Nandini Sharma
We're constantly told to "stay positive," "look on the bright side," or "just be happy." It's become a mantra.
But sometimes, that relentless positivity backfires. Especially when someone you care about needs you.
When you dismiss someone's struggle with "just be positive," you're subtly saying: "Your feelings are wrong. Your pain isn't valid."
Instead of connecting through empathy, you create a wall. Your loved ones learn it's not safe to bring their real, messy selves to you.
Often, this urge to "fix" with positivity comes from our own discomfort with uncomfortable emotions – both theirs and ours.
True connection isn't about fixing. It's about witnessing. It's about listening, acknowledging, and simply being there.
Next time, try: "That sounds incredibly hard." "I'm here for you." "How can I support you?" Simple words, profound impact.