It seems that complaining about things is a common human trait.   In particular I am thinking about the workplace but interactions with family and friends can often migrate to whining about things, sometimes its just a natural way to sustain a discussion.

Why is this?

I am puzzled by this behavior personally,  as complaining can be a sustaining activity with negative results.  What I mean is, you can build your belief that something is bad or wrong by complaining about it.  Over time you can become righteous in your believe that you are right and whatever you are complaining about is wrong.

This often is based on an emotional filter of the facts and events and some times logic and reasoned thinking can be crowded out.  The best results do not often come from this approach (maybe never).  I do think it is a bit cathartic though and helps you feel better about yourself, but on the whole it does not address root causes or resolve issues.

This is why I am puzzled.  Would not the better natural behavior be to  do a careful analyses of situations and arrive at reasoned solution to address root causes of the problem.   Over time this would make the issues go away rather than enabling the continuing cycle of complaining, basically about the same thing.

Constant complaining becomes negative over time and once the initial rush of satisfaction about voicing how you really feel ends, depression, frustration and anxiety can become the predominant feelings.

Think about acting rather than just complaining

Next time you run into something that bugs you,  relax, think about it.  Begin the approach with consideration of what is the cause and thus what can be done to resolve it, then act.