This piece is written somewhat satirically about our social behaviour of reacting and getting upset more than necessary about small things we encounter daily.
The grumbling nature of trivial matters is an agitating factor that can rob our peace of mind and that of others around us.
I am a complaint type of person. So are some or perhaps most of us of this breed (complaining!)
Actually, I have not done any googling to find statistics about the extent of this addiction among us. The reason is that even if I shovelled to dig for the numbers, they would be available in some percentage configuration, as most surveys report.
Whether it is desired or not, the trend is that a lot of information and data come through the mathematical veil of percentages.
Example: A new small apartment building with 10 or 20 suites is coming up in our neighbourhood, and the latest sign says “90 percent sold. ” Why don’t they make it more transparent and say nine or 18 sold and only one or two are left?
Another one: the merchandising sales are advertised as “50% to 70% off. ” Again, we don’t get the actual prices of sale items unless we visit the stores advertising these super special sales.
This subtlety of percentage is constantly baffling to me. Anyway, the point is that I am complaining even about trivial matters.
Still, I feel the nature of complaining gives us an outlet to express our dislikes or disapprovals about something or most things we encounter or experience in our day-to-day lives.
There is an extensive cross-section and mixed bag of gripes; an endless list of our grudges against governments, politicians, leaders, bosses, big corporations, big businesses, lawyers, doctors, dentists and plumbers; friends and relatives (mainly at their backs); culture, traditions, systems, religions, god ( why not! ); weather, environment, health and bad knees; etc, etc, etc.
And then there are complaints about complaints, quite genuine ones.
Here is a sample: a friend is meeting his buddy after quite some time. His first remarks the moment they meet are like this: ” Why did you not inform me about your father’s death? “
Before the buddy replies, the friend continues, ” Anyway, I am sorry to hear that….” The very basic civility is to express condolence before complaining about not being informed about the sad news.
My experience with complaints is regarding talking with relatives in India by phone. When they pick up the phone, a few of them sarcastically say, “Finally, you have come to remember us” or “You are phoning us after a long time.” Again, the underlying social grace is to express thanks for my phone call and then complain if one has to.
Here in Vancouver, Canada, the den of preserved Punjabi culture, the complaint goes like this: ” O-ey’ phon phan maar liya kar kadi. ” Punjabi culture, the complaint goes like this: “O-ey’ phon phan maar liya kar kadi”.
Some people don’t distinguish between a complaint and a compliment. For example, “Oh, you look weak. You have lost so much weight. Are you okay?” or “You have put on quite a weight.” Then continue with “Nice to meet you!”
Promod Puri.com 