Being Grumpy Is a Good Thing!

I just saw this article that says a bit of grumpiness can go a long way toward making a person happy. Did I lose you there? Being grumpy can actually make you more positive in the long run.

This thought makes perfect sense to me. There has been a movement, ever since The Secret came out, that says if you think only positive thoughts and focus on your goal, you will attract positive things to you. This is great advice, but not always realistic. For example, sometimes life is unpredictable and even the most wonderful, blessed, positive people get slammed with something devastating. During those times, it is extremely helpful to let out your anger. Acknowledge it.

Typically, our friends and family will tell us to “cheer up” or “think positively” when something bad has happened. While I understand this (and have certainly done it myself), I also think that it’s healthier to go with the anger when we feel like and to act a little grumpy. It goes against human nature to be happy all the time. (After all, we’re not robots.)

The BBC News says that “grumpy people boast better decision making skills, exhibit more conscientious, careful thinking and make for better communicators.” In other words, being grumpy means we are “more real” than those who are constantly bubbly.

Being a little grumpy also lets other people know you are human. You may be treated a little bit better because others know you aren’t going to smile and say, “It’s okay” when someone uses or takes advantage of you. If you allow your grumpy mood to come through, it can also open up a dialog with someone like your friend or your spouse. You know what it’s like to just ignore something that bothers you, right? If you never talk to the person, or bring it up, it actually can make you angrier. Stuffing emotions is never a good thing, and that’s what’s good about being grumpy.

Image: sxc.hu.