It may seem counterproductive to be kind in order to disengage from a negative person, but I don’t think there is ever truly a call for rudeness. There are steps you can take in addition to being kind that will help you to disengage, but I felt it was important to stress the importance of this before we go on. It is the right thing to do regardless of whether someone is negative or positive. A fringe benefit of this is that you never know, you could inspire their negativity to turn into positivity. You could be a good influence on them.

Sometimes there are people in our lives that it is necessary to take a step back from. This isn’t to be mean but sometimes it is necessary for your own sanity and mental health. Negative people are not people who it is healthy to have a close relationship with. While you want to always remain kind and polite, you just don’t want to go the extra mile with this sort of person. You need to shy away from friendship with them and only have bare minimum conversations. Distance is your friend when it comes to disengaging from a negative person.

If you know that you are going to be in a situation with a negative person that you cannot avoid, schedule a rescue call. This means that you have someone call you and interrupt that time together. This way you have a good reason to exit the situation without looking rude. You can simply slip away to take your call or explain that you need to leave now. This can save you the headache of extended time with a negative person.

Many times, a negative person wants to draw you into their negativity. They want you to participate in it with them. They would like you to express that they are right and agree their situation really is that bad. If you will put down someone they are putting down, so much the better. Refuse to be drawn in. Tell them you are sorry they are having a bad day and move on.

Here is the thing about negativity that you really have to watch out for. It’s contagious. If you spend enough time with a negative person then you will become negative, too. Realizing that they can bring you down if you are not careful is good motivation to keep away from them. No one needs negativity in their life.

If you are in a situation with someone extremely negative then you may just have to confront them head on, especially if you just can’t seem to shake them. Explain that you have noticed they tend toward being negative and that isn’t good for you. Tell them you need positive influences in your life. This may not change them but it will more than likely make them think twice about spewing all of that negativity to you. If you can get them to at least keep that to themselves, you have made great strides.

You know, there are just some situations where you have to run from negative people. Avoid them like the plague if you must. If none of these other measures have helped you, you just have to avoid them. They may figure it out but you have to do what you have to do to take care of yourself. Negative people poison others with their negativity. You don’t want to be their next victim.

Have you ever encountered a negative person in your close circle of friends or family? How did you disengage with them? Please share your story.