Sometimes, you’re just grumpy. But I say that’s all right, because I have a theory (and because I am feeling a mite tetchy this morning meself).
It’s the yin-and-yang thing. Balance. The black with the white; the rain with the sun. Inner feng shui. But is it fair to share it with others? Do your colleagues and family need to be mandatory cast members in your grumptacular fussfest?
The Truth Is: maybe.
I think a bad mood needs to be shared occasionally with trusted friends/family. I never underestimate the necessity of commiseration. However, being humans, we struggle to avoid routinely mucking things up, and the result is often *two* crabby people. I try to put my best face forward in the classroom every day, regardless of my mood. Ninety-nine percent of the time, my students never know I’m having a meltdown or that I’m in a black mood. The other one percent…well, there’s that whole struggling to not muck things up thing.
The other angle I thought of has to do with just wanting to be mad about something. It’s the ultimate personal change of pace. I can’t say I know anyone who is constantly chirpy. I know people who fake it, but eventually the real color bleeds through.
So I say we look at it as a pressure valve, and it’s OK to hold it down once in awhile and release all the pent-up steam. Besides, it’ll make the bright side look that much better when you actually get back to normal. But of course, that presupposes you know what normal is, and that just doesn’t happen in my neighborhood…
Meg
/ 1 September, 2010*HUGS*
Reply
Rat Fink Reply:
at 4:39 pm
September 1st, 2010
HEY – so you diggin’ that chemistry thing, eh?
Reply
Meg Reply:
at 9:15 pm
September 1st, 2010
Not at all. Wanna help???
Reply
B. Strimple
/ 1 September, 2010I found this interesting and relevant to your topic: http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/08/11/catharsis/
Reply
Rat Fink Reply:
at 3:09 pm
September 1st, 2010
Yes, thanks for reminding me that I am not so smart.
I agree about the rage/anger, definitely. I suppose I should have differentiated better between anger and just having a grumpy day; that is to say, something is bothering you or making you unhappy, and it affects your mood. To me, talking about those issues (“venting,” so to speak) is indeed healthy.
But me, channel my rage into exercising? Feh!
Reply
B. Strimple Reply:
at 4:55 pm
September 1st, 2010
Ha, that’s certainly fair. I think communicating grievances is important and healthy, but I also think there’s a point where it becomes unhealthy. That is to say, one can have too much of a good thing and become a burden to everyone else around them by constantly venting, which is a pretty common problem. Not to say you do this. Just everything in moderation, including moderation.
Reply
Rat Fink Reply:
at 5:36 pm
September 1st, 2010
People who constantly “vent” to their friends become a real drag for sure. No offense taken — I know I’m not a chronic whiner. But sometimes I’d like to give it a whirl. LOL
Great to see you post here, luv!
Mavis
/ 1 September, 2010You can chronically whine to me any time you like, Berd. You rarely ever do it, so it would be a nice change – you whine to me instead of me whining to you! :0)
Love you!
Reply
Rat Fink Reply:
at 7:50 pm
September 1st, 2010
Aw, thanks Mave! I think sisters should definitely get a pass, don’t you? Love you too!
Reply