Wellbeing

Emotions: Scrooge personalities and how to deal with negativity

The Scrooge personality that seems so prevalent over the Christmas period is extremely challenging to be around.

These people are habitually angry, insulting, unpleasant, and extremely negative towards the world and everyone in it. They have no interest in emotional closeness and are universally disliked.
The emotional detachment and indifference to criticism of the Scrooge personality typically stems from repressed rage and anger relating to traumatic childhood experiences. Such experiences include rejection, abandonment or loss of a loved one. Their lack of empathy and compassion can be an unconscious defense against reliving the intense pain suffered as a result of these experiences.

How do I deal with a Scrooge?

In order to maintain your festive spirits, here are some suggestions on how to maintain a healthy, positive outlook when in the company of a Scrooge:

Don’t try to change the person: they will fight you every step of the way, believing that others are to blame.
Resist arguing with a Scrooge: they will feed off your negativity, which will only intensify their own.
Listen to them with interest: the Scrooge believes they are unlovable, and by listening to them you will be showing that despite their negativity you will continue to care about and respect them.
Keep company with other positive people: they will encourage you to stay sane and emotionally stable.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek professional help if the negativity is getting you down.