A grouch is "a habitually irritable or complaining person, a grumble." (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
According to National Day Calendar, February 16, is set aside as National Do A Grouch A Favor Day. Whether you call them grouches or EGRs (Extra. Grace. Required.), there are people in your life who come across as just plain grumpy. They might see the glass as half empty, focus on the challenges, and allow the negative aspects of life to cloud their interactions with others.
But they need favors, too.
Even if they don't ask (and maybe especially if they don't ask), take the time today to do a favor for a grouch in your life. (Pro tip: Throughout the kind gesture, you don't need to call them a grouch.)
And maybe ... you're the grouch in someone else's life. We've all been there. And the great news is you don't have to stay there. Even during the most challenging circumstances, you have the choice of how to respond and what attitude to have. This is a day for you to look beyond the grumpiness to the real person underneath, and do them a favor. You'll be glad you did.
How to Observe "Do a Grouch a Favor" Day
- Invite the grouch out for a cup of coffee and engage in conversation, intentionally listening to them.
- Surprise the grouch with a favorite pastry or snack.
- Watch Grumpy Old Men, Grumpier Old Men, Snow White, or Up. You can check out this list of 10 grumpy movie characters.
- Extend an offer to help with a challenging project at work.
- Read How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years.
- Complement the grouch. Look for ways they are doing something well. Or maybe complement their outfit. You can make comments on their effort on a work project.
Grouches can go by many names: complainer, pessimist, sourpuss, party pooper, sorehead, curmudgeon, crab, and grumble. Whatever name this person goes by, February 16 is the day to choose kindness over avoidance. Instead of responding to their grouchy remark with your own grouch-fest, do something special for the grouch in your life. It may have been a while since they've smiled.
What did you do for a grouch today? Or better yet, were you the grouch today? Share in the comments.
