Oh whine oh whine

I can’t remember my exact words –‘cos it was 2am in the morning- but it must have been in the tone of ‘I told you so!’… ‘This is what happens when you have a cold drink’ (after you’ve been told you shouldn’t, because of your cough!). It was directed at my child but it woke my hubby and he sheepishly said, “Stop complaining!”


I read somewhere that people in Singapore don’t really complain; they whine. How apt! And perhaps we womenfolk don’t see ourselves as complainers. We elevate our communication status: we’re sharing the whole damn story with someone in the most colorful manner ever.


Honestly, what do we hope to achieve out of complaining? I’m married to the nicest in-laws ever- this is especially true with regards to my father-in-law (FIL): he handles things as they are mostly with a pragmatic approach. So it is with my MIL, most of the times. Sometimes I am inclined to think that they have a cushy life hence it is easy for them not to (complain). What about those who have had it tough right from the beginning? It would be justified for them to complain, wouldn’t it?

Whatever it is, I realized, thru my experience with my in-laws, that our attitude towards things matters. I find it enjoyable to be with people who are positive. The good news is that “always looking on the bright side of life” can be learnt. Read ‘the One Tree’ written by David Pierce Hughes to find out how! jeanne anne hsi

the One Tree:
5 stars for story, 1 star for illustration