These are toxic people.
This post originally appeared onZen Habits.
How do I shut them out?
What if I cant find the courage to rise above them?
I have to confess, there arent any easy answers.
Ive used a number of strategies in my life, and Ill share what Ive tried.
Your bad feelings are not only horrible for you, but for the situation.
What do they feel like in your body?
After a minute, try creating a feeling of love towards yourself.
Wish yourself happiness, and an end to your suffering.
Wish yourself a life of joy and peacefulness.
This wont magically cure the pain, butits a good place to start.
So take the plunge and talk to someone.
Share your feelings, ask for them to listen, maybe even give advice.
The advice doesnt matter so much as the connection and listening.
Practice Empathy and Compassion
Try practicing the same compassion method towards the person who frustrates you.
In your heart, wish them happiness.
See that theyre also going through difficulties, like you are, and thats why they act that way.
Wish for an end to their suffering.
Wish them a life of joy and ease.
Even if I feel its their fault, my behavior escalates the situation.
And often that can have a great effect, even if its not immediate.
People who are creative, entrepreneurial, self-sufficient, excited about things, positive, healthy, happy.
Find them in your local running club, yoga or crossfit class, Toastmasters, volunteer organizations.
Find them online in various positive communities.Take the plunge and reach out, develop relationships.
Buy someone tea or coffee and start a friendship.
Ive done this in my life, and its made a huge difference.
I will just stop seeing them as much.Ill do my own thing.
7 Strategies for Dealing with Toxic People| Zen Habits
Leo Babauta is the creator and writer of Zen Habits.
Read more about him:My Story.
Image adapted fromRobert F. BalazikandCD Lenzen(Shutterstock).
