Hi,
My mother was a kvetch on an epic scale. For those who don't know what that is, literally it is 'one who complains' in Yiddish. In reality, it really expresses the act of voicing an opinion that may not sit well with others, eg; companies with policies that you don't like. Mom brought kvetching to an art. One I can only dream of matching her style, but I try.
I refuse to let big business get the better of me, so I kvetch. My last two kvetch rants garnered us money in our pocket. Kvetching can be for the good when used for the right purpose and what better purpose than to get some cash.
First, credit cards abuse. I found out the hard way that almost every US credit card has implemented a 3% -5% up charge for using their cards outside the USA. That is a charge that adds up very quickly for a lot of money. Coming back from India with new gold bangles I discovered a $72 additional charge on our VISA card. Three phone calls later I had it credited back to our account but not without a fight and a threat to cancel the card and close our account. Kvetching payed off in the tune of $72 dollars.
My second kvetch dealt with credit card points (are you seeing a trend here yet?). We received a letter from Wells Fargo that our points were going to expire. What points? Seems like they had implemented a purchase/points system while I wasn't paying attention. Okay, my bad, I should read more of the trash they email me. I called the bank to find out what to do with these points, only to hear the they had already expired 32,000 of the 47,000 points I didn't even know I had. Two calls later I had the points reinstated and cashed out to the tune of $450 dollars in our pocket. Yet again showing that kvetching can pay off.
"If you don't ask, you don't get" was my mothers motto. I have learned to ask, and keep asking until I get what I want, the way I want it. It doesn't always go the way I plan but I have a fairly good success rate. There is no shame in kvetching. I think it is more shameful not to get what is fair and right. So kvetch! Go ahead, I give you all permission to complain. It just may keep the ship sailing on an even keel.
Xox
M
Yes, indeed, a little kvetching goes a long way. I have been practicing the art for a long time, also thanks to my mother, and have benefited often. The best being $2500 from a casino north of Toronto, A long story that has to do with a malfunctioning slot machine. But I grabbed hold of the moment and wouldn't let go until I got satisfaction. In this case my satisfaction went well beyond my expectations.
ReplyDeleteSo, as Marilyn so eloquently stated, "so kvetch! Go ahead!"