Whiners, Complainers, and a Little Black Dress

Suzette BrawnerGeneral

It was probably one of the nicest events I had ever been to. The location was one where I’d never go unless invited. Opulent, is the only word I can think of. It was one of those occasions that requires digging around in the back of the closet to find something appropriate to wear.

As we made our way through the stunning ballroom full of beautiful people, insecurity reared its ugly head. We were seated at a table where we knew no one. That always makes me a bit edgy. But for Jim Brawner, strangers are potential new best friends.

As I carefully chose which fork to use for the fancy salad, the lady across from me blurted out, “What is this dressing? If it has anything but virgin olive oil in it I can’t eat it. Do you know,” she asked the server.

“No Ma’am I don’t, but I’ll find out,” he said and hurried away. Her tone almost made me want to hurry.

He hadn’t been gone two minutes when the fussy lady said, “Where is that young man? You just can’t find good help these days.” I knew then we were in for an interesting evening.

By the time the main course was served, she had complained the room was too hot, the soup was too cold, and the chairs were uncomfortable. Then she asked who we were and why were we there. I wondered the same thing. Five minutes later she said sharply, “People just don’t know how to dress for nice occasions.”

By then I was sweating. I wondered if she was referring to me. Maybe I should have looked further back in my closet.

Suddenly I realized she should be the one sweating because she was making a you-know-whatsy of herself. The sad thing was she didn’t know it or she just flat out didn’t care. I so badly wanted to say, “Could you just please be nice or leave.” I didn’t.

On the way home it hit me. That woman evidently hadn’t been raised in the south where Moms say things like, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything, and always be a gracious guest.” So I then felt sorry for her. I really felt sorry for her husband.

Why are we such complainers? We instantly go to the negative and bad. I want to make a point to look for the good and positive. Let’s make a change and stay away from whining because once it starts it only gets worse. It will suck you under.

Finding good things to say is challenging at times. But when I start to go to the dark side, remembering that cranky woman pulls me back from the edge.