Do you avoid negative people?

[Kteacher]

I work with someone that is basically never happy about anything. No matter what the situation, she will find something to complain about. It is at the point that I will avoid being in the same hallway with her at school because I know she will stop me to complain about somethingAt the end of the school year in June I had finally had enough. She approached me while I was with my students, ready to complain about something, and I told her that I was sorry, but I didn't have time to talk because I was working. I found out later that she complained about me to other staff members
I'm tempted to just ask her if there is anything good going on in her life, because I only want to hear good news.
How do you deal with negative people???????????

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You don't listen to them. They go on and on and you say 'uh huh' or "oh" and then I have to go.

Practice the "la-la-la" thing in your head.

 

[Disney Doll]

I try to avoid them when possible, but if I can't avoid them for every negative thing they say I try to point out how they are wrong and why.

Or sometimes I just ask "Are you always this negative or are you just having a really bad day?".