The Squeaky Wheel

 

There is nothing more annoying then a squeaky wheel on your grocery cart. I’ve been known to turn around more than once in an effort to get a cart that doesn’t squeak. 

According to Phrasemix, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease, means “You can get better service if you complain about something. If you wait patiently, no one’s going to help you.”

Now the definition of complain is to “express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.” However, the tricky thing about complaining is in how the recipient receives it. In today’s world the complainer is mocked and called a “Karen.”

In my mind, though, I find this very offensive to those women who just so happened to be named a perfectly fine name, but now have to cringe each time the local news reports on someone who complained. 

How I like to use the “squeaky wheel” is to just speak out when decisions are needed to be made. As a teacher I used to be involved in textbook decisions. I would study the choices and make my preferences known. Often times, the company I liked ended up being chosen. 

I like to think that I might have had some role in persuading others because I chose to speak up. 

Of course, choosing to speak up can also “ruffle some feathers” as well, and I must admit it does bother me when I think someone doesn’t like me. 

This has happened throughout my life, and I wish at my age I had a better handle on it. That being said, I would still teach my child to speak out, especially in situations of injustice. I’d also counsel them if possible to speak kindly because “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”