The complaint department

“When you consistently maintain a positive frame of mind, you’ll become known as a problem-solver rather than a complainer. Most people avoid complainers. They seek out problem-solvers.” ~ Joseph Sommerville, PhD, The Five Keys to Interpersonal Success

Are you a complainer or a problem-solver? According to behavioral research, if you hang out with folks who always gripe and complain, you might find yourself sporting a negative attitude and extra frown lines in the middle of your forehead. When complaining becomes the norm — at home, in the workplace or in social circles — it’s hard to break the cycle.

Negativity is both contagious and repellent. But spending time with positive people — or problem solvers — can improve our outlook as well as our physical health. As renowned psychologist Susan Albers puts it, complaining is like a virus. It infects the mood of everyone around us. So before you launch another complaint or plan your next pity party, ask yourself: Will this resolve a problem, improve the situation, or benefit others around me? ~CL

Photo by Cindy La Ferle