Have you ever spent the day, afternoon or a meal with someone and when you leave you feel absolutely DRAINED? I think we all have at least one person pop into mind when we think of that kind of situation. And don't you just DREAD the time that you do have to spend with them? Sigh...Sometimes it's unavoidable but you can prepare yourself for those not-so-fun events in life. Spend the time leading up to the appointment with people who energize you. There are few things I enjoy more than hanging out with my friends who are upbeat, excited about life, and in general just positive people.

I have to be very careful who I hang out with because I am a mom and my kids see everything. So I tend to watch who I invite into my life and who I spend time with, especially when my kids are present. But more than that, if I hang out with someone really negative that could potentially put me in a bad mood when I head home and I don't want to bring it with me when I walk in the door.

So, in general, I surround myself with Positive People and those who build me up rather than drag me (or others) down. It's just a better way of living. And for those times that I have to be with the downers of the world, I prepare carefully, try to infuse the conversation with energy and happiness and shake it off as quickly as I can.