The impact of nitpicking

A nitpicker is a person who finds faults, however small or unimportant, everywhere they look. After meeting someone, a nitpicker lists every tiny thing s/he did not like about the encounter. When discussing people, they often focus on seemingly minor flaws, even if they are insignificant. This chronic complaining style represents a negative mindset, a lack of gratitude, and a sense of helplessness. It can also damage relationships with others, especially when they criticise people behind their backs, which can be exhausting for those who hear it.

Some nitpickers are just highly arrogant types who think they know what is best for everyone. Others are anxious and troublesome, nitpicking because they need to feel some sense of control. Some are never satisfied. They do not need solutions; instead, they need problems. If someone tries to solve their problems, it undermines their ability to complain, which in turn irritates them.

Nitpickers could be chronic complainers who need listeners, not problem solvers. These chronic complainers tend to ruminate on problems and focus on setbacks over progress. Some research suggests that making a habit of complaining can "re-wire" the brain so that these particular thinking patterns become deeply ingrained.

Complaining can often stem from bad moods or personality traits, but in some cases, it can also be a tool that helps people bond and regulate their emotions. Thus, sometimes people complain with the hope that venting their feelings will lessen the severity of their distressing emotions. However, too much complaining can worsen one's mood, make one feel helpless, and lead to a negative outlook on life.

Frequent complaints weakens the immune system, raising the risk of various illnesses. It even makes people more susceptible to high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and stroke.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org