I hate people who complain and I could go on and on for hours about why it bothers me so much, though obviously this isn't the place for it, but ya know, people who complain a lot, and especially those who just start venting with no clear invitation or express permission are so annoying, and another thing is those who are constantly judging others, and are often so unconscious that they don't even realize they're doing it, and then you're just left sitting there, thinking, okay? what do you want me to do with this? and I think the main thing I hate about people like that is that the only thing you can really do is to just cut them off mid sentenc
Hahah! This made me laugh and think of a follow-up question. How do you categorize a rant? It seems to err on the side of complaining but has some elements of venting. Ranting seems to come from a place of fear/anxiety but the ranter disguises it with anger.
Thank you, Ishan! Glad it was helpful. You inspire me to take more photos in nature. My neighborhood rose garden is the closest thing I have to a forest or jungle :)
As usual after reading your pieces, I come away with learnings and value, this time from a distinction between two words / actions I hadn't even considered!
I didn't know the difference between venting and complaining. I'm usually on the opposite side of this, listening to my partner's venting (that I now know is NOT complaining and instead looks for reflection and not expressing dissatisfaction). I now need to know how to properly respond to people who are venting.
Rebecca, thank you so much for reading and sharing your perspective. I definitely relate to the experience of listening to a loved one vent and wanting to understanding how to best support them. Sometimes I find myself grasping for solutions because I want to remove the thing that's causing them pain or stress, but then I realize, the first thing to do is slow down and deeply listen.
This is such a great breakdown! I've been guilty of complaining and venting at work. Complaining I never feel great about. You're right, it's a fixation and I find that I end up snowballing negative thoughts about my workplace. Venting seems to be stemmed in one issue that I feel the need to be expressed and heard about. Love the Venn Diagram too!
Thanks Michelle! I feel you when you say complaining never feels great. When I walk away from a heated conversation and feel that ick I know I must've expressed myself in a way I didn't intend or want to. Thankfully, there's something to be learned from every tense, awkward, restrained, and emotional discussion!
Thank you, Silvio. To make you think is a great feeling. I enjoy bringing things to our asynchronous and synchronous discussions that prompt interesting tangents and perspective shifts. And I enjoy when you do the same -- you make me think too :)
I hate people who complain and I could go on and on for hours about why it bothers me so much, though obviously this isn't the place for it, but ya know, people who complain a lot, and especially those who just start venting with no clear invitation or express permission are so annoying, and another thing is those who are constantly judging others, and are often so unconscious that they don't even realize they're doing it, and then you're just left sitting there, thinking, okay? what do you want me to do with this? and I think the main thing I hate about people like that is that the only thing you can really do is to just cut them off mid sentenc
Hahah! This made me laugh and think of a follow-up question. How do you categorize a rant? It seems to err on the side of complaining but has some elements of venting. Ranting seems to come from a place of fear/anxiety but the ranter disguises it with anger.
Thanks for reading, Rick!
Yes, I think that's a good definition of ranting. I mean from what I can tell as an observer, because of course I would never do it . . .
this is hilarious!
Great issue. I never knew of the distinction between complaining and venting until now.
Love the reminder to smell the roses as well!
Thank you, Ishan! Glad it was helpful. You inspire me to take more photos in nature. My neighborhood rose garden is the closest thing I have to a forest or jungle :)
Well, nature is nature. Looking forward to see those pics!
As usual after reading your pieces, I come away with learnings and value, this time from a distinction between two words / actions I hadn't even considered!
Thank you so much for reading, Oscar! I'm glad to hear it provided value.
I didn't know the difference between venting and complaining. I'm usually on the opposite side of this, listening to my partner's venting (that I now know is NOT complaining and instead looks for reflection and not expressing dissatisfaction). I now need to know how to properly respond to people who are venting.
Rebecca, thank you so much for reading and sharing your perspective. I definitely relate to the experience of listening to a loved one vent and wanting to understanding how to best support them. Sometimes I find myself grasping for solutions because I want to remove the thing that's causing them pain or stress, but then I realize, the first thing to do is slow down and deeply listen.
This is such a great breakdown! I've been guilty of complaining and venting at work. Complaining I never feel great about. You're right, it's a fixation and I find that I end up snowballing negative thoughts about my workplace. Venting seems to be stemmed in one issue that I feel the need to be expressed and heard about. Love the Venn Diagram too!
Thanks Michelle! I feel you when you say complaining never feels great. When I walk away from a heated conversation and feel that ick I know I must've expressed myself in a way I didn't intend or want to. Thankfully, there's something to be learned from every tense, awkward, restrained, and emotional discussion!
Beautiful piece on a distinction that I never paid too much attention to. Until now. You always make me think, Rach. Thank you.
Thank you, Silvio. To make you think is a great feeling. I enjoy bringing things to our asynchronous and synchronous discussions that prompt interesting tangents and perspective shifts. And I enjoy when you do the same -- you make me think too :)