12 Complaints That Make You Sound Entitled And Out Of Touch

Complaining about these things isn’t a good look.

A woman wearing a black wide-brimmed hat and red sweater holds her head with both hands, looking stressed or frustrated. She has long, straight brown hair and is standing against a plain white background.

We’ve all been there—caught in a moment of frustration, letting loose a complaint that makes us sound like we’re living in our own little bubble. But here’s the thing: some grievances can paint us as entitled and disconnected from reality. Ready to check yourself? Let’s dive into 12 complaints that might be sending the wrong message about who you really are.

1. How much worse you have it than everyone else.

A woman stands in front of a yellow background with her arms outstretched and an upset facial expression. She is wearing a long-sleeve gray top and gray pants, conveying a sense of frustration or distress.

Ever catch yourself in an “Oppression Olympics” match? It’s that game where you’re convinced your struggles trump everyone else’s. The truth is, pain isn’t a competition. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by your own challenges, constantly comparing your hardships to others’ is a surefire way to alienate people and miss out on genuine connections. Instead of playing the “who’s got it worse” game, try practicing empathy. You might be surprised to find that sharing experiences and supporting each other can lighten the load for everyone involved.

2. Your workload (if that’s what you signed up for).

A stressed woman wearing glasses holds a phone to her ear and rests her forehead on her hand. She is seated at a cluttered desk with a laptop, stacks of papers, folders, and a cup with pens. The background features a brightly lit window.

“I’m drowning in work!” she exclaimed, conveniently forgetting she’d begged for that promotion last month. Sound familiar? Complaining about a workload you willingly took on is like ordering extra spicy food and then whining about the heat. If you chose a demanding job or asked for more responsibilities, own it. Embrace the challenge, find ways to manage your time better, or have an honest conversation with your boss about adjustments.

3. The success of other people.

Close-up of two women, one in sharp focus and the other blurred in the foreground. The woman in focus has a serious expression and is wearing a gray top, while the blurred woman in the foreground wears a black top. The lighting creates shadows on their faces.

Green isn’t just the color of money—it’s also the shade of envy. When you grumble about others’ achievements, you’re not just revealing your jealousy; you’re showing a lack of self-awareness. Success isn’t a finite resource. Someone else’s win doesn’t automatically translate to your loss. Instead of begrudging others their moments of glory, use them as inspiration. Channel that energy into your own goals. Who knows? You might just find yourself on the receiving end of congratulations sooner than you think.

4. Trivial annoyances.

A man with a beard and mustache, wearing a blue polo shirt, is smiling broadly with his mouth open, extending both arms towards the camera. The background is a solid yellow color.

Life’s little irritations can feel like mountains in the moment. But when you’re ranting about a barista misspelling your name or griping about a slow Wi-Fi connection, you’re revealing more about your privilege than you realize. These minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the real struggles many face daily. So, the next time you’re tempted to unleash a tirade over a trivial matter, take a deep breath. Gain some perspective. Is this really worth the energy? Chances are, letting it go will leave you feeling lighter and more content.

5. All the things you don’t have, when you have a lot compared to most.

A woman with long, light brown hair stands by a window, gazing outside. She holds a closed book and has a contemplative expression on her face. The background features a blurry view of rooftops and trees.

Ah, the perpetual pursuit of “more.” It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on what’s missing rather than appreciating what’s present. But constantly lamenting about the latest gadget you can’t afford or the dream vacation you haven’t taken yet? That’s a fast track to sounding ungrateful and out of touch. Take a moment to inventory your blessings. Roof over your head? Food on the table? Loved ones in your life? You’re already ahead of the game. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice—it’s a reality check that can shift your entire perspective.

6. Having to abide by rules that apply to everyone else too.

Close-up of a person with brown hair and a mustache wearing black-rimmed glasses. The person is frowning intensely, creating wrinkles on their forehead. The background is a solid light blue color.

“Rules are meant to be broken,” said every entitled person ever. But here’s the thing: society functions because we all agree to play by certain rules. When you complain about following regulations that apply to everyone, you’re essentially saying, “I’m special, and these rules shouldn’t apply to me.” I hate to break it to you, but you’re not, and they do. Whether it’s waiting your turn in line or following traffic laws, these rules exist for a reason. Embracing them doesn’t make you a sheep—it makes you a responsible member of society.

7. The choices other people make.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair stands against a solid light blue background. She wears a blue dress with a white and yellow daisy pattern and has her arms crossed, gazing directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Live and let live. Easier said than done, right? When you find yourself griping about how others choose to live their lives, it’s time to reflect. Unless their choices directly harm you or others, it’s not your place to judge. Whether it’s someone’s career path, relationship status, or personal style, remember that diversity is what makes the world interesting. Instead of criticizing, try to understand. You might learn something new, broaden your horizons, or at the very least, save yourself the negative energy of pointless complaints.

8. Political and economic policies that benefit the less fortunate.

A person with blond hair styled in a braid is standing outdoors, holding a red and yellow plaid umbrella. They are wearing a beige coat and have a serious expression. The background appears to be blurred greenery.

Grumbling about policies aimed at leveling the playing field? That’s a surefire way to sound both entitled and lacking in empathy. It’s easy to forget that not everyone starts life on an equal footing. Programs designed to help the less fortunate aren’t about taking from you—they’re about creating a more balanced society. Instead of viewing these policies as a threat, try seeing them as investments in our collective future. A rising tide lifts all boats, after all. And remember, you or someone you love might one day benefit from similar support.

9. Having to adapt to modern technology.

An older man in a blue and white checkered shirt holds a smartphone at arm's length while adjusting his glasses with a puzzled expression. He appears to be trying to read the screen. The background is a solid light blue.

“Back in my day, we didn’t need smartphones to survive!” Complaining about technological progress is like shouting at clouds—it’s pointless and makes you look out of touch. The digital world isn’t going anywhere, and resisting it only holds you back. Instead of lamenting the good old days, embrace the opportunities that new tech brings. Learning to navigate social media or mastering a new app might seem daunting, but it’s also a chance to grow and connect. Plus, think of the stories you’ll have for the next generation about how you survived without GPS!

10. That things “aren’t what they used to be”.

A grayscale image of an older man with light hair, sitting in a leather chair. He is wearing a long-sleeve button-up shirt and has a contemplative expression, with his chin resting on his hand and looking slightly to the side. The background is dark and plain.

Nostalgia can be comforting, but when it turns into a constant refrain of “things were better in my day,” it’s time to pump the brakes. The world is always changing, and that’s not inherently bad. Sure, some things might have been great in the past, but rose-colored glasses often blur the less pleasant aspects of history. Instead of dwelling on how things used to be, try to appreciate the positive changes and innovations of today. Better yet, be part of shaping a better future. Your experience combined with an open mind can be a powerful force for positive change.

11. Having pro-social behaviors such as recycling forced upon you.

A man with a surprised expression holds up a large black garbage bag in his right hand and points to it with his left hand. He is wearing a blue hoodie and jeans and is standing against a white background.

Whining about having to separate your trash or bring reusable bags to the grocery store? It might be time for an attitude adjustment. These small actions, while they might seem inconvenient, are part of a larger effort to protect our planet. Complaining about them not only makes you sound entitled but also shortsighted. Why not try to see these behaviors as opportunities to contribute to a greater good? You might even find a sense of satisfaction in doing your part for the environment. After all, we’re all in this together—planet included.

12. When others make honest mistakes that inconvenience you.

A woman driving a black car looks frustrated and is gesturing with her hand out the window. She has a tense facial expression and appears to be upset about something on the road. The background shows an overcast sky.

Okay, so perhaps it is a little frustrating to be stuck behind a learner driver or waiting as a new cashier fumbles with the register. But before you unleash your frustration, remember: everyone starts somewhere. Complaining about honest mistakes not only makes you sound impatient and entitled, but also discourages people from learning and growing. Instead of grumbling, try offering a kind word or a patient smile. Your understanding could be the encouragement someone needs to keep improving. Plus, let’s face it—we’ve all been the newbie at some point. A little empathy goes a long way.