HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CHRONIC COMPLAINERS

We all have that person in our circle who always have something to complain about all the time. I am not talking about those who complain about issues that bothers them from time to time. Am referring to those known as Chronic Complainers, who have something negative to say about every situation that they find themselves in. No matter how bright things become, they still see the negative side of it – and they go all about infesting others with their negativity.

I am not saying people should not complain but when the complains become persistent, it becomes harmful to those around them. It’s a fact that negative people are highly contagious and one chronic complainer can easily drain your energy with never-ending drama. This will leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated, discontent and unproductive.

Most chronic complainers can't be restrained by any means, they will complain about anything and everything under the sun – the weather is always too cold, no one likes your picture on Instagram, the food has too much spice, you have to brush your teeth everyday and everything you want is too expensive. Whatever they can think about to complain, they gladly will. Sometimes you do not even know that some things can be complained about until you hear it from a chronic complainer. It is not everything that is going on in your life that you have to complain about, just keep some things to yourself.

Enough exposure to a chronic complainer puts you at the very real risk of imploding one day. So here are some ways to protect yourself from energy sucking people;


Show empathy but don't get entangled - 
Most chronic complainers just want to be heard and are not serious about solving their problem. Pay attention while they are complaining to you but don't take them seriously. Be careful not to show particular empathy, as they may single you out for extended complaining sessions.

Distract - Get them to move on from the complaint by talking about other things going on in the office. A change of conversation is a way to get the complainer to focus on something else.

Don't Be Responsible - Don’t take responsibility for finding solutions to the issues that they complain about. You can proffer solutions but let them take the responsibility of solving the problem themselves.

Don’t Waste Your Time - Trying to get the chronic complainer to see the brighter side of life is exhausting. Convincing someone who is constantly in victim mode that things are not as bad is almost impossible because you wont be able to change their mindset.

Move on When You Must - To be constantly surrounded by negativity can quickly wear you out. In trying to keep up your positive attitude, you have to intentionally surround yourself with people who truly reflect you. Make friends with people who make your day a little brighter simply by being part of it. However, even the compulsive complainers can have moments when they are a joy to be around. So learn to remove yourself from their presence when they start whining.

Ignore Them When You Can - Sometimes, it good to simply ignore chronic complainers. Studies have shown that just the act of thinking a negative thought can adversely impact your immune system and the build-up of negative thoughts inevitably leads to stress, which can affect the state of your health.