Using positive affirmations or motivational quotes in a way that dismisses or ignores the realities of someone’s situation is toxic.
Expecting someone to “get over” a traumatic experience or loss quickly and return to their normal life is toxic.
Let’s watch ourselves in our conversations and draw a line between actually being positive and sounding positive for the sake of it. Instead, here are ways to avoid toxic positivity and be a more empathetic and supportive person:
Acknowledge and validate negative emotions: When someone expresses negative emotions or experiences, it’s important to acknowledge and validate their feelings, even if you can’t fix the problem. You can say things like, “I’m sorry you’re going through this,” or “That sounds really difficult.”
Ears that listen and hearts that understand and empathize, go a long way for a person in a negative situation.
Offer support and empathy: Instead of telling someone to “just be positive,” offer them support and empathy. You can say things like, “Is there anything I can do to help?” or “I’m here for you if you need to talk.”
Avoid minimizing or invalidating negative experiences: Don’t tell someone that they should be grateful or that their problems are small in comparison to others. Everyone’s experiences are valid, and it’s important to respect that.
Practice active listening: When someone is expressing their feelings or experiences, listen actively and with empathy. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.
Encourage healthy coping mechanisms: Instead of pressuring someone to be positive, encourage them to find healthy ways to cope with their negative emotions. This could include seeking professional help, practicing self-care, or spending time with loved ones.
Remember that being positive is not always the solution. Negative emotions and experiences are a natural part of life, and it’s important to be supportive and empathetic, even in difficult times. Let’s understand that everyone is going through difficult times and it’s upto us to remain positively empathetic. Thank you for reading this. If you resonate with what I said in this page, please leave me a note below.