Everyone enjoys having a whinge now and then, but like many situations in life, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.
Complaining about your annoying boss or nosy neighbour is generally no big deal, but there are certain things in life you shouldn’t be moaning about to anyone else. If you do, you’ll end up looking annoying, disingenuous, and maybe even a little arrogant. The next time you hear yourself about to unleash a tirade about any of these things, maybe think again.
1. Your lucky breaks
Got a promotion because you were in the right place at the right time? While it might feel unfair that you now have extra work and don’t get to skip out early, complaining about your good fortune can come across as ungrateful. Instead, focus on making the most of the opportunity you’ve been given.
2. The success of your side hustle
If your weekend gig is pulling in more money than you expected, that’s brilliant! But moaning about the extra admin or taxes can be irritating to people who are struggling to make ends meet. Keep the humblebrags to a minimum and enjoy your success quietly.
3. Your genetic lottery wins
Whether it’s naturally clear skin or a fast metabolism, complaining about traits other people might envy isn’t a good look. Oh, it must be so hard that you can’t seem to put on weight to save your life! Poor you! These things are out of your control, so griping about them can seem insensitive to those who weren’t as lucky.
4. The pressure of choice
Having too many options might feel overwhelming, but it’s a privilege many don’t have. Whether it’s job offers or potential flats, try to appreciate the abundance rather than stress about the decision-making process. Not everyone is so fortunate.
5. Your partner’s thoughtfulness
If your partner is a little too attentive or affectionate, count your blessings. Complaining about receiving too much love or care can make you seem ungrateful and might hurt your partner’s feelings if they overhear. After all, what do you want, someone who ignores you or takes you for granted? Think about what you’re saying!
6. The challenges of your passion project
Source: Unsplash Starting a blog or learning to play guitar in your free time is great. However, these are totally voluntary and if you didn’t want to do them, you could stop. Complaining about how hard it is to learn or how time-consuming it is might seem tone-deaf to people who don’t have the luxury of pursuing passion projects.
7. The quirks of your hometown
Every place has its oddities, but constantly griping about where you’re from can be grating. It’s part of what shaped you, after all. Try to appreciate its uniqueness, even if you’ve outgrown it. You’re not suddenly cool because you hate your hometown.
8. Your friendship “obligations”
Source: Unsplash Having to attend multiple social events might feel overwhelming, but it’s a sign you have a very full social life. Complaining about having too many friends or invitations can hurt feelings and make you seem ungrateful for your connections. Plus, it just makes you look like you’re bragging about how popular you are.
9. The downsides of working remotely
Source: Unsplash Missing office banter or struggling with work-life balance at home? Yeah, these things are tough, but you need to remember that many people would love the opportunity to work from home. Focus on finding solutions to whatever problems you’re having rather than complaining about the privilege.
10. Your family’s overly high expectations
Source: Unsplash Having family that believes in your potential, even to a fault, is something many people wish for. Instead of complaining about the pressure, try to appreciate their faith in you and communicate your own goals clearly.
11. The stress of planning your wedding
Wedding planning is notoriously stressful, but it’s also a celebration of love that many dream of. Try to focus on the exciting parts rather than constantly venting about the hard parts. Besides, no one is forcing you to throw some big, lavish event — you could just elope at the town hall!
12. The challenges of your hobby
Whether it’s golf or knitting, hobbies are meant to be enjoyable. If you find yourself constantly complaining about the stuff you do for fun, it might be time to find a new pastime rather than griping about the current one.
13. How hard it is to maintain your home
Homeownership comes with its headaches, but it’s a goal many are working towards and others will never be able to reach. Instead of complaining about maintenance issues, try to appreciate the fact that you have a place to call your own. More than half the people in the UK believe they’ll never have the opportunity to say the same.
14. The complexity of your investment portfolio
Managing investments can be stressful, but it’s a good problem to have. Complaining about it can seem out of touch to those who don’t have more than a few pence left over at the end of every month. Keep these concerns to yourself or a financial advisor.
15. The challenges of raising well-behaved kids
If your biggest parenting problem is that your kids are too polite or studious, count yourself lucky. These “issues” are dreams for many parents, so it’s best to keep such complaints to yourself. Besides, this just looks like another humblebrag meant to make everyone think your kids are perfect.
16. The downsides of your good health
Never getting sick might mean you never get a “day off”, but it’s not something to complain about. Many people struggle with chronic illnesses and would love to have your robust immune system. Besides, you have holidays for a reason, no? If you need a mental break, take one!
17. The stress of planning your next holiday
Choosing between beach resorts or city breaks is a luxury. While decision fatigue is real, complaining about having too many good options for your time off can seem insensitive to people who can’t afford to travel. Poor you, jetting off to another country!
18. How tough it is to learn a new skill quickly
If you pick up new abilities faster than average, that’s fantastic! However, complaining about the challenges can be frustrating for people who struggle more with learning. Appreciate your ability to pick things up quickly, and use it wisely.
19. The pressure of being a role model
Having people look up to you might feel like a burden, but it’s also a sign that you’re respected and admired by the people around you. Instead of complaining, try to embrace the responsibility and use your influence for good.
20. The challenges of managing your time effectively
Having too many interesting things to do is a good problem. Rather than complaining about not having enough hours in the day, focus on prioritising and making the most of your time. Besides, if your schedule is really that packed, you can probably take a few things off it, surely?
21. The stress of receiving too much positive feedback
If you’re constantly praised at work, it might feel like added pressure. But remember, many people struggle to get any recognition. Appreciate the positive reinforcement and use it as motivation.
22. How tough it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle
Meal prepping and regular exercise might feel like chores, but they’re investments in your health and wellness that not everyone can prioritise. Focus on the benefits and how good it makes you feel rather than how time-consuming it is or how much effort you have to put in. Most good things in life are like that!
23. The challenges of being multilingual
Mixing up languages or struggling to find the right word can be frustrating, but being able to communicate in multiple languages is a valuable skill. Appreciate your linguistic abilities rather than complaining about the occasional confusion.
