Complaining Is ‘Emotional Farting’ And It’s Bad For You

We all know someone who seems to be constantly complaining. He or she usually seems to think his or her problems are bigger than everyone else's, and indigenous to them. Constant complaining has negative effects that go beyond the obvious, according to inc.com.  The obvious bad effect is that of alienating those who are subjected to it. Negativity is also contagious. There's a common belief that "venting" will make us feel better. Psychologist Jeffrey Lohr says that reasoning is flawed.

"People don't break wind in elevators more than they have to. Venting anger is...similar to emotional farting in a closed area. It sounds like a good idea, but it's dead wrong."                  - Jeffrey Lohr

Author Steven Parton says having negative thoughts facilitates further negativity through synaptic activity in the brain. Conversely, entertaining positive thoughts has the opposite effect. He also suggests associating with cheerful positive people, as opposed to constant complainers. The old adage about "birds of a feather" apparently rings true.