Don’t whine, gossip, or spread negativity.
This behavior is selfish because the person doing the complaining is only doing it to take something from others: time, attention, sympathy.
This behavior is unproductive because negative words do not contribute towards a goal or solve a problem.
And, this behavior is toxic because negativity relentlessly spreads through a group of people, takes on many forms, and builds resentment between people.
If you need to complain, complain on paper or to a blank page on your computer. Confront your words. Look at them. Are they true? Are they helpful? Ask yourself, “Instead of continuing to complain about this, how can I contribute to a solution?”
The best way to complain is to do something about it.