#Complaint

A complaint is a delicacy of the soul that measures expectations against reality, only to be stamped by reality more often than not. Triggered by a boss's offhand remark, a lover's indifference, or a lukewarm cafe latte, it spreads through every cell as a quiet protest. Voicing it convinces us that the world will scramble to meet our needs, while conveniently granting ourselves a get-out-of-jail-free card for action. By harboring complaints, humans highlight their own righteousness and claim the right to hold lofty expectations of others. Ultimately, a complaint is a ceremony of self-affirmation.

A grievance is the official container for unmet expectations. People diligently craft words of discontent rather than solving the underlying problem. Complaining becomes a form of self-expression and a convenient dodge from the heavy labor of resolution. Often masquerading as a declaration of rights, it serves to coax some action from the target. Ultimately, it marks the start of an endless game of hot potato with responsibility.