Misery loves company is what they say
If you’ve ever felt like sharing your negative emotions with others is the only way to relieve them, you’re not alone. However, research shows that the relief of sharing negative feelings can backfire. Especially if you spend too much time around people who are also miserable. You may know some people like this so let’s talk. I hope you all are doing good. Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE
People who are constantly miserable tend to seek out other miserable people.
People who are constantly miserable tend to seek out other miserable people. The misery of others is contagious, and when you’re surrounded by it, it can be a comfort.
The more miserable people you see, the more likely they are to be depressed or anxious Because they don’t have many things going for them! They have a job (or at least an income). They rarely have genuine friends (or at least someone who cares about them). They may have serious health problems or substance abuse problems. Or mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders that make life unbearable for those who live with them every day.
Miserable people also don’t know how lucky they really are because we rarely get what we want in life. Instead, our lives go according to plan: You graduate high school; then college. Then work forever until retirement age. And then die old and alone in a house full of cat food because no one wanted your messy apartment after all those years caring for orphans left as orphans themselves.*
Research shows that misery loves company because sharing negative emotions brings relief.
Sharing negative emotions is a biological instinct that can be contagious. When you feel bad, other people around you will likely feel bad too. This is because the release of stress hormones in the body creates an emotional contagion effect on others. The more stressed or anxious they are, the more likely it is that they’ll rub off on others by sharing our experiences with them.
This is why misery loves company: by spreading unhappiness through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, they get relief from their own troubles (and sometimes even create new ones). But this relief isn’t long-lasting. As soon as someone else posts about how awful their day was (or how happy they are), there goes their mood again!
The relief you get from sharing negative emotions is only temporary and can turn into a downward spiral.
The relief you get from sharing negative emotions is only temporary and can turn into a downward spiral. It’s better to talk about positive things, especially if they happen in the same space where you’re feeling down.
Positive emotions can be contagious, so don’t forget that there’s no need to feel alone when you suffer. Instead of isolating yourself or hiding your feelings. Try to find people who understand how you feel and seek their advice on how to manage them better.
Sharing positive emotions with others can alleviate the burden of holding onto them in the first place.
Sharing positive emotions with others can alleviate the burden of holding onto them in the first place.
Although it might not seem like it, there is a link between happiness and sharing. Studies show that when you feel happy, you’re more likely to share your good mood with others than if you were sad or angry. And this has a huge impact on how those around us feel. When we are feeling good ourselves, it’s easier for us to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and understand how their circumstances may affect them (or not). Being able to empathize with someone else makes us less likely to judge them as harshly as if they were alone. Instead, we see past any hardships they’re facing and focus on what makes them unique instead of what makes them different from everyone else who lives around them. Which could be anything from race/ethnicity, economic status or even gender identity!
Just because we feel happier talking about negative feelings doesn’t mean we should. Talk about good things instead!
We all know that feeling down is bad. But what we might not realize is that it’s also a great opportunity to make yourself feel better. If you find yourself in a funk and want to be reminded of happier times, try talking about your favorite things.
Sometimes the best thing about being sad or depressed isn’t the feeling itself. It’s how you can use it as an excuse for being sad or depressed! For example: if I was feeling down about my job performance at work today (which I am). Then I could say “I’m so unhappy with my performance today because…” And then fill in all sorts of reasons why this would make me feel better than anything else in life ever could!
Conclusion
So, the next time you’re feeling down and out, try doing something different. Share some positivity with your friends and loved ones. You might find that it really does make a difference for them too! Let me know what you think in the comments below. Also, share this with someone who you think needs to hear this.
