Since the November elections, there seems to be an epidemic of whining that has broken out among our friends across the aisle. It started with the Distinguished gentleman from Georgia, eight-term Republican congressman Jack Kingston:
Kingston has been publicly complaining about the new Democratic majority in the House mandating a five-day workweek, instead of the current three. For one thing, he thinks a five-day week will mean that "marriages suffer."
Huh???
Other Headlines about the Whining Epidemic:
Whining GOPhers and a Loose Cannon President
Republicans, you lost. Stop your whining!
follow me over the flip to learn how to help a Republican stop whining...
Note: "him" and "her" are both used at various times for simplicity sake.
Step 1. Notice when your favorite friend across the aisle whines and then choose some strategies on how to respond to him. Here are some suggestions for you to try:
Ignore him. You can even say "I'm ignoring you when you use your whiny voice. Try again in your normal voice and I'll pay attention."
Whine back. Use a bit of humor to cue her to notice her whining by showing what a whiny voice sounds like.
Stop her immediately when she whines and say, "Do you hear that you are whining? Tell me the same thing in your normal voice."
Step 2. When you notice her whining, call her attention to it.
Step 3. Notice his tone of voice. The Republican's reaction to being told 'no' is another component of whining.
He needs to learn a new habit to replace whining, so help him learn the right approach to asking for what he wants. Asking politely is an important social skill that you can teach directly. To teach a republican to accept 'no' for an answer can be more of a challenge - be persistant!.
You can get more suggestions to help your friends across the aisle with this very difficult and embarrasing problem here!
The reasons Republican's whine vary -- out of habit, to make you feel guilty, from trying to wear you down. Whatever the reason, whining is unattractive at best. If whining is an issue, then the way you are dealing with it isn't working -- for you or your friend across the aisle.
Remind them they are working for the people, in the people's house, and the people spoke in November 2006. They probably won't "get it," but it may sink in if they are told often enough. You can only do your best.