We all know someone who is an over-the-top, bona fide Drama Queen.

It’s an irrational strategy for obtaining happiness.  The complaining is almost constant about one thing or another; much like your favorite song.  You couldn’t wait to hear it when it first came out, and then after hearing it so many times you know longer hear it at all.

There are a few things that dramatic people have in common:

Sensation Oriented

Demonstrative

React to everything emotionally

Shift moods quickly

Like to be the center of attention

Can be overtly and/or inappropriately sexual

Become involved quickly in relationships

Exaggerated emotions or inappropriate theatrics

 

Dramatic people often have self-fullfilled prophecies by their actions – the fear is always realized when their theatrics push people away from them.

 People simply stop listening when you’re over-dramatic.  People are more willing to meet your needs when you express yourself calmly.

Reasons to Stop!

It’s annoying.

It makes people tune you out.

When real drama happens, no one cares

Drama stresses you out.  Elevated stress is bad for your health.

Drama breeds passive-aggressive behavior.

 

The drama comes from the fear of being unforgettable, or not being heard.

 Handling Dramatic People

Stay OUT of their drama!

Don’t get too close or get sucked into it.

Take them in small doses.

Walk away when you feel your stress level going up.

Give them rational choices

Offer only neutral, indifferent replies – “I see.” or  “That’s unfortunate.”

Positivity decreases drama.

 

Drama is like an argument.   It needs cooperation to exist.

No Resistance  =  No Drama!