"به کسانی که گریه و شکایت می‌کنند گوش ندهید، زیرا بیماری آنها مسری است."

Negativity spreads like a bad cold. When people around you are constantly moaning and groaning about how life is unfair or everything is going wrong, it’s easy to get sucked into that vortex of gloom. Think about it for a second—if you hang out with a bunch of folks who are always whining, it’s likely you’ll start seeing the world through their gloomy glasses too.

The idea here is straightforward: steer clear of perpetual complainers. Why? Because their pessimism can seep into your mindset, making it harder for you to stay positive and proactive. This saying has probably been around in various forms for ages, because, let's face it, human nature hasn’t changed all that much. We’ve always had the Debbie Downers and the Negative Nancys. This specific advice resonates because it’s so universally true.

Let’s take a real-life example. Imagine you’ve just joined a new company. You're excited, full of ideas, and ready to make a difference. But, you find yourself sitting next to Dan—let's call him Dan the Downer. Every lunch break, Dan complains about everything: the boss, the workload, the coffee machine. The first few times, you nod sympathetically. But after a while, you notice something. You’re starting to see flaws everywhere too. The job you were so pumped about now feels like a drag. That’s Dan’s negativity rubbing off on you.

So, how do you avoid catching this ‘disease’? First, recognize the signs. If someone’s always bringing the mood down, it’s a red flag. Limit your exposure to these people. You don’t have to cut them out of your life completely—just set boundaries. Perhaps spend more time with colleagues who are upbeat and solution-oriented. Their positivity can be just as contagious, in a good way.

Here’s a bit of practical advice: when you sense a conversation heading into negative territory, steer it back to a more constructive path. If Dan starts grumbling, try saying something like, “I hear you, but how about we focus on what we can change?” or “I get it, but let’s brainstorm some solutions.” This can either shift the tone or signal to Dan that you’re not up for a gripe session.

Think about your friendships and the people you spend the most time with. Picture a scenario: you’re at a coffee shop with your friend Sam. Sam’s usually pretty upbeat, but recently he’s been on a bit of a negative streak. You’re listening politely, but then you notice you’re starting to feel down too. What do you do? Maybe you gently change the subject or share something positive that’s happened to you. You might even say, “Hey Sam, I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit down lately. Is there anything we can do to make things better?” This not only helps shift the conversation but also shows you care.

In the end, surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drag you down. It’s not just about avoiding negativity for the sake of it—it’s about protecting your mental and emotional well-being. When you’re in a positive headspace, you’re more creative, more productive, and honestly, just happier. So, next time someone starts weeping and whining, remember: you’ve got the power to choose not to catch that bug.