Tired of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with constant drama? Want to create a more peaceful and positive environment for yourself? There are small, everyday habits that can bring calm and stability to your life. Here are a few ways drama-free people keep their cool, no matter what the day throws at them.
1. They don’t ask why.
It’s human nature to be curious — just ask any character in Greek mythology. However, we know what happens to people who keep digging their noses into other people’s business and it’s never good. To extract yourself from the vicious circle of gossip, stop asking follow-up questions and it won’t live in your head-rent free.
2. They don’t engage with drama.
There are only so many times a person will be told “no.” That’s why, when your usual band of drama-mongers come calling, you should say you’re not interested. They may try one or two more times, but rarely a third. Let that aspect of their friendship dry up. Have meaningful conversations instead and, according to Psychology Today, try to focus on yourself
3. They steer clear of gossip.
Gossip is exciting in the moment because you feel like you’re in an exclusive group. However, what happens to the person on the other side of it, or when that person is you? It can be hurtful and can really impact people’s lives, even if it just seems like fun at the time. It’s time to quit cold turkey.
4. They try to be the bigger person.
People who get a reputation for starting drama will never advance in the workplace, and eventually, the people around them will stop trusting them. To really grow up in the adult world, you should consider being a bit more mature and getting rid of the childish behaviors that are only holding you back. According to Psychology Today, being the bigger person will only serve you well.
5. They practice forgiveness.
provided by iStock
Drama typically comes from a place of judgment or spilled secrets, and it adds very little to society in the long term. Spreading scandal and sharing misfortune speaks to insecure people and a desire to hang people out to dry because of one mistake. Accept that we all make mistakes and give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes.
6. They don’t stir the pot.
A key trait of a person remaining drama-free is refraining from stirring the pot. On the one hand, being at the center of gossip and turmoil is a way of getting attention, but there are nicer ways of going about it. Take up debating if you’re so interested in other people’s arguments.
7. They expect the best from people rather than the worst.
People who engage in drama all the time constantly expect the worst from people and are always on hand to shout about it when they fulfill those expectations. It leaves no room for tolerance or forgiveness, and will often put people who are on a personal journey way off track. Leave the high-drama and gossip to the latest Netflix show.
8. They’re generous with their time and energy.
Spend all the time you normally would putting people down by lifting them up. Step to the side and support a local cause, or spend time with friends you haven’t seen in a while. It will take much less energy out of you than being in the drama world.
9. They check in with the subjects of gossip they hear.
We’ve all been on the wrong side of the drama train, not least of all the people who spread gossip. It can feel like spreading other people’s drama is a way of redirecting attention from yourself, but really, it puts you in the line of fire. Take the high road next time and see if the latest victim is doing okay. This will stop the vicious cycle.
10. They leave their sense of superiority at the door.
provided by Shutterstock
People who gossip always like to think that the people they’re spreading drama about are less fortunate or less talented than them. That’s just not the case — anyone can get caught up in it. When people act more measured and mature, they can stay drama-free.
11. They have plenty of hobbies to distract themselves.
If it’s hard to stay drama-free when it’s on your mind all day, so distract yourself! Pick up a new hobby or sport and learn new skills. It will use your brain in a much more enriching way than taking part in unnecessary and harmful drama all the time.
12. They have their friends keep them accountable.
Don’t go on this journey alone. You can make it easier by bringing your friends in on the action. Help each other stay accountable and you will be less tempted to break rank. If they notice you doing something problematic, they should feel comfortable telling you as much and know that you’ll be receptive.
13. If need be, get new friends.
If your old friends don’t support your personality and lifestyle shift, then it could be a good time to step away from them. If they are the barrier that stops you from embracing personal peace, then they’re the source of the drama. Drop them like it’s hot.
14. They avoid exaggerating their stories.
Think about your own role in the drama mill. How many times have you reminded the group of a past mistake or exaggerated circumstances of something embarrassing you saw? Once we stop jacking up normal experiences to a noteworthy drama, we will learn how to embrace calmness and peace.
15. They check their judgmental tendencies at the door.
Lead by example and start at the source: your perceptions and judgment. If you don’t judge and find negativity in the world, you don’t see as much drama-worthy content. That frees up your mental space and lets you take gossip out of your life for good!
16. They bring positivity into the world, not negativity.
It’s often only after stepping away from the drama-filled environments that we realize how emotionally draining being in that negative, malicious environment non-stop was. Once you start tasting freedom, you will keep chasing it until you’re totally drama-free. After, you can teach your little habits to people around you who also want to step off of the gossip train.
