womoaning

Portmanteau to describe when a woman wants to talk only about her problems instead of possible solutions, implicitly expecting the listener to solidarize unanimously and to show emotional support. The pathological phenomenon is recursive co-rumination.

Cindy’s boyfriend Jack picks her up from work.

Cindy: "You wouldn’t believe, my boss assigned me two more projects to see through today. They are both due on Monday, so I have to work over the weekend - again! Clarissa never has to do overtime. This is so unfair. I can’t keep up, I’m exhausted…"
Jack: "He always does this to you. Why don’t you speak up? You need to talk to him about this."
Cindy: "I don't want you to help, I want you to listen."
Jack: "I cannot understand your womoaning. It gets you nowhere."

womoaning

When a woman wants to talk only about her problems instead of possible solutions, implicitly expecting the listener to solidarize and showing unanimous emotional support. The pathological phenomenon is recursive co-rumination.

Cindy’s boyfriend Jack picks her up from work.
Cindy: "You wouldn’t believe, my boss assigned me two more projects. They are due on Monday, so I have to work over the weekend - again! That's more than Clarissa and Mary have to do. I can’t keep up, I’m exhausted…"
Jack: "He always does this to you. Why don’t you speak up? You need to talk to him about this."
Cindy: "I don't want you to help, I want you to listen."
Jack: "I cannot understand your womoaning. It gets you nowhere."