We’ve all been there. You’re excitedly telling your friends and family about what a great job opportunity you just received, only to be met with a lackluster response. Or, perhaps you just found out that you’re pregnant, and when you tell your partner they respond with disinterest or even anger.
Having a negative reaction to good news can be confusing, but it happens more commonly than one may think. The human brain is programmed to be on the lookout for potential threats, and when presented with something positive it can be a source of uneasiness. We may feel a sense of pride and excitement when hearing good news, but it can also stir up fear of failure or fear of leaving outside of our comfort zone.
There are also times when a negative reaction is due to our own insecurities, like if your news is threatening to outshine someone else’s. It may be worth it to ask the other person what’s going on. It is important to remember that everyone experiences success in different ways and it’s worth understanding and showing support for the other person’s feelings.
It is normal to react less-than-positively to news that we weren’t expecting. There is a lot of onus that is placed on us when good news is presented, and it can be overwhelming to process that responsibility. We should take time to celebrate our successes, as it may encourage a more enthusiastic response when we tell people.
Negative reactions to good news can be a challenge to work through. Investigate what is making you uneasy or why the other person may be feeling the way they do. Offer support, understanding, and encouragement. Celebrate yourself and the successes of those around you. With open communication, understanding, and support, positive reactions to good news can be achieved.