If there is something that is part of the Portuguese daily life, besides the taste for cream pastel and fado, it is the tendency for the complaint. Whether for chaotic traffic, the price of lace or the endless queues in supermarkets, no one escapes a good outburst. But are there cities where you complain more than others?
A recent preply study, a language learning online platform, came to answer this question, identifying the locations where the inhabitants manifest dissatisfaction. The results were surprising.
The cities where you complain the most
According to this survey, Almada, Queluz and Vila Nova de Gaia lead the list of Portuguese cities where the largest number of complaints are registered. Residents of these zones seem to master the art of transforming any situation into a source of protest.
Soon after in the classification Sintra and Braga appear, where there are also a high number of complaints. But what will be at the source of this trend? For some, it is a cultural feature, while others believe it is related to the quality of life and the rapid pace of everyday life.
On the other hand, and according to, not all cities have the same level of lamuria. At the end of the table Barreiro appears, Agualva-Cacém and Coimbra, where the inhabitants seem to face the daily challenges more calmly, or perhaps just prefer to keep their complaints for private conversations.
What topics generate the most complaints?
The topics that generate the most complaints in Portugal are not difficult to guess. The cost of living, namely the high housing prices, is at the top of the population’s concerns, especially among young people looking for a home.
In addition to housing, public transport is another recurring complaint reason. Delays, overcrowded buses and poorly efficient services are pointed out as frequent problems, leading 32.5% of respondents to express their displeasure.
Road infrastructure also do not escape criticism. Lack of parking, road holes and heavy traffic represent 30.4% of complaints recorded in the study. The experience of driving in some Portuguese cities can be frustrating for many drivers.
Public health is another area that generates great discontent and one that brings with it the greatest complaint. Long waiting lists for consultations and the lack of family doctors are pointed out as great system failures, which is a problem towards north to south of the country.
Interestingly, not all complaints concern services or infrastructure. The study revealed that more than 60% of the Portuguese place politicians at the top of the list of reasons for frequent outbursts, reflecting dissatisfaction with the country’s governance and management.
Complaints, however, are not limited to the public sphere. Family members, friends and even romantic partners are also the target of frustrations, with many people admitting that interpersonal relationships can be worn out by excessive outbursts.
Is complaining harmful to health?
Some argue that complaining too much can have negative consequences. According to the study, some people even moved away from friends because they considered that they were constantly listening to laments and complaints.
However, it is undeniable that expressing discontent is part of human nature. Complaining can be a mechanism for relieving stress, finding problems to problems, and demanding necessary changes in society.
The challenge is to find a balance. If, on the one hand, it is important to denounce unfair situations, on the other, it is essential not to let negativity take over the mood. After all, not everything in life deserves a complaint. In some cases, it may be worth taking a deep breath and moving on, keeping the energy to what really matters.
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