Have you ever met someone who goes out of their way to tell you and everyone else, just how “positive” they are? They even go so far as to post the results of ridiculous Facebook personality tests – all of which “scientifically” conclude that the person taking the test is overwhelmingly positive, genuine, and just overall wonderful human being.
The seemingly “positive” individual will go out of their way to tell you just how fantastic their day is going. And when I say that they go out of their way, I mean that they go OUT OF THEIR WAY.
Those who only see the surface of the Positively Miserable (PM) individual will tell you that the PM seems so nice…so sweet. In reality, as real science has revealed, it’s usually THESE individuals who are not only negative, but downright miserable. Behind the scenes, the PM individual is carrying around a lot of baggage. They may be unhappy with their occupation, past relationships (and the subsequent damage from those relationships), or just their overall discontent with their current status in life.
Behind the scenes, the PM is insecure, jealous and bitter. The PM is a tough person to live with, especially when you consider the fact that these individuals are either unaware or in denial of their false reality. Imagine being around a person who continuously tells you how positive they are, while all the while, ripping everyone else apart (friends, family, colleagues, customers, clients, etc.). It’s draining.
Regardless of HOW or WHY they are WHO they are, there are two courses of action that you can take when meeting a Positively Miserable person. The first course of action is to simply avoid this person and/or discontinue your relationship. The second course of action, if you survive the battle, is to embrace this individual and help them SEE their reality.
For the most part, my personal experience in this area is such that I’ve had great results in helping a PM shed their cloak of misery. More often than not, damages from the past (relationships, dissatisfaction with where they have ended up in life, etc.) and a poor self-mage form the underlying cause. In many cases, the PM needs to be shown their reality, and needs to discuss what they feel is causing them to feel the way they feel. They need to be closely guided toward a higher quality of life.
The other thing you have to watch out for is the support group that surrounds the PM. Positively Miserable individuals are typically unable to make decisions for themselves (even if they adamantly tell you otherwise). As a result, these individuals SEEK OUT friendships and support from likeminded individuals (who, as it turns out…surprise, surprise, are also positive and full of…well…you know). Rationality and reason with all involved are tossed out the window.
Positively Miserable individuals have the potential to do great things. If you have a PM in your circle of friends and family, try to find a way to help them, but NEVER let them bring you down and/or add a scar to your life.
Have A GREAT Day!
…Dr. Marc – Mind Virus