It is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, accomplish good things, and improve themselves and their communities.
Happiness Is Not A Goal…It’s A By-Product Of A Life Well Lived!
Positive psychology is concerned with eudaimonia, “the good life”, and reflection on what holds the greatest value in life – the factors that contribute the most to a well-lived and fulfilling life. Based on this, the main mission of this approach is to study and promote the factors that allow individuals and groups to thrive.
It shed light on what makes people happy, how to increase happiness levels, how to prevent or reduce depression, how to increase satisfaction with life, how to make people more resilient, and how to enhance well-being. It also believes that happiness does not depend on external circumstances. Instead, it is mostly determined by one’s own outlook and actions. This means that although some people may be born into difficult situations, it is possible for them to lead happy and fulfilling lives if they have the right mindset and take the necessary actions.
It’s easy to feel vulnerable and exposed when someone takes advantage of our trust or offends us. But there are ways to protect ourselves from these negative experiences. By understanding the psychology behind why we fall victim to these things, we can put safeguards in place to help prevent them from happening. Here are two personality traits that leave people feeling particularly vulnerable and exposed, and some tips on how to deal with them. Let’s dive into it one by one:
If You're Easily Offended...
1. Understand Why You React The Way You Do
There could be a variety of reasons why you tend to take things personally. Maybe you have low self-esteem, or maybe you’re just hypersensitive to criticism. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand why you react the way you do in order to better deal with it.
2. Don’t Take It Personally
This may seem like common sense, but it’s easier said than done. When someone offends us, our first instinct is often to think that they did it on purpose or that they don’t like us. But more often than not, people aren’t trying to hurt our feelings; they’re just acting without thinking.
3. Don’t Hold Grudges
It can be tempting to hold a grudge against someone who has offended us, but it’s important to let go of that anger and move on. Holding onto negative feelings will only make you feel worse in the long run.
4. Communicate Assertively
Positive psychology believes, that if you’re feeling offended by something someone has said or done, it’s important to communicate your feelings assertively. This means being direct and honest about how you feel, without being aggressive or confrontational. Assertive communication can help prevent conflict and misunderstanding.
If You're Easily Manipulated...
1. Understand Why You React The Way You Do
Just like being easily offended, there could be a variety of reasons why you tend to be manipulated. Maybe you have low self-esteem, or maybe you’re just too trusting. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand why you react the way you do in order to better deal with it.
2. Don’t Let People Take Advantage Of You
It can be tempting to let people take advantage of us, especially if we think they’re our friends or we need their help. But it’s important to stand up for ourselves and set boundaries. Otherwise, we’ll only end up getting hurt in the end.
3. Be Assertive In Your Communication
If you’re feeling manipulated by someone, it’s important to communicate your feelings assertively. This means being direct and honest about how you feel, without being aggressive or confrontational. Assertive communication can help prevent conflict and misunderstanding.
4. Know When To Walk Away
Sometimes, no matter how assertive we are in our communication, some people just won’t listen. If someone is consistently manipulating or taking advantage of you, it may be best to walk away from the situation altogether.
Yes, It's Okay - Ensele Understands You!
Positive Psychology is one of the best approaches to dealing with difficult situations and people. It’s important to understand why we react the way we do in order to protect ourselves from being easily offended or manipulated. At Ensele, we specialize in helping people find their inner strength and happiness. If you’re struggling with either of these issues, please call us for a consultation. We would be honoured to help you begin your journey to a happier and healthier life.
