The people in your life may not always provide the positivity and good vibes you desire. You might find yourself surrounded by individuals who do the opposite. Negative people can be found everywhere—in your office, among your friends, or even within your family. Sometimes, the simplest solution is to distance yourself from these negative influences.

There are times when removing yourself from a relationship isn’t possible. How can you deal with negative people while preserving your well-being and mental health? Consider these tips:

Counter with Positivity

Being surrounded by negative people can be challenging, especially for empathetic individuals. It often leads to feelings of negativity that can infiltrate your own life. To combat this, it’s important to counteract the negative energy of others with your positive energy. For example, if someone says, “Work is going to be terrible tomorrow,” don’t simply agree. Instead, empathize by expressing that you’re sorry they feel that way, and then challenge their outlook. Ask yourself: Is there any reason I should feel the same? How could tomorrow be a good day?

Avoid Arguments

Sometimes, a positive attitude isn’t enough to improve a situation. Some people hold onto their bad moods and refuse to let them go. For example, if your friend believes they will have a terrible day at work, countering their thoughts with, “No, you won’t,” is unlikely to help. Arguing may make you both feel worse, negatively affecting your emotions. If the conversation turns into an argument, it’s best to stay silent.

Say Something Empathetic

If you’ve ever shared your stress with someone and they responded by telling you to relax or not to worry, you know how frustrating that can be. A more effective approach is to empathize with the other person. For example, if someone says, “I feel like I did badly in that meeting,” you could respond by acknowledging how stressful it can be to present in front of a group. If it’s appropriate, you can also share your opinion and let them know that you think they did well.

Get to Know “Negative” People

Sometimes, the easiest way to handle negative people is to learn how to recognize them. By identifying someone in your social circle with a negative mindset, you can steer clear of situations where their negativity might affect you. For example, if you know someone who consistently speaks negatively about work, try to avoid discussing work with them unless necessary. By carefully choosing your conversation topics, you can prevent exhausting discussions with those likely to be negative. Don’t expect them to understand your perspective when you bring up challenging subjects. Instead, stick to neutral responses like, “I see what you mean.”

Avoid Alone Time

If you have someone in your social or professional circle who tends to be negative and finds that their attitude affects you, it’s wise to find a buffer. For example, consider bringing a friend or partner to the conversation instead of sitting alone with your annoying aunt for an extended period. Similarly, if you often clash with a negative colleague at work, try to engage with them when others are present rather than having one-on-one discussions too frequently. Having an extra person around can help you avoid absorbing too much negativity from those interactions.

Mastering the art of dealing with negative individuals involves protecting your peace while remaining kind. It’s essential not to take on the emotional burdens of others or let their attitudes affect your own. You can regain strength by setting clear boundaries, showing empathy without exhausting yourself, and determining when and how to interact. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and always remember that safeguarding your mental and emotional health is essential.