Examples
Recognizing toxic positivity can help avoid it and prevent oneself from practising it. While it may be said with the best of intentions, toxicly positive statements can send the wrong message. In the examples shown below, the better statements to make are those that make sure to validate people's feelings rather than put them aside.
Toxic Positivity
Validating Alternatives
“Don’t think about it, stay positive!”
“It could be worse.”
"Good vibes only!"
"Things happen for a reason.
“If I can do it, so can you!”
“Describe what you’re feeling if you want, I’m listening.”
“That sucks. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”
"I'm here no matter what."
Sometimes bad things happen. How can I help?
“Everyone’s story, abilities, limitations are different, and that’s okay"
