Communication expert shares 3-step reset method for dealing with extremely negative people

A communication expert, Jefferson Fisher, shared a three-step “reset” method for handling extremely negative people, arguing that negativity is often tied to fear and survival instincts. Fisher, popular on social media, said the goal is to reduce arguing and increase talking by not absorbing the other person’s mood. His first step is to call out the negativity out loud so the speaker controls their reaction, using phrases like “This feels tense” or “I’m sensing some negativity.” Second, he recommends calling out the truth rather than the tone by asking the person to repeat what was said, limiting the ability to repackage it. Third, he stressed that you cannot control another person’s emotions and that the mind should acknowledge negativity without attaching to it. The piece also cited Psychology Today, referencing fears of disrespect, not being loved, and bad things happening, alongside a negativity bias.