I have read Steve's post on How to Help Negative People and have gained a lot of ideas from it, however, I would like to know if anyone has some more insights or personal experience on how to help the negative people in your life.
I have quite a few people in my life who bask in negativity. They do have a lot of problems facing them in their life situation, but from this side, I can see where they have opportunities to make things so much better if they will take responsibility and action. In fact, many times they show me where I am doing the same thing which is a great help to me because I recognize it. I try to be encouraging. Still, sometimes I wish I could just slap some sense into them
in the nicest way possible of course!
I know we cannot change others, nor should we try. But can we be a positive influence in such a way that it helps them to see where their negativity is holding them back? Is there a gentle way to show someone how their victim mentality doesn't serve them?
Any experiences you've had in this area, success stories of helping out negative people or tips for doing so are greatly appreciated. I would even go so far as to request that you let me in on exactly what you say to people that is encouraging, not condescending and still gets the point across.
So, what, if anything, has worked for you?
Thanks!