Member-only story
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…
