action. If you want to become a subscriber, you can sign up below for the exclusive content.