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There are people we know and associate with who complain about the smallest of things, the most insignificant things, and things we barely notice ourselves until they're pointed out by our complaining companions. As an example, there is, in my life, a person with whom I speak frequently, usually by phone. He is amazingly intelligent and aware of how the world works. But just the same, he is a complainer who has nothing good to say about the way the world works or the way the people in it behave. Just mention a topic, and he's off. He is a classic complainer - he doesn't differentiate between complaining about people, places, or things.

This makes it difficult to interact, either in person or over the phone. It makes me want to stay away, although I know his theories and ideas are sometimes correct and his views, interesting and provocative. Eventually, though, the conversation turns negative because he begins to complain about all the various aspects of the topic. If we're discussing life in general, it's not satisfying. If it's relationships, they aren't trustworthy. If it's financial, financial institutions are trying to rip him off. Once he's set his mind to a complaint, there's no steering him away from his point of view. It's best to end the conversation because you know it's a waste of breath to continue.

Those who engage in conversation about the government, the war, health care issues, human rights issues, and other important matters and have considered solutions for these issues are more likely taken seriously. Valuable discourse of this nature is not usually regarded as annoying complaining. Instead, these discussions can evoke serious thought and contemplation. They may cause an adjustment of attitude or a different way of thinking - a more open-minded view of a formerly closed-minded opinion. This is not actually "complaining," but discussing various views and feelings associated with theories. People who do this type of thinking are not complainers in the common sense of the word, but thinkers. No matter what political or other agenda they may be following, they are being reasonable and thoughtful in their considerations - but we wouldn't consider them complainers, necessarily.

The first group, who simply MUST complain about anything that becomes a target for complaint, do so in some cases because they have become accustomed to looking for the worst side of any topic or issue. Any circumstance meets the requirement for complaint. If there's an

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