We are a Whinny Bunch #1

I would argue there are two effects to the exponential growth of the “news” industry due to expanded cable/satellite capacity and the interwebs:  1) Treating  just about everything as it’s a news-worthy crisis, and 2) Providing a vehicle to for people to whine.  And judging from a daily viewing of the news channels and sites, my Lord, are we a whinny bunch.  So, I’ve decided to add a new segment to the blog where I examine the mundane crap the average American whines about. 

Before, we get to it, let me share my perspective on life with you.  There are bad things in this world.  People have problems.  They are sick.  They are poor because they don’t have a choice.  They live in crappy places and have little hope of doing better.  And I have nothing but compassion for those people. The rest of us, a vast majority in the United States have things pretty good.  Really good in some cases. So why all this complaining about mundane crap?  Every day is another day closer to the end of your life – you can choose to be miserable or you can choose to enjoy life.  Up to you.   Without further ado and in honor of our recently completed holidays, I give you our first whine:  Holiday Stress.

I do recognize the holidays pose two areas of legitimate stress, so let’s address them now.  If you feel sad because you are lonely or if you are upset because you are broke and can’t get your kids anything for Christmas, fine, you have a legitimate worry. 

Everybody else – get over yourself.  Seriously, I’ve hear everything from being stressed about seeing your family to being stressed about what to buy to being stresses about the debt that comes after all that Christmas shopping.  Are you kidding me?  There are 19 year old American men getting shot at in Iraq, and we are fretting about what to get you sister who already has everything.  No wonder the rest of the world hates us.

Here’s a tip:  If spending time with your family stresses you out, shorten or eliminate your visit.  Work or school is always a solid excuse.  If shopping stresses you out, end the gift exchange with people.  On this front,   you will be amazed at the reception.  Many people will be all for it.  Look, it’s fun to buy Christmas toys for kids.  It’s decidedly less fun to buy snowman dish towels for your mom.  We waste a lot of time and money in this country buying useless crap for people simply to check off the “bought them something” box.  Just because you always have doesn’t mean you always have to.  If it’s too much, eliminate it. 

There are several things an adult has to do.  Most people have to work to make a living.  If you have kids, you have to raise and care for them.  But, for some reason, adults in this country have some weird sense of obligation around things that are not required.  It’s Christmas, I have to buy presents.  I might not be able to afford them, or enjoy doing it, but I have to because if I don’t, people will think I’m weird, poor, whatever.  Who cares?  Life is short.  If you don’t like or it hurts you to do it and it’s not an absolute must, drop it.

Tags: social commentary, whinny bunch