I searched, “What’s good about ingratitude,” and the article at the top of the page was titled, “14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude According to Science.”
I searched, “Benefits of ingratitude,” and the first article was, “The BENEFITS of Gratitude.”
Google must think I need help.
Benefits of ingratitude:
- Anxiety.
- Resentment.
- Sadness.
- Distrust of others.
- Isolation.
- Weak relationships.
- Poor health.
The only thing good about ingratitude is thankfully you’ll die sooner than grateful people. You’ll be out of your misery. Positive emotion can help you live 10% to 15% longer.
Thieves of thankfulness – 3 Traits that Inhibit Gratitude:
Philip Watkins’s research indicates narcissism, cynicism, and envy/materialism are thieves of thankfulness. Narcissism is most deadly.
I decided to see if I was materialistic, cynical, and/or narcissistic. The results were disappointing.
You might be a narcissist if you:
- Have an excessive sense of grandeur. I want to change my last name to ‘Grande’. Danny Grande’ has a real ring to it. Don’t you think?
- Feel you’re worthy of special treatment. I don’t really feel like I deserve special treatment, but I seem to enjoy getting on airplanes ahead of others.
- Often monopolize conversations. (The trouble with this one is you don’t notice it.)
- Have shallow relationships. People are important only as they bring benefit.
- Think others are always out to get something from you.
- Love perfectionism.
- Struggle to deal with criticism.
- Frequently demean others.
- Blame others for your behavior.
- Can’t compromise.
Why gratitude is difficult:
If you don’t need others, but others need you, gratitude is a strain.
Gratitude acknowledges benefits received.
If you get bent out of shape when others don’t respond quickly to your emails or give you special treatment when you show up, gratitude is a burr under your saddle.
Entitlement and gratitude don’t play together well.
A little humility might up your gratitude game.
Why is gratitude difficult?
Part 2: Thieves of Thankfulness – Why Cynics Struggle with Gratitude
