Why do people complain?

That is the question posed by A ComplaintFreeWorld.org
Here's what they have to say about complaining;

Michael Cunningham, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Louisville, proposes that the human predilection for complaining probably evolved from our ancestors' way of crying out a warning when something threatened the tribe. "Mammals are a squealing species," Dr. Cunningham says, "We talk about things that bother us as a way of getting help or seeking a posse to mount a counter attack."

When an attack is imminent, it makes sense to sound a warning. However, most people are not threatened and yet we complain 20-30 times a day. In so doing, we are sending out negative energy and drawing back to ourselves negative experiences.

People complain because they have an unmet need. They may want a social connection so they begin a conversation by complaining... (sometimes innocently about the weather, politics, or sports .) It sounds innocent enough, but this negative talk is actually reinforcing the concept that "something is wrong in my world." Our thoughts (especially when verbalized) bring more challenges to us as a result. Beyond the need to connect, many people have a need to be admired so they will complain about an other's behavior as a way of saying, "I'm better than that person." People who habitually complain are often ostracized by their family, friends and coworkers. Complainers tend to have poorer health and not do as well at work.

Whatever the reason a person may complain, there are a lot of important reasons to put on a purple bracelet and break the habit, NOW! (especially this holiday season or for the New Year.)

I was watching a TV poker tournament just now and one of the players was still complaining several hands later about his "bad break." (Poker is often the luck of the draw, despite what Hellmuth says.) The commentator said the old poker joke about whining is; both dogs and poker players whine, but dogs stop eventually. (Memorial moment for Chip Reese, who died last week at only 56. )

Most of us here in the U.S. have little reason to complain (of course, there are exceptions.) But, a nation who is suffering (actually dying) from eating too much, rather than starving, should not be complaining. We should count our blessings. So this holiday season, I'll focus on that. (And, watch or read "The Christmas Carol" yet again.) My goal for 08: Stop forging more chains.

BTW, for those who logged on for the holiday update, this is not it. But, it couldn't hurt to click on the links (all of them ;) The link to the personal stuff will be here (soon.)