How do you respond to a friend who constantly belittles everything you do because she's jaded, negative and bitter about everything?
by 
nurse7263
ANSWERS: 8
-
You tell them goodbye and look for better company. True friends do not do what your friend is doing to you.
-
I'd reconsider my standards for friends.
-
I would have to tell them look this is my life and my way of doing things if you don't like it or disagree then don't do it but don't belittle me for doing it. If that doesn't work you might have to find someone else.
-
I've had that kinda friend, you either get back at them , bear with them , tell them you don't like it or just leave them. I chose the last option. Friends are to cheer you up and make you feel better; if this "friend" makes you feel sad then its time to kick them out of your life.
-
It depends on how much her behavior bothers you. There's two things that can happen: she can be a negative influence on you, or you can be a positive influence on her. This depends on you, for the most part. If you're able to be with her and not be bothered deeply by her negativity, your presence can possibly help to provide some "contrast" for her... even when someone is stuck in their own mud, being around someone who is more generous and mature can have a subtle positive influence over time. But if you find yourself affected by her negativity in ways that you struggle with, just separating yourself is appropriate. One needs to maintain boundaries, and the location and thickness of those boundaries varies by individual.
-
You need to find out why she's jaded and bitter. Crack her open and figure out what makes her so annoyed at everything in life. I had a friend like this, and after a lot of persistant talking I got her to open up. It turned out she had been molested as a child by someone she trusted, and felt she could never trust anyone again. By getting her to open up and talk about these things, she got a little less cynical of the world and began to enjoy her life more. Friendship goes both ways, and by choosing to leave or abandon your friend because she isn't acting the way you want her to, you're not being a friend to her either. You should try to help her instead of running away. Or if you don't want to play the counselor, just accept her the way she is and don't take it too personally. Its probably something that has nothing to do with you that makes her lash out.
-
Have you asked her why? Depending on how long you've known her and how well you know her, she may have jealously issues. If you care for this friend and wish to maintain the friendship then try to combat the negatives with positives. Over time she may begin to see your positive approach desirable and gradually change.
-
I would confront the friend about it and find out why she is so negative. If you talk to her about it and it keeps happening, I would try and stay away from all the negativity.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC