I heard a radio show on this again last night, and I can relate, as I've known a couple of people like this. They spoke of certain people who affect our moods indirectly, they benefit, while our positive energy is zapped.
I worked with this gal, who always had a problem worse than the next fellow. She always complained of having things very bad since she was a child. When someone had a headache, she had a migraine...someone had knee pain, she had torn muscles...if it was sunny and nice out in winter, she would warn that it wouldn't last the day...and on, and on.
Anyhoo, lots of times I'd spend my lunch break with her, and sympathetically listen to her endless stories, about her abusive mother, mean sister, controlling boyfriend, etc. I ended up feeling so bad for her, despite the fact that my eyes were just glazed over for listening to her non-stop while I tried to eat my snack. When break was over, she walked away all giggly and bubbly with the other workers, and I was down in the dumps.
I didn't notice what was happening, until it occurred repeatedly. Then I even started doubting all of her stories. Well, in the end, this person who had such hard times, always seemed to leave our conversations in a super good mood. Although I started out in a good mood, it was hours afterwards that I still felt the negative effect.
Anyone have a similar experience, or know what I mean? Obviously it's something common, because they're taking about this on radio shows, etc.
I worked with this gal, who always had a problem worse than the next fellow. She always complained of having things very bad since she was a child. When someone had a headache, she had a migraine...someone had knee pain, she had torn muscles...if it was sunny and nice out in winter, she would warn that it wouldn't last the day...and on, and on.
Anyhoo, lots of times I'd spend my lunch break with her, and sympathetically listen to her endless stories, about her abusive mother, mean sister, controlling boyfriend, etc. I ended up feeling so bad for her, despite the fact that my eyes were just glazed over for listening to her non-stop while I tried to eat my snack. When break was over, she walked away all giggly and bubbly with the other workers, and I was down in the dumps.
I didn't notice what was happening, until it occurred repeatedly. Then I even started doubting all of her stories. Well, in the end, this person who had such hard times, always seemed to leave our conversations in a super good mood. Although I started out in a good mood, it was hours afterwards that I still felt the negative effect.
Anyone have a similar experience, or know what I mean? Obviously it's something common, because they're taking about this on radio shows, etc.