I have multiple relatives who only seem to be able communicate ideas to other people in the form of complaints and gossip.

There’s a very strong correlation between that and being more negative, more conservative/Trumpy, more bigoted, and definitely more miserable to be around.

I grew up in that kind of environment, and I swear there are pathways buried deep in my brain that still try to generate the “look at that stupid asshole doing a thing I wouldn’t choose to do, or that I’m jealous over” emotion. However, it only strengthens my resolve to not carry that bullshit forward into the next generation.