Jump to content

How do you deal with a Debbie Downer?


Another Fan

Recommended Posts

1 hour ago, Another Fan said:

I know a few and have to work with a few managers that fit that profile.  
 

Sometimes I find just saying nothing/avoiding them at all means is best.  

 

For some, this is their personality. Most downers are unhappy with their own lives and take out their misery on other people. Some try to engage others in complaining about others in the office or work situations - in my experience it is best not to engage, just smile say something nice and excuse yourself. Doom and gloom people -try and set the tone for all your conversations with them. Be polite and positive and let them know through your actions that you are someone they can count on to get your work done but it's not worth the time to try and befriend them, they will drain you of your energy.

  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Another Fan said:

I know a few and have to work with a few managers that fit that profile.  
 

Sometimes I find just saying nothing/avoiding them at all means is best.  

It's important to realize that men and women respond to different environmental stimuli, especially in a quasi-professional setting.   You want to validate one's individuality, of course, but you must offer intellectual honesty because a rising tide lifts all boats. 

 

If male, tell him you've been known to wax a chump like a candle.

 

If female, you have a choice here, and your life likely depends on you making the right call.  You go with either telling her she's a firework, or that you got 99 problems and a ***** ain't one. 

 

This is how we build mutual, sustaining and sustainable respect in this modern world. 

 

 

 

 

  • Haha (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Another Fan said:

I know a few and have to work with a few managers that fit that profile.  
 

Sometimes I find just saying nothing/avoiding them at all means is best.  

I used to work with the a serial complainer.  I used to cheer him up by saying:

 

"Cheer up, Chris.  Its not that bad.  Just remember that one day you will be dead.  And probably a lot sooner than you think!"

  • Like (+1) 1
  • Haha (+1) 2
  • Awesome! (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

I used to work with the a serial complainer.  I used to cheer him up by saying:

 

"Cheer up, Chris.  Its not that bad.  Just remember that one day you will be dead.  And probably a lot sooner than you think!"

At that point, Jim punched Jauronimo for calling him Chris.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, eball said:

It's a victim mentality.  Don't feed it, don't empathize with it, and (as others have noted) deflect attention to something positive if you can't get away from that person.

Taking it to the macro level:

 

It has always existed... it's on steroids now.  Lots of people want to be the victim, it's socially made acceptable and most importantly to these people: It pays!

 

Society does exactly what you say we shouldn't!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I work with one.  He’s always miserable and never stops complaining.  After I got to know him well enough, I felt comfortable pointing his Debbie Downer tendencies in a funny way.  He’s still a constant buzz kill, but at least now I can call him out and we laugh about it and lighten the mood.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

I work with one.  He’s always miserable and never stops complaining.  After I got to know him well enough, I felt comfortable pointing his Debbie Downer tendencies in a funny way.  He’s still a constant buzz kill, but at least now I can call him out and we laugh about it and lighten the mood.

Nothing wrong with a fun-lovin' killjoy! 😉😜 They can be positive.

 

I mean the exact opposite are those Pollyannas.  How annoying! 😏 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is OLD. A NEW topic should be started unless there is a very specific reason to revive this one.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...