It’s fun to complain. Once when a formerly great job turned almost overnight into one that was merely tolerable, I had a grand time for a year talking with my husband about the stupidity of the new management. The joy of having a listener almost made up for the losses at work. But all good things have to come to an end. One night he gently said, “You’re really letting this get to you, aren’t you, Jean?” It had been great while it lasted, but he had clearly reached his limit. It was time to move on.
Because of that experience I’m sympathetic to people who like to rant about the problems of the world. I’ve been there, done that. I’ve even listened for hours while the complainers have gotten things off their chest. At this stage of my life, though, I figured I’ve been there, done that too. I don’t have to do it forever.
So how to handle it when someone wants to complain? My husband taught me a great humorous approach. He says, with the appropriate body language, “For some reason they didn’t ask us. I don’t understand why, but they never do.” Most people tune into the humor and their mood changes.
I’m a bit more of an activist than he is so I usually add, “But that’s all right, we’ll tell them anyway.” I have the e-mail addresses of the White House and my members of Congress bookmarked on my computer. If we’re going to complain it might as well be to people who have a chance of tallying our opinion.
What About You?
Does complaining work for you? How do you handle some of the idiocies going on in the world?
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I like to vent. If I can I move on and do something. If not I try to find something distracting enough for long enough so that I get over it.
Evans last blog post..Different Jobs, Equal Responsibility
Jean, I love to be contrary with you. The only complaint that I can come up with is that I have no complaints!
Seriously though, I do not have the luxury of a patient audience. Period.
rummusers last blog post..A Tale Of Two Crises
Economic situation. Not my problem. Nothing I can do. Not to worry (for me).
But long ago I used to list in my head what I didn’t like, stew & kick myself for what I did wrong. Then I learned to write it down if it really bothered me & it went away. My mind was freed.
And yes I do like to complain. But I’ve learned drop it then. Too bad that took so long.
My husband listens. I’ve never heard him complain. Honest!
rummuser,
Yes, there’s not much point in complaining if no one is willing to listen. Although writing in a journal is a good way of expressing feelings and letting them go. My journal is my best listening friend. 🙂
bikehikebabe,
Apparently the economic situation is still going downhill fast. It reminds me of an office mate I had once. He used to say, “Cheer up. Things are bound to get worse.” I’m spending my time appreciating what I have before it goes away. 🙂
Evan,
Oops! Sorry I missed you earlier.
It sounds as if you vent effectively, by expressing your feelings in some way and then letting the issues go, either by taking effective action or moving on to something else. It’s when people keep complaining that it’s a burden to others.
Thanks for coming by. 🙂