Do you have a Debbie Downer in your family?

[ReineV]

I was wondering if my family was alone in this, so here goes:

Do you have a relative who just takes almost every opportunity to try to bring the mood down? Here's an example: at my high school graduation, they sat the 50 students (I graduated with 458 seniors) with the top GPAs in the first couple of rows. The rest of us sat in alphabetical order behind them. So, after the graduation, my aunt comes up to me and says, "So what happened? Can't make it in with the smart kids?" No congratulations, no hello, just...that. (Which is why she didn't get invited to my college graduation!). She's actually notorious for saying really negative things at otherwise joyful times.

Got any Debbie Downers you know of? Share stories!

[JayIsh]

We've got one who brings down the mood without even saying anything...sort of sucks the daylight out of every room they enter...I found many years ago that the best response to someone asking a question like the one your Aunt asked is to say "my, what an odd question..." Then I smile and walk away...

[dvdguy]

yes


mom

[RavenHardt]

Yes, My Sister

[Annette1990]

I do know people like this. I personally try to avoid it. I don't need negative energy around me. Life's to short for it. So if they start in..I quickly change the subject into something more postive. Sooner or later they are bound to get the message.

[Christmasstar]

Got any Debbie Downers you know of?

[purplecrush]

Yes I have one, my sister..shes so negative its ridiculous! Drives me nuts. I just stay away from her.

[steven-and-angela]

Angela's sisters :-?

[SW1Dennis]

:sparkle:

I really can't say that in my family that we have such a person. The only person who might come close to that fringe is myself.

I try not to think of myself as a "negative" person. I like to think that I deal in reality even if that means maybe showing the not so good side of things because those sides do exist. You have to admit that not all things are just sunshine, rainbows, and puppy dog kisses. I don't dwell on them, I just look out for them. I try to be as positive as I can.

However, for a relative to say what they did to someone at graduation time is just flat out wrong. I would have told the graduation person, "Good job......we are all proud of you and what you have done."

My wife and I have had two daughters graduate school and neither of them sat with those who had the best grades in school, but we were just as happy for them none the less because we knew that our daughters did the best that they could. Because really, no one is going to remember who sat with who or for that matter no one is going to care. All that matters is that graduatiee goes out and makes their mark in the world and does the best he or she can and maybe make a positive change in life for all of us.

[Mumof2]

Oh let's see? My hubby's 2 cousin's and my Sister-in-law,Oh I can't stand her!!! just so darn negitive!

[MrsH]

I have one at work. She's so depressing that I want to run out of the office screaming!!!

[dominick]

I have one at work. She's so depressing that I want to run out of the office screaming!!!
Throw a cheery coffee mug at her.

[MrsH]

Throw a cheery coffee mug at her.

A FULL MUG????

[dominick]

Details, details...

[ReineV]

You know it drives me crazy when people constantly complain about stuff!! They just complain about anything! All I want to say is: If you're alive, you have something to be thankful for!! Stop focusing so much on being negative!!

It's just frustrating!

I enjoy happy people.

[yuletide]

Oh yeah, been there! Don't feel badly about it. I have an Aunt that did that to me my whole life. Now she's 85 and noone visits...she's all alone and I actually feel sorry for her. Just remember you reap what you sow. Try to feel sorry for her - it helps.
Yule

[yuletide]

Work's your new favorite - make work your favorite...


hahaha
yule

[ReineV]

Lol!

[yuletide]

Even though she is mean - I have found that extending yourself to her (doing nice things for her etc.) goes a long way. Do it even if you don't want to. It will make you feel better - and that is what Christmas is all about.
Yule

[irishgirl]

I have a D2 at work as well. Everyday she is unhappy. Either she doesn't feel well or she is having money problems. She wants everyone to feel sorry for her because she is a single mom. I know how hard it can be to parent alone. I have the up most respect for people who parent alone. I was raised by a single parent and everyday I am amazed at what she accomplished. When I try to reassure her and tell her she is doing a good job and everyone has money problems (have you seen the price of gas?) she gets upset and tells me I just don't understand. I think there are people in the world that aren't happy unless they are unhappy. I try to find joy in everyday (don't always succeed but try). My husband has the best saying... when asked how is he today he replys "I woke up on the right side of the grass so I would say I am GREAT!" Life is too short to dwell and complain:))

[yuletide]

good will come back toyou - God will see to it.
Yule