There’s a fine line between venting and complaining, and sometimes, it’s better to just keep certain things to yourself. Constantly airing out grievances can make you come across as negative, and some things are just better left unsaid. Here are 17 things you should keep to yourself and avoid complaining about if you want to maintain peace and keep people around you.
1. How Much You Hate Your Job
Everyone has rough days at work, but if you’re constantly complaining about how much you hate your job, you can really drag down the vibe, especially if others are in the same boat. If you’re truly unhappy, start planning an exit strategy. Complaining about it won’t change anything—it just makes you and everyone around you feel worse.
2. Your Partner’s Flaws
No one’s partner is perfect, but airing out every flaw your partner has to others can damage how people see them. Not to mention, it can make you look ungrateful. If there’s an issue, address it directly with your partner. Complaining to friends won’t solve anything, all it does is shape a bad idea of them in other people’s eyes.
3. How Much You’re Struggling Financially
Money struggles are tough, but sharing too much about your financial woes can make things awkward, especially if other people are dealing with their own stress. People might feel like you’re looking for sympathy or a handout, even if you’re not. Keep financial struggles private unless you’re getting professional advice or real solutions.
4. How You Never Have Enough Time
Everyone’s busy, and complaining about your packed schedule won’t make time magically appear. It can come across as if you’re implying others don’t have it as hard as you do, and no one really wants to hear how busy your agenda is. Instead of complaining, focus on prioritizing what matters and managing your time better.
5. How Tired You Are All the Time
We’re all tired. Whether it’s from work, family, or life in general, everyone’s dealing with their own level of exhaustion. Constantly complaining about how tired you are just drains the conversation and really just sounds like grumbling for the sake of it. Unless it’s part of a bigger issue that needs attention, like health concerns, it’s one of those things that’s better kept to yourself.
6. Minor Health Issues
It’s normal to have the occasional ache or pain, but if you’re always complaining about every little thing, don’t be surprised if people simply tune you out. Everyone deals with their own health problems from time to time, and unless it’s something serious that you need to talk about, it’s usually better to keep it to yourself rather than constantly mentioning it.
7. Your Annoyances with Friends
We all have moments when our friends annoy us, but complaining about it to other people is really just a recipe for a whole lot of unnecessary drama. If something bothers you, either address it with the friend directly or let it go. Bringing it up to mutual friends only adds fuel to the fire and makes you look like the common denominator in negativity and drama.
8. Petty Grievances About Your Neighbors
Yes, the neighbor’s dog might bark too much, or their lawn might not be perfectly manicured, but complaining about small annoyances like that won’t fix anything—and the truth is, we all have an annoying neighbor. Unless it’s something serious that affects your daily life, it’s best to let the little things slide. You don’t want to be seen as the person who’s always nitpicking.
9. How Much You Dislike Family Gatherings
Not everyone enjoys family get-togethers, but constantly complaining about them can come across as super ungrateful. Your family might not be perfect, but airing your grievances about every holiday or reunion can hurt feelings and make you seem like the problem. If it’s that unbearable, find a polite way to skip out or limit your time there.
10. How Others Spend Their Money
It’s tempting to judge how others spend their cash, but complaining about it to them or others just makes you look bitter. Whether they’re spending it on things you think are frivolous or flaunting their purchases, how people handle their money is really none of your business. Focus on your own financial decisions instead.
11. Relationship Drama on Social Media
Blasting your relationship problems online for the world to see is never a good look. What feels like venting in the moment can quickly spiral into something you can’t take back. Not only can it embarrass your partner, but it also makes you look unhinged. Keep your relationship issues private and handle them offline.
12. How Busy Your Social Calendar Is
It might sound like humblebragging, but constantly talking about how many events you have lined up can come off as obnoxious to other people. If you’re overwhelmed by your packed social schedule, take a step back and learn to say no. But merely complaining about it just makes you seem like you’re seeking attention for how “in demand” you are.
13. Your Disappointment in Gifts You Receive
Nothing says “ungrateful” like complaining about a gift someone gave you. Whether it’s something you didn’t need or just not your style, it’s the thought that counts—remember that. Complaining about it, especially to others, makes you look majorly entitled. Be gracious for the gesture and keep your disappointment to yourself.
14. Criticizing How People Parent Their Kids
Unless someone’s parenting choices are directly harming their child, it’s frankly none of your business how they raise them. Complaining about how people parent, whether it’s their discipline methods or how much screen time their kids get, makes you seem judgmental and out of touch. Focus on your own parenting (or future parenting) and let other people do their thing.
15. Complaints About Aging
Everyone ages, and we all deal with the signs of it. Constantly complaining about getting older—whether it’s your appearance, energy levels, or aches and pains—can become tiresome for those around you, and it makes you look incredibly vain. Everyone’s going through it, so instead of harping on it, embrace aging and the wisdom that comes with it.
16. Office Politics
Complaining about office drama is a slippery slope. While it might feel good to vent about coworkers or the workplace environment, it can come back to bite you. Talking negatively about colleagues or your boss can create tension or damage your reputation, even if it’s just small talk with work friends. Not only this, but we all have office drama and tensions—trust us when we say that no one wants to hear about it.
17. Every Little Inconvenience
Traffic, long lines, bad weather—it’s all part of life. If you’re a chronic whinger who is constantly pointing out every little inconvenience or annoyance, it can be draining for the people around you. Everyone deals with daily frustrations, but the difference is how you handle them. Instead of complaining, roll with the punches and find something positive in the moment.
