Want to feel uplifted and happier? Don’t put other people down. Throwing shade at others or participating in malicious gossip will actually rob you of your happiness, so refuse to do it. Don’t take part in the mudslinging! If a friend or coworker tries to get you to join in on the negativity, step back, count to ten, and remove yourself from the situation. (Counting is a powerful technique you can use to manage a behavior you want to avoid.) Feel happy knowing that you didn’t take part in the bashing, and your friend might see the error of doing so as well. Finding ways to compliment others inspires you to feel happy, whereas gossiping does just the opposite.