I often work with clients on the challenges of managing interpersonal relationships at work. A few weeks ago, a client shared her weariness with colleagues who engaged in constant “handwringing.” I wanted to understand what she meant, so I asked if these folks were venting about workplace frustrations. She explained that they went beyond venting to chronic complaining, covering the same worn ground over and over. My client tried to help these co-workers see various situations in a more positive frame or to brainstorm solutions to the problems to no avail, and she came away from these conversations feeling exhausted. They sapped her motivation, and she was actively avoiding particular people so that she wouldn’t be sucked into these interactions again and again.