I'm not complaining--really, I'm not

[urbpan]

I don't usually do New Years Resolutions, but this year I want to resolve to stop complaining. Winter will not be the easiest time to do this, since I hate winter weather so much. It'll be a challenge right out of the gate.

As I shoveled snow until I felt bad this morning (only took a half hour) I was thinking about complaints: what constitutes a complaint? If you state a fact ("it took us almost eleven hours to drive to Long Island in a snowstorm") is that a complaint? Or is the intention of the statement what makes it a complaint?

I used to be very aggravated by my coworkers complaining at my last job. My belief was that the complaint didn't accomplish anything. If there is something that can be done about it, then do it. If not, then shut up and stop making everyone around you feel negative. Maybe it's the negative energy that makes a complaint what it is. Perhaps instead of resolving to stop complaining, I should resolve to have a more positive outlook.

Any thoughts?

Comments

[pwl1.livejournal.com]

A complaint is sometimes in the perception of the listener. While you may simply be stating a fact ("it took us almost eleven hours to drive to Long Island...") someone else may take that as a complaint because it took *them* less time to get to the same destination. On the other hand, if all you're doing is finding fault with something - I believe that truly is complaining. And you're right - that is an extremely negative activity. We seem to find it easier to knock something than to try to make it better.

FWIW, I have not perceived you to be a complainer.