We're gonna take a wild guess that you've heard one (or all) of these responses when venting to your bestie, mom or sister about your problems.
While these platitudes aren't inherently bad advice, they don't actually make you feel better. It's like blaming your so-so Spanish grade on not “manifesting” an A hard enough. Or when Grandma sends her signature “You'll meet someone better!” message after a breakup. And don't even get us started on the TikToks reminding you that no matter what happens, you just have to love yourself.
The problem? These good intentions don't really validate what you're going through or help you manage your stress. Truth is, sometimes positivity can be low-key problematic (or worse, toxic). So when should you focus on the bright side—and when is it OK to sit with the negative for a bit? Here's how to navigate those feelings.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
Fact: There *is* such a thing as being too positive. Experts call this toxic positivity—focusing too much on staying optimistic while brushing aside or silencing any negative or sad feelings.
On the surface, that might not seem like a terrible approach to life. But the reality is that if you don't allow yourself to express and experience authentic emotions about tough situations (like the death of a loved one, your parents' divorce or a bad breakup), you'll end up suffering more later on.
Dit verhaal komt uit de February/March 2025 editie van Girls' Life magazine.
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Dit verhaal komt uit de February/March 2025 editie van Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Al abonnee? Inloggen
Have we become mental health obsessed?
As the line between self-reflection and overanalyzing is becoming increasingly blurry, girls are scrolling themselves into spirals.
ACTUALLY.YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME
\"It could be worse.\" \"Everything happens for a reason.\" \"Look on the bright side.\" \"Just think positive!\"
MAY WE PRESENT THE NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES OF FRIENDSHIP
When it comes to the golden rules of bestiehood, being an amazing friend goes way deeper than always responding to her DMs and surprising her with Starbucks on her birthday. Sure, those smaller gestures are important, but building a bond that'll go the distance requires showing up in all the ways that really count. Take a second to check in and see if you're truly following through on your friendships...or if you need to up your bestie game.
HOW TO REPLY TO LITERALLY ANY CRUSH TEXT
All you need is their number—and these perfect responses.
So you messed up...
Everybody makes mistakes. What's next? Moving past the regret, repairing your rep and healing yourself.
RELATION TROPES
IS IT TIME TO TURN THE PAGE ON THE LESSONS FROM OUR FAVE LOVE STORIES?
Are you secretly sabotaging your skin barrier?
You know how your quads feel on fire after a super hard workout? Turns out your skin doesn’t love too much of a good thing either (like all the serums, peels and masks you slather on after that everything shower).
IS YOUR GUY FRIEND RUSHING ON YOU?
HE'S THE JITO YOUR SARAH, THE LEE TO YOUR ELLE, THE HARRY TO YOUR HERMIONE. BUT IS HE SECRETLY HOPING FOR SOMETHING MORE?
LET'S GET glossy
\"Did you do something new to your hair?\" -Everyone, the day after you try this.
WHAT'S YOUR SELF-CARE STYLE?
Understanding what truly brings you good vibes will help you feel confident and appreciated, even after sweetheart season ends. Answer these Q's to uncover your ultimate self-love strategy—and then start treating yourself like the total catch you are.
