Do you ever feel like you are living in a world full of bad news? It is normal to share this bad news with friends and family. Whether on social media or in person, we often react with a face that looks like one of the more negative or sad social media icons.
There is nothing wrong with that reaction. However, those negative or sad reactions do little to build relationships and strengthen networks. Sharing bad news in general is less effective than sharing positive news when building relationships. Research indicates that responding enthusiastically (HOORAY!!!! Two thumbs up!) has the most positive impact on the relationship.
An example: A friend shares that they got a new job.
- Active Constructive: Hooray! I am so happy for you! It’s a perfect match. Let’s go celebrate. (best)
- Passive Constructive: That’s cool. (continues watching TV) (not great)
- Active Deconstructive: That job? You can’t manage a job on top of school. You will fail. (harms relationship)
- Passive Deconstructive: Ignores the good news – no response. (worst of all)
My challenge this week is to focus on sharing positive news with a friend or family member once a day. Perhaps, use your gratitude journal and pull out something you are grateful for to share. And, go out of your way to give a “two thumbs up” reply to friends and family who share positive news with you.
For downloadable instructional handouts (great to hang on the fridge) – please visit my resource page!
I made a fun video on active constructive responding last year on Instagram. Check it out at https://www.instagram.com/p/C4dxB-buK0u/
Printable instructions for this exercise!
Resilience - The Very Stuff Of Life 
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