How to Cope With Constant Complaints

Listening to constant complaints can be a huge drain on a person's energy, really grating on their nerves. Most of us have had to deal with people who complain incessantly at one time or another. It could come from any person in any given situation. At home, perhaps the complaints come from a spouse or a child. If at work, it could come from a coworker or a boss. Perhaps you have a friend who is a constant complainer. Regardless of the source, the more you are subjected to complaining, the more annoying it becomes. The question is: what is the best way to cope when you are around constant complaints?

Things You'll Need

• Positive attitude

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Instructions

• 1

  Let the person who is complaining know that she is heard. Acknowledge her feelings by echoing what she says to you. For example, say to someone who is complaining about not making enough money at her job: "It sounds like you don't feel as if you are making enough money at your job." According to information by Guy Winch, Ph.D., published in "Psychology Today," on July 15, 2011, the quickest way to extract yourself from a complaining person is to validate her feelings, express your sympathy for the situation and then redirect the conversation to something else.

• 2

  Refrain from suggesting to the complainer that he is overreacting, or attempting to dispute the complainer's gripes, as this will only add fuel to the fire.

• 3

  Change the subject to a topic that is very positive in an enthusiastic manner. Giving off your positive energy can be contagious. According to Catherine Pratt, author of "Life With Confidence," "If you can be higher energy than they are, then your energy will most likely start to rub off on those around you instead of the other way around."

• 4

  Avoid offering advice to the complainer, as this will likely lead to excuses and more complaints.

• 5

  Avoid agreeing with the complainer, as this will not only increase her complaints but it may also drag you down as well.

• 6

  Exercise regularly after a complaint session, as exercise is known to be great for decreasing stress. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, "physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins."

• 7

  Practice meditation and relaxation exercises after an encounter with a complainer to help you to de-stress. If you feel up to it, you may even invite the complainer to join you for a meditation session.