How to complain

"Everyone complains about the weather but no one ever does anything about it." Twain

Students complain about teachers, teachers complain about students, students complain about dormmates... but usually, they don't do so very well.

"Those darn students, never complaining properly.  They make me so mad.  I wish they would..." - now I'm doing it.

How do you complain effectively?

There are two key points and I will describe the first one in some depth. First, remove as much emotion as possible.  Second, complain but try not to attach blame.

To remove emotion and complain effectively, it helps to follow a formula.

Describe the background to the problem. Be specific.
If you are complaining about a product, mention what the product is, including model; where and when you bought it; and any other details.  Did the salesperson describe the product in a certain way?  Mention it here.

Describe the problem and effect.
If the product was described as waterproof but leaked water, here is where you mention that.  Also, did it cost you money, time, friends?

Offer an acceptable solution.
Do you want a new product?  Your money back?  A public apology?

Warning (optional).
You probably can't threaten a teacher.

Closing
A formal ending to a letter.  Choose one of these:
"I look forward to your response."
"I look forward to hearing from you this week."

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Another way to complain is to use "I_____" statements.  Instead of the other person being to blame, you are offering to take the blame yourself.

When you ______, I feel ______ because _______.

I feel ______ when you _____ because _______.

“When you spend money on items I think we don’t need,
I feel nervous,
because we don’t have much money to spend.”