Complainer or Problem Solver?

So I've been told by someone I work with (who is in a position of authority) that I am a complainer. This really hurt my feelings. I mean, I was ready to cry. And for the last week I've been thinking a lot about this accusation. One thing about me is that whenever I come across something new about myself--whether positive or negative--I find myself somewhat fascinated. I can honestly say that when I recieve a critisim, I take a great deal of time thinking about it, deciding if it's relevent, finding examples of it in my past, and concluding whether it's accurate and if and what I should do about it. This critisism was no different. However hurt I feel about the way it was delivered, I have to ask myself if it's true.

I mean, we ALL complain. I think people are labeled complainers when they complain to the wrong people--to people who don't care or don't listen. I mean, I tell my husband all my concerns, and HE certainly wouldn't call me a complainer. But if you've got that lady in the office that is constantly harping about everything, and you have no real relationship with her--you are more likely to be unsympathetic and label her a complainer. So--AM I a complainer?

I've thought a lot about it. I've thought of the specific things I have complained about to this particular person. I certainly won't go into detail about what they are on a public blog, but I feel that with few exceptions, most of my "complaints" have been valid concerns. I've brought them up to this person, and because they don't genuinely care about me or my needs, they are labeled as complaints. Where this person sees "complainer" I see "problem solver." If I see something wrong, I'm going to speak up. I'm going to try and fix it.

Some people, when placed in a difficult situation, or when a concern arises--they don't say anything. They don't rock the boat. They sit back and take it. Many of my co-workers are like this. And they are like this because they knew there are people like me who will speak up for them--and take the consequences of doing so. I know all people are different and not everyone can be the spokesman, but I cannot be like those people. But apparently, that is what is expected of me.

So I'm looking back at all the times I've "complained." And I ask myself--did I just complain, or was I offering solutions? I guess that's the real difference, isn't it? My goal is that from here on out, when I speak up about a problem, I will also offer a solution--or at least make it clear that I am seaking a solution, not just venting frustration. I can vent frustrations at home to people who care about me. But not to an authority figure. I don't know that the difference will be noticed or appreciated by said authority figure, but there's not much I can do about that. I can only look at how I can improve myself, and do my best to do it. I just hope I actually DO do it!