Situation · Family and friends
“My friend is always negative and it drains me”
What could be going on
Negativity/pessimism schema: Fits if they expect the worst in most areas of life.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): Could be long-running low mood; check whether it's been years.
Emotional contagion: Check whether you absorb their mood, which explains the drain.
Always the victim: Fits if the complaining always casts them as wronged.
Rumination and worry: Check whether they go round the same worries repeatedly.
Questions to carry
- After our last meeting, which part of the talk left me most tired?
- Why do I keep listening when I feel drained, and what would I lose if I said so?
Also said as
- she complains about everything
- spending time with my friend leaves me exhausted
- negative friend who brings me down
- why does my mate moan constantly
- negative friend
- my friend is so pessimistic