Complainers. They’re pretty much the only thing that gets me to complain.
My ex-girlfriend used to live with a friend’s grandma in Berlin for a while. Whenever I was there, granny loved to rant about stuff. That sucks this, this stinks that.
I couldn’t help but think “get on with it!”
She was very aware of the vanity of her complaining too, because by the end of it, she always used to say:
“Wenn der Berliner nüscht zu meckern hat, dann isser nicht zufrieden!”
It means “If Berlinians don’t have anything to complain about, they’re unhappy.”
Besides deciding never to move to Berlin, to me this was the ultimate proof:
Complainers are drainers.
Sure, we all sometimes say “the weather sucks” or “politics stink right now,” but if you’re a habitual complainer, you and I won’t get along.
I think the reason constant complaining is so common among both children and old people is that both of these times in our lives are phases where we feel out of control.
The problem is when you can’t shake this habit as you grow up.
I’m not saying you can’t point out things that suck. I’m not against constructive criticism. After all, acknowledging what doesn’t work is the first step to changing it.
But once you’ve pointed out a problem, stop pointing.
No matter how bad the issue is, dwelling hasn’t solved a single one since the dawn of time.
Dwellers are not problem solvers. But if you’re not part of the solution, you’re most likely part of the problem.
In poker they say “leave your emotions at home.” The more you can do that, the more you’ll win.
Well, life’s a game of poker too. Except it gets better with less complaining. Don’t complain, don’t drain.
The best thing you can bring to work, to the party or home to your family today is to leave your complaints wherever you found them.
