Research Shows Grumpiness Is A Good Thing
Posted: Thursday, November 12, 2009
by Laura Trahan
I have to admit. I am a grumpy person. Talk to me in the morning and you might end up hiding from me the entire day.
It is always funny. I can quickly point out when my kids are being a "Mr and/or Mrs. Grumpy Pants." The solution is always a much needed nap. When it comes to myself, who has time for a nap?
Today, I read the best news. Research now shows that grumpiness is actually "good for you."
I knew it! Being grumpy is the reason I am so smart! :)
Professor Joe Forgas asked volunteers to watch different films and dwell on positive or negative events in their life, designed to put them in either a good or bad mood. Then he asked them to take part in a series of tasks, including judging the truth of urban myths and providing eyewitness accounts of events.
Those in a bad mood outperformed those who were jolly - they made fewer mistakes and were better communicators. I love the fact that I now have an excuse to be grumpy. After all, it helps me make better decisions.
Now you know when I ignore you or snap back at you, it is actually a good thing. I am preparing my brain to make important decisions.
In the true spirit of this study, I say to you-"Bah Humbug and I wish you a grumpy day!"
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Dude, you would go to any lengths to justify your behavior. ha!! What an interesting study, thanks for sharing it! I have missed you for many reasons, the spirit of this beneficial piece is one of them. Now I know I will be prepared when I get my first job interview! love you bunches! THa! T! You crack me up!! I am praying for you! And Yes, I can justify just about anything! Miss you and love you!
Laura,Great article. The phenom in business today is what I like to call Sectarian Religion. It's where people have an overly positive attitude. A lot of the hype comes from the Law of Attraction made popular on The Secret. Like if you're negative, down, angry, pessimistic, etc. you're a pariah, diseased, need to be shunned and avoided. Heaven help us if you come across with a negative attitude because you've lost your job, had a loved one die recently, etc. These Law of Attraction people don't want to scare away any money the universe has to offer them, or bike, or Porsche, whatever. But I think it's unrealistic. What if that's your nature? Some of the most successful people have been not only grumpy but habitually depressed throughout life. Lincoln comes to mind as one, and what did he do for this country but save it. Well said. Not saying grumpy should be a way of life, but if you are, who cares. So be it, as long as you're not looking to take your own life or the lives of others. That's a whole new, bigger grumpy. Thanks for letting us part time grumps know it's OK to be so. Peace!Thanks for commenting Jeff! Yes, those people drive me insane too!!
Great article Laura. For 2600 years Buddhists have been saying that life is suffering. And finally, finally, someone understands! There are actually people that I meet that say they are always happy! One, they are fibbing. Two, they are crazy.
Have a bad day...............ehahaha! It's true, it's like people who have been married for awhile and say have never gotton into an arguement or snapped at the other person.So true E! It makes me want to spend a few hours annoying them and see what they say after wards! Thanks E for commenting!
How do your husband and kids feel about this article? I hope your husband is a morning person, because then maybe he can balance things out in your household in the morning. :) Very informative Laura and you've just given lots of people an excuse for their grumpiness!Brianna-he leaves before I am up in the morning, maybe i should ask him if he does that on purpose! :) I try my best on giving people an out for their behavior! Thanks for commenting!
Informative and interesting. Provides me a decent excuse for a nap. (lol) Thanks for a well written article.Chris-I realize I just woke up, but a nap does sound good right now!! :) Thanks so much for commenting!
I told my husband he can be as grumpy as he wishes but don't take it out on me because then I get grumpy and two grumpies at the same time is not good. Enjoyed your article., Linda DLinda-Thanks for commenting! I agree with you! I think there is only room for one grump in the family!
Well, you don't write "grumpy"....Enjoyed reading this. MarijoThanks Marijo!!
Great article Laura. From time to time I also become grumpy and I don't like it. To change my mood quickly, I would sing, "Raindrops and roses and whiskers and kittens, bright copper kettle and warm woolen mitten..." over and over again until I am over it. Well-written and thanks for sharing. ~Nenita~
Great article...don't buy the study, but I buy the article!
This article now validates why Oscar The Grouch is my favorite Sesame Street character :-) !
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