Complainers complain. It’s what they do. Are you dealing with such a person? If you are, consider the points in this GenuLines post and apply them to your situation.
Complainers Can Learn to Appreciate Small Things
Do you know a chronic complainer? Someone who never seems to be happy about anything. They find everything wrong with what others do. If there’s a new idea, they’ll knock it down.
They’re also the type of person who will interrupt others to make their point. They’ll do that because they know best.
But at some point, people start to ignore them. And they’re high on the list if cutbacks should ever hit the company, too.
Complainers have forgotten how to appreciate the small things in life.
They don’t realize that it’s difficult to get a new job and it takes much more time than it used to.
They don’t appreciate that they have a job.
Sometimes, chronic complaining can be a result of complacency. Since no one is listening to what the person says, it’s just easier to complain.
No company or situation is perfect, and sometimes it’s best when problems are out in the open. But there is a time and place for complaints and a correct way to air them.
If you have to complain offer up several solutions to the problem. That’s a productive use of complaining energy.
Call it problem recognition with applicable solutions.
There’s a critical difference between you and a chronic complainer. You appreciate your job or your situation.
Help the complainer
If you want to help a chronic complainer, point out the problem using a subtle approach. Instead of telling the person they complain too much, show them how to be grateful for the little things in life.
Remind them that you feel appreciative of the fact you have a job, etc.
Relate a story- may be about how your last job search was difficult. It took you months, and it made you realize that jobs are not easy to find.
Also, talk about how you appreciate your home life and your family and what it means to you. That’s a subtle approach.
The person may start to understand there is much to appreciate in everyday life. You can show that complaining is ineffective and may lead to problems down the road.
Aim to get friends and colleagues to relate to the same gratitude for work and family.
The chronic complainer may start to see it pays to be appreciative.
JohnK 4-2-2019
Overheard: “Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.” ~Proverb
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