Grouchy Old Utard

Welcome to this side of the fence. The grass may be greener on "the other side of the fence", but the view over here isn't so bad.

For some silly reason we all complain about the rain and snow, but we all get thirsty in the middle of the summer when it's hot and dry. Most of the time we spend too much time mindlessly complaining, simply because it's become socially acceptable. If you're not a victim, you must not still be alive. I complain, therefore I am.

Believe me, I do my share of bitching and moaning as well, but I have finally discovered the cure. If you keep your expectations low, then you're disappointed less often. Yes, you're not the first person to think this is a very pessimistic attitude, but hear me out.

These are common disappointments:

• You busted your hump for the last year and EXPECTED a raise. The economy is still in the toilet, so not only are there no raises, but there's also a hiring freeze.
• Your woman spends all afternoon making herself drop dead gorgeous and EXPECTED a Friday night out, but you've had a long week, and just want to have a pizza delivered and quiet night in the cave.
• You finally land a good job and go to tell your mother-in-law the good news EXPECTING to be congratulated and patted on the back, and all you get is, "Is that the best you can do?"

None of these things are bad, but someone is disappointed because they expected more. You were satisfied with your pay when you took the job, there's nothing wrong with a quiet night alone with the one you love and a pizza, and your mother-in-law is never satisfied with anything you do, so what's new there? The point is that it's unmet expectations that upset us, not what actually happens in our lives. We spend too much time comparing ourselves to everyone else -- someone is always prettier, richer, smarter, etc. None of that matters.

Being grateful -- and that doesn't have anything to do with grating your teeth -- for what you have, instead of moaning and groaning about what you want, will make your life more pleasant. Not to mention the people that you moan and groan to. Sure they're willing to listen and be supportive (that's why we call them friends), but wouldn't you rather be with someone that doesn't complain all the time? Instead of "I complain, therefore I am", why not try not to complain so much? You will still be -- just more content -- because you don't expect so much.