8 traits of people who always find something negative to say, according to psychology

The weighing between negativity and positivity is something we all do—but for some, the scale always tips negative.

No matter how bright the moment, they’ll find a flaw or offer criticism, leaving you to wonder: why can’t they ever see the good?

Psychology reveals that this mindset goes beyond personality quirks. Certain traits shape how some people constantly zero in on the negative, affecting not just their outlook, but those around them.

In this article, we’ll uncover 8 key traits of people who always find something to criticize, and explore the deeper reasons behind this behavior.

1) They thrive on negativity

You might think that people who always find something negative to say do so out of habit, but it’s much more than that.

In fact, they thrive on negativity.

It’s not just a mindset; it’s a fuel source. They draw energy from pointing out flaws, mistakes, and mishaps, using negativity as a way to feel in control.

By focusing on the negative aspects of others or situations, they deflect attention away from their own insecurities and fears.

Criticism becomes a shield, allowing them to avoid confronting their vulnerabilities.

This isn’t about being realistic or practical. While some may believe they are just “telling it like it is,” they’re actually finding a sense of satisfaction in highlighting the negative.

Rather than seeking balance, they use negativity to distract themselves from their internal struggles, reinforcing their negative mindset.

It brings to mind the reminder from Shirley MacLaine: “Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power.”

2) They exhibit ‘Negativity Bias’

Ever heard of the term ‘Negativity Bias‘?

This is a common psychological concept that explains why negative events have a greater impact on our psychological state than positive ones.

In simple terms, negativity bias means our brains are more influenced by bad news than good news.

Now, imagine that normal negativity bias… but amplified. That’s what’s happening with people who always find something negative to say.

Their negativity bias isn’t just a little stronger. It’s their default setting. They tend to remember traumas more than joy, criticism more than praise.

And here’s the kicker: they’re not just remembering the bad stuff more; they’re actively looking for it.

They’re scanning their environment for anything that can feed into their negative narrative.

This constant negative focus can be draining for those around them, but it also provides them with a strange sense of consistency and control.

The world may be chaotic, but at least they can predict and control their own negativity, right?

3) They often miss out on positive experiences

Linking to their strong negativity bias, these individuals miss the potential for positive experiences.

It’s not that these experiences don’t occur for them, but they tend to overlook or dismiss them.

Their focus is so entrenched in the negative that they fail to recognize or appreciate the positive aspects of situations.

Their brain is so tuned in to finding faults that they ignore the good happening around them.

For instance, take someone receiving a promotion at work.

Instead of feeling proud and excited, they concentrate on the additional responsibilities and stress, convinced that the promotion will only lead to more problems.

Rather than celebrating the achievement, they undermine their own success by fixating on potential drawbacks.

Ironically, even when something genuinely positive happens, they might downplay it or spin it negatively.

They’re so accustomed to their negative lens that shifting to a positive view can feel uncomfortable, even threatening.

In essence, they’re sabotaging their own happiness and fulfillment by not allowing themselves to savor and enjoy positivity.

This isn’t just a matter of being negative; it’s missing the opportunity for joy.

4) They struggle with empathy

Have you ever tried having a heart-to-heart conversation with someone who always finds something negative to say?

If so, you may have noticed a certain lack of empathy from their end.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s about being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see things from their perspective.

But for individuals who are persistently negative, this can be a struggle.

They’re so caught up in their own negativity that they fail to empathize with others’ experiences, especially if those experiences are positive or neutral.

This doesn’t mean they’re incapable of empathy. Rather, their negativity clouds their ability to empathize effectively.

It’s like trying to see through a foggy window – the view is there, but it’s hard to make out the details.

In this case, the ‘fog’ is their persistent negativity, and it can make genuine empathy a challenge.

5) Their communication style is heavily laden with negative language

The language we use reflects our inner state of mind, and this is particularly true for people who always find something negative to say.

Their communication is heavily peppered with negative words and phrases.

Here are a few common characteristics of their communication style:

• Constant criticism
• Frequent use of negative words (like “can’t”, “won’t”, “don’t”)
• A tendency to blame others
• An inclination towards pessimistic predictions

These traits don’t just influence their interactions with others; they also shape their internal dialogue.

This constant negativity in their speech reinforces their negative mindset, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

Joel Osteen wrote, “You can change your world by changing your words. Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

The words they choose reflect their mindset and actively shape their reality, making it even more important to break the habit of negative speech.

6) They struggle with personal growth

On a personal level, I’ve noticed that individuals who always find something negative to say struggle with personal growth.

Let’s face it, growth is uncomfortable. It involves stepping out of our comfort zone, facing our fears, and embracing change.

But when you’re constantly focused on the negative, it can be challenging to embrace this discomfort.

Instead of seeing it as an opportunity for growth, they perceive it as a threat or a failure.

For them, it’s not about “what can we learn from this?” but rather “what went wrong?”

This mindset can stifle their personal and professional growth.

They’re so busy focusing on the negative that they miss out on opportunities to learn, improve, and grow.

As a result, they may find themselves feeling stuck or stagnant, unable to make the progress they desire.

It’s difficult to free oneself from this pattern, but recognizing this trait is the first step toward change.

7) They seek validation through negativity

Imagine you’re at a party and someone starts criticizing the music, the food, even the people. It’s all negative comments, one after another.

You might wonder, why would anyone do that?

Well, individuals who constantly find something negative to say are seeking validation. Their negativity becomes a tool for them to connect with others.

By criticizing and finding faults, they’re inviting others to join in their negativity.

It’s like they’re saying, “You see what I see, right?” They’re seeking affirmation and connection through shared criticism.

But here’s a question to ponder – is this kind of validation constructive or destructive? Does it build relationships or does it breed negativity?

Someone who constantly spews negativity as a means of seeking validation is likely using it as a crutch for their insecurities.

It’s not simply finding negatives; it’s reinforcing their self-worth through shared criticism.

8) They’re stuck in the past

There was a time when I held onto a negative experience from my past, allowing it to cast a shadow over my present and future. It felt suffocating, as if I couldn’t escape that weight.

I’m sure many of us have experienced this at some point.

People who consistently find the negatives share this trait—they’re trapped in their past. Past disappointments and failures start to shape how they view their present.

For them, the negative experiences aren’t just memories; they become the lens through which everything is seen.

In this way, yesterday’s troubles begin to dominate today’s perspective. This fixation on the past prevents them from recognizing the positive moments happening right now.

As Will Rogers wisely said, “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”

So, what can we do?

Understanding these traits of people who always find something negative to say is only the first step.

The real challenge lies in how we interact with them and how we navigate our own attitudes and behaviors. Here are a few pointers:

• Practice empathy: Remember, their negativity stems from deeper insecurities and fears. Approach them with understanding and patience.
• Set boundaries: It’s essential to protect your own mental health. If their negativity is impacting you negatively, it’s okay to limit your interactions with them.
• Encourage positivity: Without forcing it, try to introduce more positive elements into your conversations with them. It might not transform their mindset overnight, but it could plant a seed of positivity.

Recognizing negativity in others is also a chance for self-reflection and growth. Next time, consider these traits—it might change how you interact and even how you view your own attitude.