Podcast Episode 211: How to Respectfully Distance Yourself from Negative People in Your Life

Nov 14, 2015 | In The Loop

In The Loop with Andy Andrews, hosted by David Loy

Click here to download the transcript of this episode.

 

On this week’s episode, I answer a listener question on how parenting principles translate to respectfully dealing with the negative people in your business or personal life.

 

I don’t think distancing yourself from negative people is disrespectful.

  • You can remain respectful and honoring of people by telling them the truth.
  • People react negatively to us when we put them off or try to get away from them.
  • I think it’s much more respectful to say, “Thank you so much for the opportunity, but I’m not going to be able to do it.”

 

Here is a great example that I’ve thought about for years:

  • A friend of mine and I were standing outside of a hotel in Orlando and my friend had on a very cool hat.
  • A kid about 12 years old walks up and says, “Hey, that’s a great hat. Can I have it?”
  • My friend, cool as a cucumber says, “No, but thanks for asking. I appreciate it.”
  • He said no, but I thought that was very respectful.

 

The things that you have on your priority list are the things that are making you who you are.

  • If you spent all your time in situations that you shouldn’t be in, you would not be the kind of person these people want to be with in the first place.
  • I think your very first responsibility is to God.
  • Your second responsibility is to your family.
  • You cannot allow somebody else’s crazy thinking to infect yours.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tune in to hear about the piano prodigy we had visit our office this week who’s played on SIXTY Number One hit songs!

 

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Thanks for listening and sorry for the inconvenience!

 

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