In a society that prizes perpetual optimism and an attitude that all battles can be won, kvetching becomes a way to access our deepest feelings, getting our fears and concerns out in the open. A 5-Step Guide to Creative Complaining , thinks people need to celebrate life's tribulations. But that's not our real problem. Our real problem is the pressure to pretend that life is not hard. Kvetching makes you realistic about your circumstances.
Uncertainty is the basis for all kvetching, says Held.
Bottling your true feelings increases your chances of blowing up at an inappropriate time, according to cognitive therapist Kathleen Burton. Kvetching runs counter to repressing negative feelings. You don't want to drive your friends away or lose your sense of humor. I figure if they're a good friend, it will be all right with them. Copyright 1999-2001 MyPrimeTime, All Rights Reserved.