Sometimes it is hard to get rid of the negative in your life because the barnicle will not disclodge from your butt. (Started the process of a friendectomy with a real sourpuss and have not managed to excise that particular barnicle.)
I remember when I was much younger and people would insist on pushing their viewpoints on me. At that time I thought, well - you make me listen to your ideas, so let me reciprocate. NOW, I let people talk and I do not have to engage or otherwise buy into their beliefs, neither do I have to convert them into my way of thinking. There is something to be said for growing up and learning what is important in life.