Do you ever feel like a dog chasing its tail when trying to have intelligent conversations with certain people?
 

For example: Perhaps you have a longtime friend or family member who constantly calls you to complain about a particular situation - and despite even your most heartfelt advice, they just can't or won't seem to move on from the issue.

The fact is that when you consistently find yourself having these types of conversations, they can leave you feeling drained, tired and a lot less positive about your own goals.

This is due to a little-known something called the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction is a cosmic magnet - when you channel more positive energy, you will receive it back. But, when you surround yourself with negative energy, like what happens when you’re constantly bombarded by someone else’s negative experience, you will lose energy and it will leave you feeling emotionally and physically drained.

So, while it's good to be there in support of your loved ones, you also need to remember to take care of yourself too - even if that means limiting the amount of time you spend chatting with them or following up the conversation with healing inspirational quotes. 

Here are 5 techniques you can use to transform any draining conversation into a meaningful one:
 

1) Set a Time Limit

If a friend or family member comes to you for advice, it's kind to offer it. But if this person keeps bringing up this same issue over and over again in subsequent conversations, this concern has now turned into a consistent complaint -- and the fact is that if you keep listening to it, you are fanning the flames and helping to keep it alive!

To prevent these conversations from turning into long run-on complaining sessions, set yourself a mental timer of 5 or 10 minutes. You may even want to keep an eye on your clock! If, after the time is up, this person is still complaining about the issue at hand, consider changing the subject or politely end the conversation. 

2) Focus on a Positive Result

If you find yourself on the receiving end of a friend or family member who calls you to "vent" about a particular issue, allow them to get their frustrations out. Then, ask if the two of you can work together to come up with an action that they can take to help improve the situation. Encourage your friend or family member to take an action aside from talking to you about it -- and then acknowledge them when they do!

3) Veer Towards a Different Topic

If the topic of a conversation you're a part of is about something like a parking ticket or a mutual disagreement at work, consider asking the person you're speaking to about other parts of their day or other aspects of their life. Do this gradually and within minutes, you'll soon have veered the conversation toward something more positive and meaningful. Another great way to do this is to pick an activity to do together which will likely transform any negative talk into positive, flowing energy!

4) Be Honest

If someone close to you has taken a wrong turn toward negative town, consider being honest with them that they are only hurting themselves with this negativity. Express your concern, let them know that you care and ask how you can lift their spirits. Remember to say it in a very nice way, and let them you're coming from a place of love and that you simply want to offer help and inspiration. Just remember: honest conversations can be hard, so as long as you are both open to communicate and receive feedback you’re on the right track!

5) Praise Them

It's crazy how quickly a small, simple compliment can elevate someone else's bad mood! Compliment the person you're speaking to on how they look today or praise them on something they recently said or did, and you'll be surprised how fast you'll lift their spirits and shift the energy in the conversation. Everyone needs a good pat on the back once in a while :-)

If you’re having trouble with offering inspiration to others, or you’re feeling a bit off yourself, click here to discover the subconscious blocks that could be draining you of energy! You can register for a free webinar that will get you unblocked and back on your A-game, as well a special free gift, just for registering! 

And if you have a tip or technique you'd like to share for transforming draining conversations into happier, more positive ones please share it in the comment box below. I'd love to hear from you! :)