Allowing myself to be drawn into a negative spiral, for one.

Having a short fuse, for another.

I really do like people, but I allow myself to get too easily frustrated with them.

I get *far* too annoyed at being misunderstood or misinterpreted. I'm not sure how to fix that.

But there's enough negativity out there already. Reason and love would be better to pass around, even if I really dislike what someone says.

I know I have some bad habits myself. I should fix them too.

I think mine are poisoning me and everyone around me. It encourages other people to be negative.

I need to just realize that I will always think some people are wrong, even if I like them in other ways.

And some people will simply not like me and see me in the most negative way possible no matter how hard I try. I need to just forget 'em.

you and feels your pain. Has also been trapped in negativity before and it is not fun at all.

I don't feel trapped in it now. I just caught myself getting *really* irritated over things and people totally beyond my control.

There's no reason to do that. Can't fix it. Nothing's gonna change. Just gotta let it go.

Bingo! What you put out into the world, you will attract to yourself. I used to be like that, and my life was negative and miserable, and

on occasion, something good would happen. I have reversed that, and it's much, much better. One thing to remember you've figured out: you

cannot change people. They are going to say and think what they like, but they're going to do it anyway. What is in your control is how you

look at things, perceive things, and *own* things. Like your emotions and reactions. Be proactive instead of reactive. You can do it!

Thank you, Reghan! That was very nicely said.

I really do feel love for people a lot. I just tend to talk *more* when I'm feeling negative.

I don't say a lot when I'm feeling a lot of love for people for a few reasons, but I think I should try to find ways to do that more.

But I do love people and think about them.

And I wish more people *understood* me.

I'm not sure I can think of anyone who really does...

I think a lot of us have that same thing. I know that I am not understood by most people who know and love me. But I forgive them.

It's easier to be negative than positive. A good example is say you're on the bus and someone sits down beside you.

You find yourself drawn into conversation with this stranger, and before you know it, you're being told about their horrible life, their

medical history, how their parents or kids hate them, etc. By the time they get off (or you do), you may feel not quite as good as you did.

They've spread the negativity, and it's very very hard not to be affected at least a little bit by it. I have had more strangers tell me

bad things in their lives, and few say the good things. I -love- it when random strangers tell me what a great day they're having. It's

contagious! I'm happy for them, and it I become happier. And I may even find myself telling *their* story of happiness to another stranger.

Not that that's always a good thing, I should find my own happy stories, and I do, but I'd rather share that than be drawn into a

negative spiral because of someone else's bad day.

It's how you set your mind. Ultimately, you are in control of how you are going to feel.

Sometimes I don't mention the good things because it feels wrong. It's harder for me to talk about a good day than a bad one, because

the people I'm talking to may be struggling with really big things.

I think what's hardest for me is that there are things I *need* from certain people, stuff I need to hear, and it's hard to accept

that they will never, ever say these things. So I get loud, I complain, I gvetch, I cry, hoping to get attention.

But in the meantime, I've alienated everyone around me and spread SO much negativity.

So, like you said, it's better to just change how you react than to wait for the world to change around you.

*gives out hugs to everyone*

Aww. Thanks.

Just because someone else is having a bad day or bad things happen, Myn, doesn't mean that you have to. It is NOT WRONG to have a good day.

And if you want people to say these things to you, TELL them. Do not expect them to read your mind. They won't! Trust me.

When you change, others around you will be forced to change too. It's a very interesting process.

Make up your mind to be happy. Life is so much more bearable that way.

Should I tell them what I would love to hear from them, even if the outcome is unlikely to be fruitful or good?

I just wonder if it's better to let things go, for the sake of peace.

Yes, tell them. But before you do, if you do not hear what you want, will you be able to handle it?

I had some friends in the past. After I got a grip on my life and reversed my outlook, I contacted them, apologized for my past behaviour,

and told them that if they didn't respond, I was fine with it, and they'd never hear from me again. I have no idea what they're up to these

days, and I'm totally okay with it. They made their choice, and that was theirs to make. I'm quite fine without them too, even if at one

point they enriched my life and were a part of it.

does not always understand Myn, but loves her anyway! Tell us the good days and we can share the joy!