Attention Seeking

A person can't work on their issues until they realize they actually have them and admit to them. This takes time. Denial is the next thing that is fun to work around too. You have your hands full it sounds like. Fed up? I understand. I would would on the acknowledgement step and see how the denial phase hits on all people involved. Good luck!

I think the best way to deal with them is to ignore them. If we give them the necessary attention at first but still they repeat the same drama to the point that it becomes routine, ignore them. They will continue their acts because they thought it is the best technique of catching attention. But if you don't give them that attention, they will eventually stop.

As a therapist I have dealt with this a lot of the time and there is only one way to handle it and that is to tell the person what I am observing. I would not be doing my job if I didn't. I would also tell a friend or family member straight out, if I noticed they were seeking attention, but not somebody I had just met, unless they asked me outright what I thought - this happens quite often when people I meet for the first time find out that I am a therapist. My philosophy is, don't do it with new friends unless asked, but with friends, I am probably doing them a favour anyway. _Derek

I would just stay away from them. U don't have to be around them, do u?

At work, I now a few people who are like these. And they've chosen the inter-office mail as their medium to attract attention unto themselves. Sometimes, it's funny how these emails make them not only the victims, but sometimes the hero. While others are blamed, while copying the gods of the company. By gods I mean, the president, CEO, directors, etc. I don't exactly know how to deal with them, but if I was brought to light as the culprit on such emails, I fight back with facts. And let them make themselves look like fools.

hi. if it's something that i could ignore i would. raising an eyebrow, staring or saying "stop it" could just 'add fuel'.

If you cant physically distance yourself, you can at least mentally distance your self! I know the type of people your speaking of, they drain you.

Attention seeking in adults can be due to several factors such as jealous, arrogance, lack of self worth. I deal with attention seeking children who in my opinion are not very different from adults. It shows emotional instability and if this is not dealt with, their behavioural pattern wont' change much. I think with children positive reinforcement really works, I have never tried it with adults. I just praise a student or give attention when he does a good job. I just ignore unwanted behaviour. This usually puts them into their place. I would try not to give attention when they try to gain in in the wrong manner by playing the victim or whining. In case of an adult I would talk to him or her straight, I would not tolerate such behaviour from an adult.