How to Deal With Someone Who Complains All the Time

Dealing with constant complainers can feel overwhelming.

Even the most optimistic person can feel weighed down by the constant complainer. Nothing will ever be good enough this person, and no matter how much you try to cheer him up, your efforts are in vain. While listening to the chronic complainer may be unavoidable at times, there are ways that you can better deal with these interactions.

Instructions

1. Ask the complainer an open-ended question such as, "Why do you think this happened?" or "How do you think you should handle this situation?"

2. Empathize with complainer by saying something like, "Wow, that sounds horrible. I'm not sure how you handle all of those problems."

3. End the conversation by letting the complainer know that you are on a restricted schedule: "I only have a few minutes. What do you need before I go?"

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid giving the complainer advice. He doesn't want to hear it and won't follow through with it.

References

• The Healing Canopy; 5 Tips for Dealing With Chronic Complainers; Lynn Marie Sager
• Positive Sharing; How to Handle Chronic Complainers; Alexander Kjerulf; August 2006
• Psychology Today; The Survival Guide for Dealing With Chronic Complainers; Guy Winch, Ph.D.; July 2011