Why do people focus on the worst?

[Dragonrock]

I kinda figure that as animals, we need to do what keeps us alive. A good situation is nice and will provide benefit in the long term. However, a bad situation can present immediate danger to life or limb, therefore it's important that we learn quickly to avoid it.

This example is gross, but it does show my point. If you vomit, regardless of the reason for the emesis, whatever you taste as you puke will permanently cause nausea when you smell or taste it in the future. The theory goes that we are probably barfing due to what we ate, so it is VERY important that we learn to not eat it in the future.

My theory is that we are simply programmed to have stronger reactions to negative stimuli as their damaging effect can be a bit more far reaching than possitive stimuli.

 

[CFLarsen]

Re: Re: Why do people focus on the worst?

Let me tell you about my morning. I went downstairs in the dark, as I usually do. When I got into the kitchen, I noticed one of the cabinet doors was slightly ajar. I opened the door and there it was...

the box of cereal.

Great story, huh?

Yeah, you're a real cereal killer!

 

[juryjone]

Re: Re: Re: Why do people focus on the worst?

Yeah, you're a real cereal killer!

Shouldn't you be out badgering someone? Surely you haven't run out of questions?!?!?

 

[Luciana]

so you know what I did? I told the manager what an excellent employee he had and that he should give her a raise that made me feel ten times better than an complaint I ever gave

I do it frequently. Many times we see people going out of their way to help us, even going beyond their duty, or just being extremely helpful. Sometimes it's not a complicated matter - but what about those people who never move a finger unless they're paid to do it.

In those cases, I always find a way of praising this person to a manager, or in front of the colleagues. And, normally, they are very surprised. First, because they did it without expecting anything in return, and second, because it's rare. Yep, it does feel good for me. But more than that, I'd like the whole world to know that being nice is worth it, and while some people are worthless ingrates, some people are not.

 

[CFLarsen]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Why do people focus on the worst?

Shouldn't you be out badgering someone? Surely you haven't run out of questions?!?!?

I don't "badger" people. I am just very persistent!