Is there a beneficial aspect to resentment?

Question

One of the interesting aspects of this site is the chance we get to see something of how other people think.
Apart from genuine misunderstandings, there seems to be quite a large number of members who actually resent intelligent Q's. & A's. It is as if they really dislike anything they themselves don't fully understand .
Is this attitude in anyway useful, does it prompt them to improve themselves in anyway or do they just see it as a threat? Is it some sort of defense mechanism at work?

Answer 1

I like this question. I practically live my life with resent for other peoples actions. If I don't like their way of life, morals, ethics, and values, I eliminate them from my life. Why keep people in your life that make you miserable?
People like STEVE C's answer. I openly express my resentment to family members that have wronged me. When you tell them your resentment, they act shocked, thay accuse you of thinking your better than them. It's not even anything like that.
I think it's they reject the unfamiliar. That is all they know, and that is the only way they know how to be. Like men from the older generation who think women should be at the house all the time and not in the work place or even aloud to speak. They were raised to think that is the way to be. Look at it now. New generation, and a new way of thinking, men like that are dying and their way of life is gone. But how do those men see it. Is the change a misunderstanding? Do they see it as a threat? Who knows?
There is a lot of resentment of the new generation verses the old generation. Like the older generation of women useing their old values on todays younger women like getting married. I'm engaged and my mother is always have you set a date yet blah blah blah. Does she understand nowadays couples wait? Does she understand why the rate of marriage is on the decline? Why the divorce rate is on the decline? Couples are waiting to marry and have children later on in life. But how do these mothers view these statistics? Is it all just a misunderstanding or are they threatend by it all? Depends on the person and thier view of life. Maybe in their old eyes we are going to hell in handbasket and their praying for us.

Answer 2

I would like to think that this is a learning place and each and every one of us has something valid to say and also receive in knowledge. I believe that all the hecklers, and whatever else they are called, do pick up some positive information and perhaps will prompt them in the future to come back here and contribute rather than just spill ink on paper. I really don't mind them as they have their reasons for their behavior and this venue may truly meet a need in them which is helpful.

Answer 3

In the long run where a change in behavior has substance and reason to continue is mostly because the individual does not want to experience the resentment involved again.

Answer 4

I think there is a purpose behind negative emotions all kinds, even if we don't like to admit it. I have a relative that treated me badly, and I resent it very much openly, and she has left me alone for many years. Otherwise I'd still be dealing her nonsense. It might sound mean, but life is better as a result.

Answer 5

Good question! They can't just answer. They have to answer with malice or something! Maybe some just aren't as adept at wording their responses as others. I'd have to say that as with the many differences there are in people the same probably applies to the reasons for their lashing out, as well as what becomes of them as a result of it. In other words, your guess is as good as mine!

Answer 6

As long as you don't feel guilty about the resentment, I think it is totally benificial.

It helped you move on in life and not be held down by your relative.

Answer 7

Wouldn't a resentment be like a learning disability?

Answer 8

NO.........and....NO. lol