I Hate to Complain

Seriously. Complaining is an awful behavior. Especially when it’s done without regard to the listener.

Complaining to someone who is financially strapped about the problems you’re having scheduling that European trip — is at best — rude. Crabbing about the service at a restaurant when the poor waiter is rushing about like a madman — insensitive. Grousing about Washington, D.C. — well — that’s just the norm. But complaining for the sake of hearing your own voice — now that’s a problem.

Not You Again

No one wants to listen to a lot of whining about nothing. Certainly not in my house. Or so I’ve been told on more than one occasion. Okay, maybe twenty times. After that, I stopped counting. And that was back in 1991.

My updates — as I like to call them — tend to focus on how I’m feeling. I’m acutely aware of every little ache or pain. Not that they’re major. They’re not. But I like to keep Jeff updated. Just in case something does happen — he should have the necessary information for the EMTs.

Family Hold Back

I’ve learned through the years to shield my friends. Right now some are rolling their eyes and laughing — but don’t believe them. The real updating has been heaped squarely on Jeff’s shoulders. Mostly in the morning. Usually when he’s checking his iPhone. Or does he start checking his phone when I start updating? Hmm. It’s kind of hard to know.

Bottom-line

If you want to have friends — don’t be a downer. Take a page from my book. Focus your updates in the morning — when you step out of bed — preferably on your way to the toilet. And as you wobble along, wondering why your balance is off and your feet hurt, hold this thought. It isn’t what you say that’s important. It’s the fact that you’ve said it. You’ve put it out to the universe. You’re alive another day. And that, is the most important update of all.