GREENSBORO, N.C. — We all know someone who loves complaining—it might even be you! Whether it's about work, traffic, or the little annoyances of daily life, complaining seems to come naturally to some of us. But what happens when venting becomes a habit?
Complaining can serve as a release valve for built-up frustration. It allows people to express their feelings and sometimes receive validation from others who agree with them. It feels good because it lets us offload stress and get sympathy from those around us. It's almost a way of seeking connection. We all crave to be understood, and complaining often brings attention and empathy from others
While occasional venting can be harmless, it can strain relationships when it becomes a chronic way of dealing with stress. Constant complaining can create a negative atmosphere, which pushes people away. It makes the other person feel drained and can lead them to avoid you since they know every conversation will revolve around complaints. Over time, this can lead to resentment and disconnection, especially in close relationships. It can also make the complainer appear ungrateful or overly focused on problems, which can frustrate their partner."
One of the best approaches is to focus on problem-solving rather than just venting. If something is bothering you, ask yourself, 'What can I do about this?' and direct your energy towards finding solutions. It's also helpful to limit the time spent on complaining. If you need to vent, set a time limit—maybe five minutes—then move on to positive or constructive conversation. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift your mindset. Instead of focusing on what's going wrong, think about what's going well. And finally, communicating that without turning it into a complaint can help if you're feeling overwhelmed. For example, saying, 'I'm feeling stressed about work; could we talk about it?' is more constructive than simply listing grievances.
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