Toxic-Positivity-Is-a-Toxin-to-Communication Rant

Speaking with a friend about toxic positivity is a real problem when it comes to real-world communication. There is nothing wrong with listening to somebody speak about themselves negatively or neutrally or even about negative/neutral topics and subject matters.

That used to bother me as a kid but now as an adult, I find it even more disturbing. Whenever someone is talking about something negative and the need for the listener to fill in the space with something positive.

This does us no good as a society and already exacerbates situations where grievances, lamentations, and so on were traditionally used to clear the air. 

A child dies. You'll have more.

I feel I'm no good. You're a great person.

Why is this place such a mess to work in?

There are better things over the horizon!

Do you notice a pattern? No where in the positive responses was the person complaining/giving grievance listened to and addressed! 

Yes, there are times to cheer folks on - like when they're taking a big, or little, step towards a goal, making a life change, or their confidence is waning. But the times people speak about the ugliness of things? When oftentimes, those lamentations and complaints are legit? We must let them air. We must listen. And when the person gives us the verbal space to do so, then we address as to why they feel that way or even, more obvious, how LONG have you felt this way? 

I will probably speak more on this in a future post. Until then, dear readers, wear your masks, physically distance, wash hands often, and use common sense to stay safe!