I once heard a story about a couple, Marge and Ed, who attended an annual fair in Iowa. Good food, exciting exhibits, amusement rides, and even helicopter rides were offered at the fairground. Every year Ed was attracted to the fifty-dollar helicopter ride; however, Marge was not in favor of the expense. She always proclaimed, “After all, Ed, fifty dollars is fifty dollars.”
Finally, the time came when Ed was determined to take the helicopter ride. He was getting…
Did you know that health professionals suggest complaining can actually be very good for your health? That’s right. They classify complaining into two categories, INSTRUMENTAL and EXPRESSIVE, which if used to dialogue, validate, support, problem solve, or connect with another human being is quite healthy!
Instrumental complaints are goal oriented, meaning that we verbalize the problem in hopes of bringing about change. For example, you complain to a chef that your pasta is undercooked in hopes that you will receive some compensation for your meal. On the other hand, expressive…
