“Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. ~Lily Tomlin
I would be lying if I said I didn’t complain. I do. Frequently. In fact if my mouth is moving there is at least a 40% chance the words falling out are some kind of “complaint”. I tend to rant about lousy things that happen throughout my day, but I try not to dwell, and I’m trying to cut back. I like to think of it as venting. Like a release valve, I get it all out and feel much better afterward.
Apparently, complaining is habit forming, and generally spreads bitterness and negativity. But its so fun. Like vodka. Fun in moderation, but keep at it and you’ll be miserable in the morning.
However, there is a difference in complaining about something legitimately, and complaining just to complain. Chronic complainers are annoying. These people try to martyr themselves at any opportunity. They tend to be self absorbed and talk continually about how they’ve been singled out, and picked on unfairly.
Ugh.
Let me complain about the complainers. It’s hard to be around these people, everything is wrong and bad and somehow mistreating them. It’s exhausting! If all you see in life are the bad things, then all you’ll have are bad things! Try changing your perspective. Be grateful for something instead of wallowing in your negativity.
There ARE times to complain. Sometimes you might need advice, or need to bring events to someone’s attention. After all, the squeaky wheel gets greased and all that noise. However, if the only reason you complain is to get pity from those around you…. well maybe you should knock it off.
Do you complain too much? When is it alright?
(photo by frankenstoen )
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Tags: bitterness, chronic complainers, negativity, perspective, squeaky wheel