Recently, Amy and I went to a fun birthday party up the coast, thrown by friends there. While the vast majority of people there had a good time, the hostess of the party told me that some partygoers had complained: about the available food (there was plenty); about the timing of the food; and even that cake was served later in the party (as it is at most birthday parties.)
Okay. Time for some of my philosophy on life. Your mileage may vary, but:
You have a right to complain if you pay for a good or service, and it is not up to your expectations. If you contract for something, or someone owes you an obligation (for instance, a public servant), you have a right to call them on mistakes.
But. No one has an obligation to give you a gift. No one is obliged to invite you to a party, or to serve you free food. Unless you're in the mob, no one has to do you a favor.
So you have no right to complain if someone does something for you or gives something to you for free. You can take what's offered; you can politely decline it; you can make helpful suggestions; but no complaints.
It's simple courtesy.
Now if someone can furnish a rationale for complaining in that situation, I'm all ears. Otherwise, that's where I stand.
2 comments:
I'd offer some leeway for complaining if someone agrees to do a favor for you and then fails to do it or does a really crappy job. Sure, they don't owe you the favor, but if they can't or don't want to do it, they should say no so you can ask someone else.
Even in this case, the level of complaining should be commensurate with the importance of the favor (very little for not helping you clean the garage, significantly more for not picking you up at the hospital after your surgery).
Pam and I hope you and Amy enjoyed yourself, and we really appreciate you coming! Looking forward to seeing you at AX!
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