Complaining

Dear World

Complain
Complaining
Complaint

ALL one and the same thing in this presentation.

What is the Dictionary telling us about this word Complain?

Cambridge Dictionary
to say something is wrong or not satisfactory (1)

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries
to say that you are annoyed, unhappy or not satisfied about something/somebody (2)

Merriam Webster
to express grief, pain or discontent
to make a formal accusation or charge (3)

The Britannica Dictionary
to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, etc.,
or that you do not like something (4)

Origin
stem of Old French complaindre “to lament” (12c.) (5)

The first thing we need to address immediately is the fact that there is NOT a One Unified explanation here.

Depending on what country your dictionary comes from, there will be a different meaning.

Can we agree that saying you are annoyed or not satisfied does not have the same vibration as saying you are making a formal accusation or expressing pain or grief?

Hello
Are we getting this or does it suit our agenda to ‘Complain’ about what has just been said but say nothing more or do nothing because we feel we cannot or we think there is no point?

Who on earth is going to listen to us when we have been told to be Nice, keep our mouth shut, don’t upset anyone and never Speak out, no matter how we are feeling?

Back to the word Complain in its Origin.
What does it mean “to lament”?

A quick search will give you these meanings

to express deep grief, sorrow or regret
to show intense sadness
an outward expression of sorrow
to express disappointment about something

WHY have we changed the meaning or the origin of this word Complain?

WHY do we stop Questioning things like this that can bring a form of mis–understanding?

Where does that come from and what happens over time that erodes the essence of what the meaning of a word was given and then we have a selection of words that we can say are NOT the same or even similar?

Saying something is wrong or you are annoyed does not have the soundness, call it ‘vibe’ as intense sadness.

If our world could unite on the true meaning of words, surely that would support us ALL when it comes to any form of Complaining.

If we do take it back to its origin, is that what we really want to Express when we Complain?

Are we feeling a sense of grief or sadness because of the way we have been treated?

Let’s look at a few Real life examples here that could make sense…

Buying a Product
We buy something and we hold value in what we purchased.
Its broken, not up to Standard or something is not working.

We know the process of a Complaint before we even start is not going to be Simple.

It feels like everything is now Designed to be Complicated to the point that it puts us off from making the Complaint.

We are ‘not the type’ that speaks out and we know in this instance we must and just sensing that creates a Tension in our body.

What if we Tick the whole list of dictionary definitions but deep down it is feeling like there is more?

What if the origin of the word fits more with how we feel but would not dare say as that is not how we are to behave when making a Complaint. Correct?

We deal with it with a force and are met by an even stronger force and it all seems hard on us and we can feel our body bracing itself as if it is about to be attacked.

How many of us can relate to this in Real life situations?

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What if we would just simply love to share that we are disappointed to say the least and that we feel a deep sorrow and without explaining, we allow the sadness to come up that’s buried inside us?

What if Dear World we could be that open and transparent when we need to address a Complaint?

What if we are NOT seeking any form of compensation but just a fair and Honest approach? In other words, being treated with decency and respect and not being on the receiving end of what feels like a force or an attack with words, rules, policies quoted or procedures we are expected to follow.

What if we do not manipulate or seek something to benefit, but just be allowed to say “Listen up, Something Is Not Right, let me give you the details, can you then support and take Responsibility so we can resolve this without any invisible weapons?”

In other words those bullets we feel in the actual correspondence and on a call, if we are able to get past the new modern artificial robots that replace humans.

What if the origin of this word Complain is more what we are really feeling underneath the guns blazing, wanting something, so let’s start the Blame thing and get going?

What if there is ‘Deep Grief or Regret’ of some kind beneath the surface and it is related to how we have got to the point where we need to “Complain” and we already sense that we will be up against this, that and whatever and it will not be a Simple or easy process.

For those that doubt what has just been presented, continue reading and ponder deeply on the first real life example.

This author could write a whole book on Real life examples on this topic but that is not where they need to dedicate their time.

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WHY do we Complain in the first place?
WHAT makes us Complain about someone?
WHAT makes us Complain about anything?
HOW do we carry out our Complaining?
HOW are we dealing with our Complaint?

Are we known for always Complaining about this, that and the other?

Are we the ones that avoid making a Complaint but seem to be constantly Complaining about something?

Are we creating excess Tension in our body because we are unable to Express about a particular Complaint?

Are we more about the Blame game when it comes to Complaining?

In other words, do we like to finger point and Blame as that is our modus operandi for all our Complaining?

Do we put Emphasis into our daily Complaining habits?

Do we put Effort into our way of Complaining constantly?

Do we have Expectations on the outcome of our Complaint?

Do we feel Justified in our Conviction when we Complain?

Do we always Complain about something in Reaction?

Do we avoid the topic of Complaining as it’s just not Nice?

Do we lack what it takes to make the steps for a Complaint?

Do we hate Complaining as it might upset others involved?

Do we want others to deal with our Complaint for us?

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The following are REAL LIFE examples –

Postal Delivery Service
The world is changing Fast and the global pandemic has created a new way of living for many.

IN is the Online Shopping.
IN is the tap tap and return.
OUT is the going to the shops.
OUT is buy only what you need.

The masses now rely on the Postal Delivery services worldwide.

What happens when we are told that it is wise to get the package insured Just Incase something happens?

What does it mean when the sender pays a premium for ensuring the parcel reaches its destination?

What if the parcel does not arrive and it’s been 3 months?

What if all your enquiries dealing with an International parcel delivery and courier company are not responded to?

Where does one go knowing that the package is clearly “Lost in Transit”?

What happens when you follow the Online Complaint procedure?

How did we miss the Online notification that informs us that this particular country’s largest parcel delivery company is known for consistently ranking at the bottom of Customer Satisfaction Surveys?

How did we not see the following when choosing this company?
Packages are frequently damaged, left in completely unsafe or weather–exposed locations or go missing entirely.

Are we surprised then to read they also have Poor Customer Service and reaching a human is notoriously difficult?
Customers are often Stuck in loops with unhelpful AI chatbots.

ALL the above is clear to read Online AFTER the lost package is still not resolved and it is now 7 months.

The Complaint has been acknowledged and the response feels like a robot at the other end.

Lots and lots of Questions are asked and in addition proof needed.

Evidence of not only what was in the package but the receipt or invoice to show how much you paid for the items.

Many of us would simply not keep or have this information, so then there would be no compensation.

You have to give them the copy of your Post Office receipt and answer in detail the long list of Questions.

You then get told this has to be submitted and someone will decide if you will be compensated.

Week later you are told that £20 will be paid as that is the maximum compensation when the total loss was in excess of £140.00.

FOR THE RECORD
You are told that this package will be insured for £160 as that would cover the costs should the package not show up or get damaged.

Furthermore, the Post Office clerk asks what are the contents inside the package and the cost and this is HOW the insurance is given at an additional cost.

WHY on earth are we sold Insurance to cover the losses if they are only going to pay £20?

WHY would we even bother with a Formal Complaint when we have been shut down with £20 and it is not negotiable?

How can we be reimbursed by a large parcel carrier when they happen to be known for Customer Dissatisfaction due to lost items and Poor Customer Service?

Where does one stand in the Complaint Department of a delivery company delivering over 700 MILLION parcels a year?

As this is Real life, the customer said it was unacceptable and the response was they had made a Mistake and now they will pay £50.

What is clear is if the customer just accepted their so–called final offer, that would be it. £20 which really speaks volumes.

Questions
How often do they make errors that are of benefit to them as in this Real life example?

How many daily Complaints do they receive and how are they dealing with them?

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Tenant Landlord
We Complain about our rent going up and the landlords doing nothing about repairing the property.

Where do we go if we have not made any plans or prepared for the long–term?

How did we get to the point of Complaining about our living situation as we get older but not make any steps in all the years where we could have done so?

Who are we Complaining to and what are we Complaining about if we do not take a Stop moment to reflect on our own Demands, choices and behaviours?

Where does Complaining get us in a situation like this that we have created for ourselves?

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Local Council
Our systems that we have created that supposedly are there to support us – the general public.

Local Councils set up Parking Penalties in offices at the other end of the country.

They use normal post to advise you that on camera you did this with your vehicle so pay up £80 now.

However, as they do not use any form of guaranteed post, it never arrives BUT the second notice does arrive 2 weeks later saying you never paid it within the 14 day period so now it is £160.
Pay now or we double it again.

FORMAL COMPLAINT
This is sent in writing via the Top most expensive Postal Delivery which IS Tracked, Signed for and Next day by 1pm.
NO response.

The Local Council based in London that issues the notice are super Un–Helpful and do not assist you in your Complaint, as that is done in Scotland.

This is the other end of the country so ALL who would be in this situation stand no chance ever of actually showing up in person at the premises to Question or Resolve their Penalty Notice.

Customer then sends the previous Complaint with a covering letter to the Local Council address using the same expensive Delivery Service.

Another Formal Complaint to the Local Council and with the same expensive delivery service.

NO response.
It is now 6 months.

How many more penalties are being paid with DOUBLE the amount because the service is poor and you have no choice but to pay and then if you do Complain you go nowhere?

Local Councils getting away with this continues because very few would bother to Complain in the first place.

Most feel the “why bother” and it is easy to see why they would feel like that when this Real life story confirms a Formal Complaint costs money and then it is not even responded to.

The tracked, signed for next day delivery tells us it was received but thereafter what happens inside those offices remains a mystery.

If we go back and re–read the commentary on the origin of the word Complain, is it possible that most of us at this point would feel to Express some internal grief but outwardly never Express that?

Where does one go when the systems are designed and set up in this way where there literally is zero response?

The message is clear. PAY and PAY NOW and if not, you will PAY MORE and there is absolutely nothing you can do as we have the law on our side because we are Local Government.

TAX
You are a very small business, a sole trader and hold the utmost integrity when it comes to ensuring your Tax Return is filed and the Tax due is PAID in ADVANCE.

In this example, the Tax return was completed as it always is for the past 25 years but on this occasion, the actual computer did not register the submission.

Regardless, the due amount of Tax was PAID IN FULL at the time, which was 7 months in advance.

After the 7 months have passed, you receive a letter in the post saying the Penalty of £100 must be paid as you did not file your Tax Return.

The sole trader then appeals Online as that is the process to follow and said the Truth. It was an error as the Tax was paid in full at the time and never has this happened before in 25 years.
The point is the actual money was paid so it is very clear and obvious that a computer glitch happened.

The Tax return was re–submitted immediately.

The penalty was paid and a Formal Complaint letter sent in the post with the tracked, next day delivery and signed for service.

The letter expressed the detail and that it is very clear this is an error and they have the monies and the date showing it was paid 7 months in advance.

3 months later a response arrives in the post to say they have rejected the appeal and the next step if you want to continue with your Complaint. It will be a Formal Review – complete the attached questionnaire and send.

Of course, there is NO Response and talking to others who work in these “government systems” it is common knowledge that they employ “Review Officers” to independently review a decision made by the authority which the complainant is still upholding.

This sole trader spoke to a “Review Officer” as a friend and shared the paperwork. Their response was this needs to be overturned as it is clear – a genuine case where no penalty should have been applied as the Tax was paid. There was no withholding of monies owed and the fact remains the track record is they have filed their Tax Returns early for over 2 decades.

The small business owner is close to retirement age and yet living and working and ensuring taxes are paid on time mean absolutely nothing, as a genuine computer glitch, the first ever after 25 years is not even taken into account.

What is even worse is the time that it takes to receive a response and to date this has yet to be resolved.

In this example, the Complaint continues and it would be true to say that most of us would have Given Up at this point and if not sooner.

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Scams
We feel justified in making a Formal Complaint and seek advice and support from others.

We put lots of effort and emphasis into building our story and we do expect something at the end of it.

What we conveniently forgot was we entered the shop, even though we knew it was a scam, we went along for the ride with our old friend that we have not seen in a long time and it was all so much fun. Really?

What we did not pay attention to was what was being asked when we signed ‘something’ and our Questions were answered in a way that made no sense. But we continued with the immature responses and la la ‘having a great time’ behaviours.

Week later, we find out we are in a contract and they have it all sewn up.

It does not matter if the registered address is a block of flats and the Contract we signed amounts to a 5 figure sum.

Nothing matters as all they want is the monthly payment and every angle is covered where there is no way we can get out of it.

Whatever happened to the Consumer Credit Act and the things we hear like 14 day cooling off period? Do they apply?

There are laws and there are laws and a note to all of us, our Complaints may be a bit too late post cause.

In other words, it’s all happened and attempting to undo our irresponsible behaviour will not cut it.

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Business Owner
You charge $£€ 800 and pay all your staff the minimum wage that you can Get Away with.

You insist that all staff with children are never given the Weekend Off and make that a condition in the work contract.

You bring in a lot of staff from overseas as it’s cheap and they will just do what you say without ever Complaining or Questioning.

Customer makes a Complaint about a service you provided.
They paid $1,000 for a course of treatments that requires a lot of work from the therapist.

As a business owner, the thing you never want is a Complaint that could lead to a bad review Online.

So to please the customer you offer a 30% discount and tell your low paid therapist to come in an hour early to see the Complaint customer BUT not get paid.

How do we answer Questions from loyal customers asking WHY a long–term member of staff left suddenly?

Was it worth losing a highly experienced worker because of one single Complaint made in 4+ years about this particular therapist?

Have you Dear Business Owner forgot that the client was Lying and not actually speaking the Truth?

Are you willing Dear Multiple Business Owner to admit this IS and has always been a ‘problem’ client and staff have warned you before?

Would someone in business risk losing their most popular staff member as they are always fully booked, by denying them payment for one hour’s work?

Did this business owner forget that this particular staff member had “sold’ over 200 of these courses, which means their company made in excess of $£€ 200,000?

WHY does any Business want to desperately avoid any form of Complaint and find ways to appease, please or pander to a client that is not genuine in their Complaint in the first place?

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Health

We openly complain to others we have never met before.
This article was inspired by a shop assistant Complaining to colleagues and the author here that they had Cold Hands.

On this example, it is best to write straight up…

It is not a co–incidence that I just happen to be in the shop watching this young lady bouncing around in summer loudly complaining about her Cold Hands.

We got talking, I asked does she have Cold Feet as that is usually the case for those with Cold Hands and of course it was a Yes.

I suggested she reads the article on this website called Cold Hands and Cold Feet and she nodded, but there was actually no real body nod and I knew immediately she is Complaining but does NOT want to Change anything in her lifestyle that would support the body to no longer suffer with Cold Hands and Cold Feet.

 Having been through that for over 3 decades and then making the practical adjustments in daily life like wearing layers and drinking more hot water and of course having a strong Sleep routine and rhythm, I am now at the point where I claim to be a living science.

No need to test me in a lab. I have LIVED day in and day out in a way that actually supports my body to such a degree that I never ever have Cold Hands or Cold Feet and that includes snow or very Cold temperatures.

In other words, I have nailed it and then came the article and comments from me personally thereafter to expand on what I have done to never ever have Cold Hands and Cold Feet on my radar.

Back to the Shop Assistant
I was there, constellated at the right time to offer Another Way.
No, she simply does not want it as Complaining serves her in some way and they do not actually want to Change.

It is stupid to Complain, get the exact and precise support that would end it forever and yet we say No.
That confirms we like Complaining and we do not want to Change.

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Public Transport
How many of us have made it our ongoing way of life to COMPLAIN about the transport we use?

Be it a bus, tram, train or plane, something did not go the way we expected OR these guys need to be told as they seem to be Getting Away with It?

What about being at the receiving end of a ranting public transport user that goes to the endth degree of putting in a Formal Complaint “because the bus driver did Not stop at their bus stop”?

Then the process starts and CCTV footage and the relevant documents that would pinpoint what on earth the driver was up to at that early time in the morning must be investigated.

Of course, the Complainer must be right, but the checks have to be made first before Mr Bus Driver ends up in the Manager’s office.

This is a regular type of Complaint so worth a mention.
NO the bus driver DID NOT miss the bus stop.

The driver was travelling with NO internal lights or displaying a destination sign at the front of the bus.

The driver was as they call it ‘running light’ which means NO passengers as it has to travel to the other end and start there.

Before we bang on about others not doing their job and then taking the steps to Complain, we ought to check our facts first.

ALL of this is un–necessary and yet it has to be taken seriously “Just Incase” it was true that a bus driver had an ill moment where he Lost the Plot and missed a bus stop.

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What about LOST PROPERTY on public transport?
Most of us are unaware how much Lost property is handed in to our transport staff.

What we do is Complain first without ever stopping to consider our irresponsible, checking out moment that led to us leaving our belongings, whilst travelling on public transport.

If we did Stop and Pause we may even clock how did that happen and what we were doing at the time when we alighted, as it may give us a clue how the loss happened.

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Dining Out
Be it a pub, diner, café or restaurant, so many Complain about something.

Does the receiver of the Complaint become defensive or do they have the standard policy of what to say in these situations, or do they immediately call someone senior to deal with it?

Is the response different if the place is full of people or is it the same?

What about those that we know are not genuine and just want a free meal or a deduction as they set out to do this with intention?

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Are we one of those that likes to Complain and get our way but if ever someone challenges us or dares speak the Truth about what we really do not want to Hear, we don’t like it and we suddenly feel like we don’t have the substance, the grounding to continue?

AND Finally, to wrap up…

This is a much needed topic when we look at where we are going with the digital so–called advanced world we live in.

It is inevitable…
There are going to be MORE and MORE Complaints.
Our Complaining behaviours will not suddenly Stop₂
More digital, more robots dealing with our Complaints.

MORE call centres training human staff to read from scripts.

There will be tips on how to avoid Complaints trending Online.
There will be ways that bring in reductionism to Complaining.
There will be those that make jokes and not take this Seriously.

There will be Courts full of cases to be thrown out as the laws made up by the artificial robots cannot be upheld.

There will be enormous DELAYS in the systems that make any form of Complaint difficult and Complicated.

Employers will replace humans to respond to Complaints which were generated from robots in the first place.

There will continue to be MORE of us, the general public afraid of sticking our head out, Expressing the Truth and making that Complaint, which is needed BECAUSE it is never just for us, as we all as a whole benefit.

In other words, humanity wakes up if one of us is standing up and saying NO this cannot continue. One person, one Complaint is all it takes and then others get inspired and realise they too can take the step.

This Real life example article by Simple Living Global supports ALL of us to say never Hold Back, Say It as It Is with no Hidden Agenda. Call out the What is Not Truth, so we can restore the WHAT IS Truth for all of mankind.

The Standard lived by so many of us today is way below and this article and website is saying There is Another Way and we can raise the Standard and no longer just accept what is being done to us.

 

References

(1) (n.d). Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved June 23, 2026 from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/complain

(2) (n.d). Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. Retrieved June 23, 2026 from
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/complain

(3) (n.d). Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved June 23, 2026 from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complain

(4) (n.d). The Britannica Dictionary. Retrieved June 23, 2026 from
https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/complain

(5) (n.d). Etymonline. Retrieved June 23, 2026 from
https://www.etymonline.com/word/complain