Barbara — Agreed!!! Well put.

Joy — Thank you! Yep, Barbara said it best. Haha.

Tahlia — Yes, people are definitely entitled to their opinion… but when it goes from “this work isn’t for me” to “this person is stupid”, that’s where the line gets drawn. I think you’re right that in many cases, we need to just ignore them and let them blow hot air — but there are times when we need to stand up for ourselves, particularly if it’s a case of public defamation. I think each situation likely needs a careful evaluation of the best way to handle it. None of these Negative Nancies mentioned above better meet me face-to-face and try to spew this crap, is all I’m sayin’…

Susan — Oh, thank you! I’m honestly a pessimist at heart, but I try to stay positive because positive self-talk makes a real difference. Negativity just brings everyone down, and we don’t need it!

Dezmond — You have a great point about darkness in books these days. Where have all the true heroes gone? The ones who stand for goodness, mercy, and making the world a better place? We’re all flawed people, and thus all characters should be flawed, but that doesn’t mean we should glorify darkness or negativity in our “heroes”. In fact, it should be the exact opposite. I do like those books & movies sometimes though, and I wonder where that appeal comes from… You’ve given me something to think about here. (Also, I find your blog very positive — love the bright colors and the humorous tone to the writing!)

Jen — Thanks so much for stopping by! I just posted my ‘Compelling Characters’ blog post so hopefully I’ll see you around again. I know what you mean about down days — I struggle with severe anxiety & stress on a daily basis — but I know that making a mental decision to stay positive and not allow those dark moments to affect others is what’s important. There are so many ways to get help & change one’s point of view, that I also feel bad for those who choose to stay stuck in unhappy, negative mindsets. But they’d have to make an active choice to change, and for many of them, they seem to enjoy being unhappy… that’s all they know how to do.

Negativity is such a let down. I have my down days but I make sure not to bring it on anyone else as long as I can help it. I just feel sorry for those who waste their lives unhappy, it’s sad.

When it comes to gossips and evil people, it’s usually mediocre people hating the calm and kind ones who have real talent or happiness. Or too many unsolved private issues lurking from within and being focused on wrong targets.

I guess we must stay strong and never yield to forces of darkness ) We must believe in love, support, friendship, help, goodness…

I try spreading positivity through my blog with warm colours, humour, lovely pics …

The problem is not their opinion, they’re entitled to it. The problem is the way they do it. As you say, they don’t see things straight but write, talk as if they do. I feel sorry for them. What a terrible mind they live in.

I agree we should stay away from them and surround ourselves with supportive people, but I try not to give the negative people any support by not trying to defend myself – just let them rant. The wind usually goes out of their sails sooner or later.

They’re like whiny kids, if you give them attention when they whine, they keep whining.

And congrats on making it to the final nine. That’s a pretty cool accomplishment.

I agree with Barbara above me. Mean people suck.

Other people need drama – you can see that in what looks like broken relationships where each spouse gets a charge out of picking fights.

What a way to waste your life.

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