Complaining: A Short Manual.

Complaining is lame. I do it much more than I’m comfortable with, you do it, people you want to like do it. We can be better. Here’s how:

One. Ask, “would my dad complain about this?” (Feel free to replace “dad” with anyone else you look up to. I use my dad because my dad was awesome.)

Two. Ask yourself, “will my complaining do anyone (including myself) any good?” Most likely the answer is no. Zip it. Go meditate, exercise, eat a Twinkie, move on to question three, etc.

Three. Sometimes you’ll leave the realm of complaint and you probably need an honest conversation with someone. That requires a whole other post but quickly:

• Be honest.
• People skills.
• Listen.
• Think.

Four. Do you have a journal? Or a private Twitter account with a sympathetic and patient audience who doesn’t mind your whining? If yes, complain your face off there. Really. Go nuts.

Four part two. Start a private journal if you don’t have one. I don’t think I need to explain this. If you are confused, feel free to go ahead and complain about it on Twitter.

Five. Still not satisfied? Tell someone close, or a therapist or something, but be sure to get honest feedback.