Chronic Complainers- Insensitive, Inconsistent or Insane?
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Is it common sense to not bitch about your job to someone who is desperately searching for one or to not go on and on about your nagging Mother to someone who is grieving the loss of their own? Evidently not. Lately I’ve noticed a surge in irrational (unfounded) complaining.
There are a few chronic complainers in every workplace. The Insensitive Type mentioned above are probably well known to be annoying, while the chronically Inconsistent Type are frustrating and likely unaware of the gap between their whining and reality. Isn’t it always the coworker contributing the least that complains most about being overworked?
The inconsistencies between your words and actions can diminish your credibility, especially among co-workers and others that witness the reality of your daily life (even if it eludes you). Do you moan about being flat broke and and then regularly show up sporting new outfits or jetting off on trips? If you like to splurge and treat yourself, your choice, but refrain from remarks about your depleted bank account. No one feels sorry for you!
Venting can be a great release of tension, if used sparingly, but I urge you to consider your audience as you would for any other type of communication. Are those in earshot of your “Poor Me” money comments struggling to make ends meet on a fraction of your income? Does your grumbling about how busy and exhausted you are fall on the deaf ears of an overworked single mother of 3? Your colleagues are rolling their eyes behind your back every time, believe me!
Are Facebook and Twitter to blame for our society’s habit of mindlessly posting the minor inconveniences and grievances of life in a dramatic way without considering the relative plight of our audience? Maybe, but my only advice amidst our society of moaners is the classic…If you want something done, ask the busiest person you know!
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Suzy Ogé is an American born business woman living in The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Food for thought…could you have this published in a few of the national newspapers here and expat websites. Moaning is almost a national sport/hobby.
On Dr.Phil there was a couple that lost their savings during the Madoff scam. The wife said that they now had to clip coupons, search for bargains and stop going out to dinner. Her complaints were very insensitive to so many struggling families that do have done all of these things for years and still never have enough at the end of the month.