We could start a company and make misery
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Raise your hand if you love a good bitch-fest. (Don't you hate being told to raise your hand? When they shout it out in concerts I always want to keep mine pinned to my sides just to be contrary.) Sorry, all hands down. You know you love it when someone slings the shit. There's something about it that makes us jump into the fray. Anonymous strangers, mothers-in-law, and jerky coworkers are favorites. But in the right mood, anyone will do.
We love to bitch, and we love to hear other's bitching. Call it venting or kvetching, or even the dreaded "gossip", it's all the same. We delight in tales of the sister-in-law who lets her kids open your kid's birthday presents, the coworker who coughs up phlegm into a jar, the spouse who doesn't pull their weight.
It can feel good to get it all out. You're far less likely to attack said offenders if you hash it out in excruciating detail to a friend. I'm the queen of this, both listening and detailing. Nothing thrills me like the words, "Have I got a story for you!". I practically rub my hands together with glee. Just look at my diatribe against the library man yesterday - we all got into it. Yes, sure, nice vacation photos, but this we can discuss!
There's a line, of course. The constant Debbie Downer is swiftly avoided in the hallways, and you might hesitate to answer the phone when a certain friend calls. The best bitching comes from Suzy Sunshine. That's when we all literally clap our hands together - the happy one is going to let loose! Whoo-whee!
I'm not moralizing, because I'm far from a moralizer. I'm the woman who gives up gossip every year for Lent, and fails on the first day. I'm just commenting, and wondering. What is it about the negative that makes us so happy?
The song is Soul Asylum, and I fully expect at least one of you to link to it on your blog.
We love to bitch, and we love to hear other's bitching. Call it venting or kvetching, or even the dreaded "gossip", it's all the same. We delight in tales of the sister-in-law who lets her kids open your kid's birthday presents, the coworker who coughs up phlegm into a jar, the spouse who doesn't pull their weight.
It can feel good to get it all out. You're far less likely to attack said offenders if you hash it out in excruciating detail to a friend. I'm the queen of this, both listening and detailing. Nothing thrills me like the words, "Have I got a story for you!". I practically rub my hands together with glee. Just look at my diatribe against the library man yesterday - we all got into it. Yes, sure, nice vacation photos, but this we can discuss!
There's a line, of course. The constant Debbie Downer is swiftly avoided in the hallways, and you might hesitate to answer the phone when a certain friend calls. The best bitching comes from Suzy Sunshine. That's when we all literally clap our hands together - the happy one is going to let loose! Whoo-whee!
I'm not moralizing, because I'm far from a moralizer. I'm the woman who gives up gossip every year for Lent, and fails on the first day. I'm just commenting, and wondering. What is it about the negative that makes us so happy?
The song is Soul Asylum, and I fully expect at least one of you to link to it on your blog.
Labels: frustrated incorporated, misery loves company, rants, theories
1 Comments:
Wow. This song has significant meaning for me. But that will be a blog post, me thinks.
commented by 
Patrick D., 10:00 AM, February 21, 2008
Patrick D., 10:00 AM, February 21, 2008
I always have a book by my side, and frequently walk and read at the same time. I am addicted to TIVO and watch too much TV and I'm not ashamed of it. I enjoy going to movies, talking about books and tv and movies, going see bands play, shopping with my friends, being alone with my husband, watching my daughter play, going out to dinner, and getting a nice pedicure. I appreciate good food and get excited by unexpected eating opportunities. I sing songs in the car. I must dance if there's music. I get easily drunk on wine. I try not to be critical, but it's difficult. I respect faith, but do not understand intolerance. I love passionate people. I'll always stay for one more drink and take the fork in the road. In my ideal world, radio stations play good music and people still read books.
