The way to impress people is not by telling them how wonderful we are but to listen to how wonderful they are. Each day we come in contact with many people. The way we act and react towards them is a direct reflection of our own life.

Should we find ourselves the victim of other people's bitterness, negativism, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; let's remember, things could be worse. We could be one of them!  How far we go in life depends on how we are being tender and compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong, because someday in life, we will have been all of these. Here's a narrative inspired by the writings of Dero Pedero on how to deal with some of these people.

At one time or another, we've all had a brush with negative people. These are people who dampen our enthusiasm, send clouds on our sunshine, make us miserable and boil in disgust. Negative people can cause us undue stress and endanger our health. The worst of these are those who dominate and try very hard to star in their own ludicrous drama.

Negative people whine, complain, demand, mock, and ridicule. They are demanding and bossy, and think they know it all. They are bitchy with sarcasm and pomposity, and would make every effort to put you down. What's more, they believe they are always right and purposely force their ideas on you.

Negative people prevent you from being your best by criticizing and discouraging you, dismissing your dreams and beliefs. Most of these people are actually losers who are bitter and frustrated about their own lives so they make life miserable for everybody else. They are envious when someone is happy and successful so they always dish out negative comments to equalize their "loser" feelings.

How do you deal with detestable, negative people? Avoid them like the plague. If you can't (even your family members, your special someone, and your boss can be negative!), simply play along. Pretend to listen but follow your heart. Remember that you are the master of your fate, and no bitching and criticizing should ever bring you down.

Try to be positive at all times and hope that your enthusiasm would rub off on people and kill some of their negativism. Be the best that you can be so that when you are finally successful, they won't be able to push you around.

Everyone is guilty of being negative once in a while. Don't be a negative person to others! When you catch yourself criticizing someone, put on the breaks and say something positive. Encourage instead of discourage, praise instead of criticize.

There will be people in your life who are hopelessly negative. If you can't do anything about them, live well and let them eat their hearts out in envy!

Here's a favorite anecdote to think about whenever we are faced with annoying negative people. Let's try to remember it and laugh next time someone tries to make our life miserable. Sometimes, all negative people need is a dose of their own medicine.

A New York woman was at her hairdresser's on Park Avenue getting her hair styled prior to a trip to Rome with her boyfriend. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded, " Rome ? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded, dirty, and full of Italians. You're crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you getting there?"

"We're taking Continental, " was the reply. "We got a great rate!"  "Continental? " exclaimed the hairdresser. "That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are rude and ugly, and they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?"

"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's left bank called Parad..."  "Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks it's going to be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump, the worst hotel in the city! The rooms are small, the service is terrible, and they're overpriced. So, what are you doing when you get there?"

"We're going to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope." "Yeah, right," laughed the hairdresser. "You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant. Wow, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."

A month later, the woman came in again for a hairdo. Naturally, the hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome.

"It was wonderful!" gushed the woman. "Not only were we on time in one of Continental' s brand-new planes, but it was overbooked so they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were delicious and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.

"And the hotel? It was fabulous! They'd just finished a $5-million remodeling job and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, but they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!"

"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "That's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."

"Actually, we were quite lucky. As we toured the Vatican , a Swiss guard tapped me on the shoulder and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors and if I'd be so kind as to step into a private room to wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I was in awe so I knelt down in respect and wouldn't you know it, he spoke a few words to me.."

"Oh, really?!" remarked shocked hairdresser, "What did he say?"  "He said, 'Where'd you get the shitty   hairdo?'”

By Tim Pedrosa

  

         

You've got to fight against the urge to try to say and do what other people want of you. That's not how you earn their respect. They will most respect you for thinking and doing what they didn't think or what they didn't dare.-Unknown