How do you deal with someone who is constantly speaking negatively about other people?

Question

(lets say its someone you work with or a family member so you have no choice but to hear them babble on and on and on...)

What would you say to them? Something like "Im not interested in hearing negative things like that" or something witty instead??

how do you deal with it?

Answer 1

I quietly excuse myself, no matter where I am or who I'm with.  I dont have time to associate with negative people.  I live the example. (most days)

Answer 2

I know what you are saying because there are many people like that ive come across.

Its awful to have to have hear someone go on and on about other people;  Ive come to the conclusion that they must do it that often its become something done out of habit, without thinking.  The best thing ive done in a situation like that is say something like 'i didnt know you knew them that well' , or 'how do know were you there',  or just mention things like 'you can't believe everything you hear' , 'gossip is a terrible thing', 'imagine someone saying all that about you and they hardly know you'.    Things like that said at the right time eventually makes them think that maybe you might be right. The more positive comments you make in a discussion the more effect it will have .  

good luck

Answer 3

Just remember it is easier to say something bad about someone than to say something is good about them . That what that person is doing. Makes him  be a big deal because that what other people want to hear . If you can reply to them, give them positives about the person . If you have others around that think like you, all the better.