Unveiling 10 Habits of Chronic Complainers That Drag Down the Mood

By Krystal Brown

If you can’t avoid chronic complainers entirely, at least recognize these habits and be better prepared.

Excessive Perfectionism

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Perfectionists tend to be prolific complainers. Even when others see no need for improvement, they constantly want to make things better because they believe that nothing around them is good enough. Their pessimistic perspective on the world contributes to their ongoing quest for improvement. They find errors in everything and think that nobody else will repair them if they don’t. This can result in an endless cycle of making everything flawless even when it’s not necessary.

They Focus On The Negative

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But this only addresses one side of the problem. Chronic complainers tend to focus on issues and struggle with letting go. They are susceptible to falling into a cycle of negativity and whining even after the smallest setback. They will think over a mistake or accident for several days, weeks, or months, and they usually bring it up in conversation years after the event. This can be extremely exhausting for others who must listen to them, which can lead to a toxic environment at work or home.

They Are Preoccupied With Pointing Out Flaws

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Finding fault in every little thing is one of the most annoying behaviors of chronic complainers. They rarely like anything, so if you present an idea they don’t like, they’ll point out every limitation and defect they can find. Particularly if you’re attempting to be imaginative or come up with innovative solutions to an issue, this might be disappointing and demotivating.

They Are Never Wrong

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A “my way or the highway” attitude is another trait shared by chronic complainers. They are unwilling to make concessions or take into account different points of view because they are convinced that their method is the only valid one. When anything doesn’t meet their standards, they will complain bitterly and won’t take anything less.

They Blame Everyone Else For Their Mistakes

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People who complain a lot tend to see themselves as victims. They think that everyone is against them and that nothing ever goes their way. They usually attribute their struggles. They often accuse their boss, coworkers, spouses, or whatever else comes to mind. They don’t own up to their mistakes, to put it another way. Those who try to assist them may find this particularly frustrating because they find it difficult to take responsibility for their actions.

They Tend To Be Drawn To Negative People

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In actuality, those who complain and are continuously negative are not likely to get along with people who have an upbeat perspective on life. The grouchy character in a 90s sitcom didn’t always get won over by the upbeat lead in real life. In real life, people are drawn to others who have similar values and perspectives. So, if you’re unsure whether someone is a persistent complainer, consider the company they keep. If all of their companions appear to have a pessimistic outlook on life, they probably contribute to that vibe.

They Concentrate On Problems Rather Than Potential Solutions

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Focusing intently on issues and challenges is one of the most obvious characteristics of a chronic complainer. They have a propensity to exaggerate even the tiniest issue and make it appear overwhelming. When faced with a challenge, they are always quick to recognize it, but they are less likely to offer a solution. This attitude is especially detrimental in the workplace, where solutions-oriented skills are highly appreciated. Chronic complainers are more likely to fail in their professions and lives because they waste so much time grumbling about every challenge they confront.

They Believe They Are Only Being Realistic

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Chronic complainers usually think that they are just being realistic, despite their pessimistic attitude and penchant for quibbling. They may believe that they are the only people who genuinely understand life’s issues and that others’ expectations are naive or unreasonable. This often makes it impossible to convince them of something or guide them toward another point of view. This is where a habitual complainer loses the narrative. They have an unrealistic perspective.

Happiness Is A Difficult Thing For Them

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A persistent complainer misses out on life’s little joys because of their constant negativity. They don’t take the time to appreciate the positive things going on around them because they are too busy finding things to complain about. As a result, even when something good occurs, they won’t truly be happy since they’re preoccupied with complaining about another thing. Happiness doesn’t come from continuously looking for flaws; it comes from valuing what you already have. It’s about taking pleasure in the small things, like a lovely sunset or a thoughtful act from a friend.

They Are Always Too Serious

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Yes, we know life can be hard and things may not be all the best at the moment, but we cannot wear a long face all day. Chronic complainers often hide under the guise of living a serious and focused life instead of enjoying the moments and taking rest when need be. They often complain that those moments spent in idleness could have been put to productive use.