Happy 2013 people!
I had to put a few of the last posts under a filter to avoid upsetting a nutcase. Tired of being blamed for their problems du jour.
When looking back on some social media feeds, I saw a lot of complaining, though not on my immediate friendslist. People who gripe too consistently usually don't remain on my feed for long. It's not that I don't think people shouldn't complain, but when I review some strangers' feeds I see complaints about a lot of relatively mundane things by people who, though they might not realize it, are among the privileged. That's not to say, either, "first world" people haven't a right to complain about their "first world problems", but it often feels like these people don't realize how lucky they are. Sometimes it feels as if these people believe that the world owes them something.
For example, a college student may complain how much they spent on video games, how much their phone bill is, the long drive home in traffic, the term paper due or the test preventing them from partying with their friends. While they're legitimate complains for a person of that age, there's another way to look at their "problems": They have the extra income to purchase games, afford a smartphone, attend college, got out with friends and party, and drive and maintain an air conditioned car. In another example we have a middle to upper middle class Caucasian with a college degree, no huge debt, and plenty of people to take care of you. Focus on that rather than all things turning you into an angry, frustrated mess.
I loved my parents' philosophy. My mom often said she knew our house wasn't the biggest, newest or cleanest. We didn't have trendy clothing or organic foods and big cars. We didn't have everything we wanted, but we had all we needed: a roof over our heads, food to eat, our health and each other. We didn't want for anything necessary. So why be so bitter and resentful? Life can be worse. Vent, but also be grateful for what you have.
When looking back on some social media feeds, I saw a lot of complaining, though not on my immediate friendslist. People who gripe too consistently usually don't remain on my feed for long. It's not that I don't think people shouldn't complain, but when I review some strangers' feeds I see complaints about a lot of relatively mundane things by people who, though they might not realize it, are among the privileged. That's not to say, either, "first world" people haven't a right to complain about their "first world problems", but it often feels like these people don't realize how lucky they are. Sometimes it feels as if these people believe that the world owes them something.
For example, a college student may complain how much they spent on video games, how much their phone bill is, the long drive home in traffic, the term paper due or the test preventing them from partying with their friends. While they're legitimate complains for a person of that age, there's another way to look at their "problems": They have the extra income to purchase games, afford a smartphone, attend college, got out with friends and party, and drive and maintain an air conditioned car. In another example we have a middle to upper middle class Caucasian with a college degree, no huge debt, and plenty of people to take care of you. Focus on that rather than all things turning you into an angry, frustrated mess.
I loved my parents' philosophy. My mom often said she knew our house wasn't the biggest, newest or cleanest. We didn't have trendy clothing or organic foods and big cars. We didn't have everything we wanted, but we had all we needed: a roof over our heads, food to eat, our health and each other. We didn't want for anything necessary. So why be so bitter and resentful? Life can be worse. Vent, but also be grateful for what you have.