If someone constantly complains, you assume they’re miserable. If they wear a permanent frown, you label them as grumpy.

That’s just scratching the surface of human behavior.

But don’t be deceived, it’s not always that simple. The human psyche is a labyrinth, often requiring a keen eye to identify the patterns that lead to persistent negativity.

Some people, though, seem to have cracked the code. They’ve spotted 8 daily habits common among the chronically cranky.

Here’s a sneak peek into my findings.

1) They start the day on a negative note

Negativity is as contagious as anything.

It finds a way to seep into your day, starting from the moment you open your eyes, and doesn’t let up until it’s time to sleep again. And for those who are perpetually cranky and miserable, it’s like their constant companion.

These folks typically kick off their day on a sour note.

Instead of greeting the morning with optimism or gratitude, they’re already on the lookout for problems, ready to dwell on the inconveniences and irritations that come their way.

Sure, we all have our off days. But for these individuals, it’s as if they’ve got a negativity generator hardwired into their brains, always revved up and ready to cast a dark cloud over their day.

And when you begin your day with such a pessimistic outlook, it’s no wonder that everything else seems to follow suit.

Grim? Certainly. But also quite enlightening in its own way.

2) They hold onto grudges

Holding onto grudges is like carrying a heavy backpack. You might not notice it at first, but the longer you carry it, the heavier it becomes until it’s all you can think about.

Let me share a personal example. I have a friend who, for as long as I can remember, has always held onto grudges like they were precious treasures.

Whether it was a slight miscommunication or a serious argument, he’d keep it locked away in his memory vault, ready to bring up at any given moment.

And the result? He’s almost always frustrated and miserable. It’s like he’s trapped in this cycle of negativity that he just can’t break free from.

Every conversation with him tends to take a downward turn because he’s still holding onto some argument that happened weeks, months, or even years ago.

It’s not an easy habit to break, but it certainly clarifies why some people seem to be perpetually stuck in a state of crankiness and misery.

3) They neglect self-care

Cranky and miserable people often overlook the importance of self-care. It’s not just about spa days and indulgent treats, it’s about taking care of your physical, mental and emotional health.

Research has shown that when we neglect self-care, our bodies respond by increasing the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. This not only leaves us feeling drained and irritable but also impacts our overall health.

So, those who skimp on sleep, eat poorly, and don’t fit in any physical activity are essentially setting themselves up for a rough ride.

This doesn’t mean that every grumpy individual completely neglects self-care. However, it does point to a strong correlation between a lack of self-care and a perpetual state of crankiness and misery.

4) They resist change

Change – it’s an integral part of life. But for some, it’s a source of constant discomfort and irritation.

Those who are often cranky and miserable have a harder time adapting to change. They like their routines and the predictability that comes with it.

Anything that threatens to disrupt this order is met with resistance and negativity.

Whether it’s a change in their work schedule, a new neighbor moving in next door, or even a minor alteration in their favorite brand of coffee, they react with a disproportionate amount of displeasure.

By resisting change instead of embracing it, they set themselves up for a never-ending cycle of frustration and stress.

Change is inevitable, but how we respond to it can make all the difference between a life of perpetual misery or one filled with adaptability and resilience.

5) They focus on the negative

An individual’s perspective can drastically alter their experience of life, and I’ve seen this play out time and time again.

Those who are regularly cranky and miserable have a knack for zooming in on the negatives. It’s like they’re wearing a pair of glasses that only magnify the bad while blurring out the good.

I’ve often found myself in situations where, despite the overwhelmingly positive aspects, these individuals manage to find that one dark cloud in a bright sky.

It’s not that they’re oblivious to the good, it’s just that they tend to give more weight to the negatives.

This habit of focusing on the negative can transform even the most benign situations into sources of distress and frustration. After all, if you’re always looking for the bad, it’s no wonder you end up feeling cranky and miserable.

6) They avoid socializing

While it might seem logical to assume that someone who’s perpetually cranky and miserable would want to be alone, the inverse is actually true.

Humans are inherently social creatures. We thrive on connections, relationships, and interactions with others. But those who are often grumpy and unhappy tend to withdraw and isolate themselves.

By avoiding socializing, they’re essentially cutting themselves off from the very interactions that have the potential to lift their spirits.

It’s a self-defeating cycle – they’re unhappy, so they avoid people, which in turn makes them even more unhappy.

They might not realize it, but this habit of avoiding socializing is likely doing them more harm than good.

7) They’re overly critical

Cranky and miserable individuals often have a sharp eye for flaws – not just in themselves, but in others too. They’re overly critical, always ready to point out mistakes, shortcomings, and imperfections.

Rather than offering constructive criticism or helping to find solutions, they tend to focus on the negative aspects.

This not only creates a hostile environment around them but also contributes to their own sense of dissatisfaction and frustration.

Being critical isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can be quite beneficial in certain scenarios. But when it becomes a constant habit, it can lead to a state of perpetual crankiness and misery.

8) They neglect gratitude

In the grand scheme of things, gratitude holds immense power. It has the ability to shift our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.

However, those who are continuously cranky and miserable often overlook this simple yet profound practice.

They tend to dwell on what they don’t have or what they wish was different, forgetting to appreciate what they do have.

By neglecting gratitude, they’re essentially denying themselves one of the most effective tools for cultivating positivity and contentment.

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring problems or difficulties, but rather acknowledging the good that exists alongside them. And more often than not, it’s an antidote to crankiness and misery.

Winding up

If you’ve come this far, it’s likely that you’ve gained a new perspective on cranky and miserable people.

Their crankiness doesn’t stem from a place of malice, but rather from a series of habits that they’ve unconsciously nurtured over time. The good news is, habits can be changed.

Understanding these habits doesn’t just offer insight into their behavior, it also provides a mirror for our own actions. It’s a gentle reminder that we too could fall into the same trap if we’re not careful.

Next time you encounter someone who’s perpetually cranky, remember these habits. And more importantly, remember the power you hold in your response to them.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” In the same vein, no one can make you feel miserable without your consent either. So let’s choose wisely.