Canswer Hive: Comments We Never Want to Hear, Part 3
THIS IS THE CANSWER HIVE. TIPS AND INSIGHTS SHARED DIRECTLY FROM RETHINK’S YOUNG WOMEN’S NETWORK (RYWN)
This series of Canswer Hives presents all the things our community never want to hear. This month is all about toxic positivity.
Whoever coined the term “positive vibes only” clearly didn’t have breast cancer in mind. Of course, looking on the bright side of crappy situations can be a good trait but there comes a point when it can also do more harm than good. Enter toxic positivity. When people are diagnosed with cancer, not making space for any negativity whatsoever can make them feel alone in their pain. For example, when we see a loved one hurting, feeling the pressure to be positive ALL the time can feel like a Band-aid fix in the moment. But, instead of telling your friend to “just be positive” or “you’re so strong” when they really don’t feel that strong, ask them how they are doing and really listen to the answer. Here are just some of the comments our Canswer Hive have received that they wish were more real talk than toxic positivity talk.
