Beech Tree News Network

Many of us may feel frustrated, bothered, annoyed, or irritated when something goes wrong or in reaction to a person’s actions. These little annoyances are often referred to as ‘pet peeves.’ A pet peeve is something that bugs us. Some pet peeves may seem illogical to others; but, some pet peeves are very common.

The website GetAnnoyed.com claims to have “the web's largest list of pet peeves.” Some of those included: using double negatives, not washing hands after using the bathroom, no toilet paper or paper towels in public bathrooms, drivers who take up two parking spaces, and drivers who tailgate. Another article about pet peeves posted on the Kansas State Collegian website mentioned loud chewers, parking spot thieves, bad oral hygiene, spitting in public areas, and bad coffee (http://www.kstatecollegian.com/edge/ten-very-common-pet-peeves-1.2555131).

Just like most people, I have a few pet peeves, too. Five things that will usually annoy me include the following:
•    Number 5: Grocery carts with a bad wheel
These damaged carts are usually difficult to push or steer, and only get more challenging as weight is added. Sometimes they make a squeaky sound, reminding me (and everyone in the store) that I chose a damaged cart.
•    Number 4: Overscheduling myself
As a retired person, I should have no problems with time, right? This is not necessarily true. Retired people are busy people. I believe a person has to learn to say ‘no’ in order to avoid overscheduling. But, what really annoys me is that I am the one responsible for the problem: I make the choices.
•    Number 3: Having to call my telephone provider
I avoid calling my telephone provider until it’s absolutely necessary. Usually, my calls last much longer than an hour, and I speak to multiple representatives. My goal is to stay on the line until I find the person who can resolve my concern. Sometimes, that just doesn’t happen.
•    Number 2: Technology that doesn’t work
I’m not a tech person. I use technology, but I seldom know what to do when it doesn’t work. And, it seems that when technology doesn’t work is the exact time when I really need it to work. Recently, I spent the day trying to fix a computer problem … unsuccessfully. (Can you say ‘aggravation’?)
•    Number 1: Car trouble
I try to keep my vehicle well maintained, but car trouble can be unforeseen. Sitting on the side of the road waiting for help is not my idea of a great way to spend the day/night. Car problems can also be expensive and inconvenient. Like many of you, I don’t have an extra vehicle to drive. And, in Kentucky, public transportation is not much of an option.

Pet peeves are trivial annoyances. They are the little things in life that can be serious or funny. Robert Eliot said, “Rule number one is don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two is it’s all small stuff.” But Dennis Rainey said, “People who say that small things don’t bother them have never slept in a room with a mosquito.”