Each day, we run into different types of people including those who are negative. Sometimes we are lucky and deal with them for a short period. It's a one-time scenario. But other times, we are not that lucky. Whether it is at work, your child's school or among friends and family, I'm sure we have at least one negative person that we try hard to avoid. In my experience with negative people, their opinions were the only opinions that mattered. They were always right, and I was wrong. They found ways to underestimate me and my accomplishments. They managed to mock everything I said and did - even when I was defending a serious cause. I allowed their negative energy to consume me because they made me believe in what they were saying. Until one day, I had enough of certain comments and decided to distant myself from them. When I did I was back to being myself, again. And I realized these particular people suffered from low self-esteem and lack of motivation. Moreover, I learned negative comments are not constructive comments. Negative comments are meant to belittle your aspirations, your opinions and your successes. Negative people choose to focus on others instead of improving who they are. If we continue to welcome these people into our lives, we are only doing a disservice to ourselves. Instead of giving in to their negativity, consider the following tactics:

Limit Interaction

If they try to reach out to you, limit the time you give them. For example, if you are part of an organization in your child's school and you have to collaborate with someone negative, it's an obligation to engage with the person. After all, you do not want any conflict in your child's school. However, there is nothing wrong with limiting the interactions and conversations with that person. Try to play it safe.

Be Positive

Many times we choose not to back away from negative people. We want to show them we have what it takes to defend ourselves. Therefore, instead of retaliating with negative and rude comments, respond with respect and knowledge. Provide them with information that will enlighten them, and make them take a step back. When you respond with kindness and intellectually, it will throw them off guard.

Speak Carefully

If the negative person you deal with is a family member or close friend, you know what topics trigger the negative side. Remain far away from subject matters that will spark any negativity. Think before you speak.

Avoid Arguments

The last thing you want to do is pursue an argument with someone who has his mind made up. Negative people find a way to create an argument over something so simple causing you to argue back. Arguing with people who find fault in everything is not worth your time. Excuse yourself as soon as you sense an argument is about to start. It's better to walk away than engage in an argument that can spiral down.

You should never give in to negative people. Sadly, they are insecure and unhappy. They work diligently on making others feel out-of-place as a form of soothing their low self-esteem. Instead of engaging with negative people, simply walk away.