Smile, You're in Denial: The Dangers of Toxic Positivity

Ah, positivity. The buzzword of the decade. People tell you to think positive, feel positive, and attract positive energy everywhere you turn. And sure, there's nothing wrong with that. But have you ever met those people who are just so darn positive that it's almost annoying? You know, the ones who refuse to acknowledge negative emotions or experiences, insisting that everything is sunshine and rainbows? Yeah, those people are suffering from what we call toxic positivity.

Now, before you start thinking that I'm some sort of negative Nancy, let me assure you that I am all for positivity. In fact, I've been known to make vision boards, practice gratitude, and even dabble in some positive affirmations. But there's a fine line between healthy positivity and toxic positivity. And that line is crossed when people deny or suppress their or others' negative emotions.

Take my friend, Sarah, for example. She's one of the most positive people I know. No matter what's going on in her life, she always has a smile on her face and a cheerful attitude. But sometimes, when I try to confide in her about my problems, she brushes them off and tells me to just think positively. It's like she's incapable of acknowledging any negative emotions, even in someone else. And I can't help but wonder if she's secretly a robot programmed to only experience happiness.

Or what about those Instagram influencers who are constantly posting about how "grateful" and "blessed" they are, even when they're clearly going through a tough time? I mean, I'm all for practicing gratitude, but when you're constantly denying your own pain and pretending like everything is perfect, it starts to feel disingenuous.

The thing is, toxic positivity can actually be harmful. When we deny or suppress our negative emotions, we're not allowing ourselves to process them and work through them. And over time, that can lead to all sorts of issues, from anxiety and depression to physical health problems.

So how can we avoid falling victim to toxic positivity? Well, for starters, we need to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay. We're all human, and we all experience a range of positive and negative emotions. And that's okay! In fact, it's healthy to allow ourselves to feel our emotions and healthily work through them.

Another way to avoid toxic positivity is to practice empathy. When someone comes to us with a problem or shares their negative emotions, we need to resist the urge to immediately try to fix it or tell them to just "think positive." Instead, we can validate their feelings and offer support. Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.

And finally, we can practice balance. It's great to be positive and optimistic, but we also need to acknowledge and address the negative aspects of our lives. We can't just sweep our problems under the rug and pretend like they don't exist. Instead, we can work on finding solutions and making positive changes while also allowing ourselves to feel and process our emotions along the way.

In short, toxic positivity may seem harmless at first, but it can actually be quite damaging in the long run. By allowing ourselves and others to feel and acknowledge our negative emotions, practicing empathy, and striving for balance, we can avoid falling into the trap of toxic positivity. So go ahead and practice positivity, but remember to keep it real and allow yourself to feel all the feels. After all, life is a rollercoaster, and it's the ups AND the downs that make the ride worth it.