People With Mental & Emotional Attitude Problems Usually Say 9 Phrases In Casual Conversation
Flávia Vicentini | Pexels Emotions and negativity are wildly contagious. That's why it's draining when you surround yourself with people who constantly complain and have nothing positive to say.
For people with emotional and mental attitude problems, their constant bad mood may come from reasonable struggles or experience, but when it continues consistently with no effort to change, it's probably self-inflicted.
Phrases people say when they have mental and emotional attitude problems
1. 'I don't have what it takes'
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One of the most common bad attitudes that stems from negative people is their insecurity. They speak poorly about themselves and expect external praise to build up their character at the expense of everyone's comfort.
"I don't have what it takes" or "I can't do it" aren't facts. They're just signs of someone who refuses to get out of their comfort zone because they perceive mistakes as personal faults of their character.
2. 'That's not going to work'
People with bad attitudes see the worst in everything because it subconsciously justifies their bad mood, even when it's overly pessimistic. No matter what anyone says or offers them, they respond with "that's not going to work" or "I told you that was a stupid idea."
Compared to optimistic people who spark positivity and create better outcomes, these people's worst-scenario outlook sabotages good conversations and interactions.
3. 'I should have that'
Jealousy seeps out of people with bad attitudes because it's clear that they don't feel comfortable or safe in their own skin. They compare themselves to others and dismiss someone's accomplishments to cope with not having any of their own.
It's clear they can't be happy for people in any capacity. Even if they pretend to throw out phrases like "good for you," they always seem to come out in a condescending tone with absolutely no warm body language.
"I should have that" is much more their speed. It's their way of trying to make themselves feel better at the expense of everyone else.
4. 'That's not my fault'
Whether it's a tactic to avoid taking accountability or a way to paint themselves as a victim to justify a bad mood, negative people use "that's not my fault" often. They need to protect their self-image, especially if their attitude problems stem from insecurity and they need external validation to feel good about themselves.
It's possible for a healthy, secure person to be the victim in someone's story, but most of us need to take control of our lives and move forward. It's easy to think of yourself as a victim for instant pity and protection, but people like this are only setting themselves up for an anxious, uncertain future.
5. 'I don't like them'
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We're allowed to not like people. It's a part of human nature. We can't all get along. But someone with real attitude problems is always speaking about their bitterness and resentment.
They're damaging their own well-being and refusing to forgive people, which keeps them stuck in the past with grudges that drag them down. Around new people or friends, they say things like "I don't like them" as a signal.
They want other people to adopt their perspective and shun others away, because it gives them a fleeting sense of control and power.
6. 'I'm not doing that'
Open-minded people experience the world in a much more meaningful way than those who refuse to take a single step out of their comfort zone. Someone's bad attitude could be chalked up to stagnancy because they refuse to try new things or make mistakes for the benefit of their growth.
They say "I'm not doing that" when they don't know how to do something, because the ability to cope with embarrassment or being wrong isn't something they can do.
7. 'I'm too tired'
Negative attitudes affect our health and drag us down. Someone who's constantly complaining and bringing a terrible vibe to every function is tired all of the time because of it.
They're battling many things in their own heads, whether that's insecurity or shame, and don't have a lot of energy to offer others. Even the coping strategies happy people use to stay afloat feel out of reach, as they're too busy avoiding or weaponizing their complicated emotions.
8. 'I'm having a bad day'
People reliant on everyone else to protect their feelings and boost their confidence are anxious. They live in an exhausting cycle of seeking out validation from everyone. Everyone has bad days, but they consistently have them over and over again, usually because they know it gets them attention.
When suffering becomes tied to self-worth, their entire identity starts to revolve around a bad attitude. That's when it becomes a real issue.
9. 'Why even try that?'
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The pessimism of someone with mental and emotional attitude problems gets annoying quickly. For people who enjoy trying new things and staying curious, being around a person questioning and dismissing their excitement is frustrating.
Someone with a bad attitude isn't necessarily personally attacking others, even if it seems like it. They need to justify the anger and complex emotions they feel, and everyone in the vicinity gets the brunt of their attempts.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
