Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Christin
Do you have a Debbie Downer in your life? A downer is someone who is always negative and finds the worst-case scenario or knows all the negative news and wants to share it with you. When you’re around someone who is always negative, it can be tough to have any fun. However, with a bit of creativity, you can have a good time no matter what.
1. Be Amused, Not Upset
Have you ever seen Debbie Downer on SNL? She’s the drag of every party, but to us watching her, her negative outlook is hilarious.
That’s how you have to view the Debbie Downer in your life. Find the humor in the person’s negative outlook as it’s a ridiculous way of thinking, being, and acting.
When your downer complains or tries to bring you down somehow, don’t get caught up in their negativity. Instead, find the humor in it.
If you have to, imagine them as Debbie Downer. This can be really effective.
2. Make A Game Out Of It
Games are fun, so make a game out of the situation.
If you’re around a negative person long enough, you’ll start to get used to their ways. So instead of getting sucked into their vortex, have some fun with it.
Make a game out of trying to make them happy. See how long it takes for them to crack a smile.
Or see how long they can go before they say something negative.
Or take a drink every time they complain!
Find a way to make things into a game so that at least you can have some fun.
3. Have Some Sympathy
Remember, this person is probably going through a tough time in their life if they’re always negative. They can’t feel good or enjoy life too much.
So have some sympathy for them. Show them some compassion and try to understand where they’re coming from.
This doesn’t mean you have to put up with their negativity, but if you feel sympathetic, then their negativity won’t bother you as much.
One thing to remember is that they are doing the best they can do at the moment.
4. Be The Positive One
If you can’t change the downer, change yourself.
Be the positive one in the situation. It’s hard to be negative when someone around you is always happy, so you might just help change their attitude by maintaining a positive frame of mind.
And even if you can’t penetrate their wall of misery, at least you can be the one who brings some light into their life.
5. Do Something Together
The best way to have fun with someone is to do something together that you both enjoy.
It could be anything from going for a walk to playing a game to watching a movie.
Do something that will take your mind off of the negative person and help you have some fun.
Even if they are not having fun, at least you will be doing something that is fun to you.
6. Ignore Them
Sometimes the best way to deal with a downer is to simply ignore them.
Don’t engage with their negativity and don’t let them ruin your good time.
Focus on having fun despite their rants and raves.
A great tip that might work for you is to place an invisible barrier between you and them. You can imagine it as something small, like a flower, or something bigger, like a wall. Either way, this barrier keeps their negative energy out of your space so that you don’t get affected by their negativity.
7. Put On A Happy Face
A good way to have fun around a downer is to put on a happy face. When you smile, your emotions naturally follow suit to more positive emotions.
No matter how they’re feeling, you can always turn that frown upside down. Smile and act like you’re having the time of your life. It could actually help you have the time of your life.
8. Find Someone Else To Hang Out With
If you’re really not enjoying yourself, and you are able to, find someone else to hang out with.
There’s no rule that says you have to spend time with that person if they are bringing you down. If you’re not having fun, move on.
Find someone who is more fun to be around and spend your time with them instead.
9. Change The Subject
If the downer is leading you into a negative conversation, change the subject.
Talk about something else that’s more positive or interesting.
Don’t let them control the conversation and don’t let them ruin your good time.
10. Just Go With The Flow
Sometimes the best way to have fun is to just go with the flow.
If you’re around a downer, they might not be the most fun person to be around. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.
Find ways to have fun despite their negative attitude.
Enjoy the moment and be grateful for it, even if you are hanging out with a downer.
Do whatever you have to do to have some fun and enjoy yourself.
