How do you all deal with complaining? Usually, I try to fix the problem, if there really is one, or deflect with humor. However, sometimes the complaining comes from all directions—my kid, my wife, my parents, my bosses, customers—and it wears me down. I find that pushing back can sometimes be counterproductive with some complainers.

One time my wife had some complaint about how I mow the lawn. I asked her if she ever mowed a lawn and she was quiet after that. Unfortunately, these little victories don't happen very often. What sorts of tricks or tactics should I have ready to get people to pound sand without telling them to pound sand?