The Things that make you go Grrrrr….
Karen Schwartz’s ToT prompt on annoyances— because I’m in the mood for a good gripe!
- People who talk loudly on their cell phones in public or people who ignore your texts?
The former can be annoying–especially if you’re in an elevator and the person on the phone expects YOU to press the button for them. Excuse me?! What disgusting entitlement! But those who ignore texts are arguably even more arrogant, especially where an important matter is concerned.
2. Drivers who run up your rear or drivers who drive too slow?
I don’t drive, but I’d say the former is undoubtedly the worst since it has the potential for an accident.
3. Eating at a restaurant which serves excellent food but has lousy service or being invited to someone’s home who can’t cook (and you can’t bring your own)?
The former–and believe me, I’ve run into it. (Dining when POC?) If I’m spending my money–particularly at an expensive restaurant, I expect to be treated with some degree of respect. Like not being the last to be tended to when I’m one of the earlier arrivals. Or being seated by the bathroom when there are plenty of other seats available.
The latter–eating at the home of a lousy cook– doesn’t bother me nearly as much because eating at someone’s home usually means that you enjoy that person’s company. If they are lousy cooks, just eat before you go!
4. People who treat their pets like children or people who treat their children as though they can do no wrong?
Definitely the latter. Those children, unlike pets, will become functioning members of society one day. Our society is already deteriorating as it is with high levels of entitlement and narcissism.
One thing I’ll say for the decades before the 1970s is that parents knew how to raise children! They taught manners and self-control. That’s why there were no adults getting into a fistfight over an empty seat on a plane. Or those old enough to know better than to complain about a disabled person being seated on the bus. Or worse yet, parents openly encouraging their children to ridicule them. This undue emphasis on “self-esteem” and “confidence” is ripping us apart!
5. Being in the company of people smoking cigarettes or people smoking weed?
Both nauseate me.
6. Know-it-alls or people who ask a lot of questions?
As a Ph.D., I’ll say the former! People who ask a lot of questions are at best curious and at worst, nosy. Know-it-alls, I’ve also discovered, are usually anything but know-it-alls to boot. Too often, they are ignorance combined with arrogance.
7. Someone who doesn’t return their shopping cart at the store or watching a “seemingly” non-disabled person park in an accessible parking spot?
The problem that is not all disabled persons look disabled — so it’s best not to make any premature judgments.
However, returning a shopping cart to the store is just common courtesy. In fact, nowadays, there are stands scattered all over the parking lot where carts can be returned without having to go all the way back to the store — so there’s no excuse, period! It’s worth pointing out, btw, that rolling carts can pose danger. I once had to stop someone’s rolling cart before it crashed into my mother’s car.
Again, forgive me for bringing back “ye olde days,” but I can recall that back in the 1970s and even ‘80s, people dutifully brought their carts all the way back to the store.
8. People who don’t pick up their dog poop or people who walk with their dog off their leash?
Definitely the latter. I’ve already discussed the problems of dogs that attack unprovoked here, so it goes without saying that I am even more opposed to the latter. Not to mention that there’s a greater probability for the dog to run off and get hit by a car. Does a responsible dog owner want to take that risk?
9. People who rant often or people who are passive-aggressive?
I’m someone who likes to let it all out (“tell us how you really feel!”), so you can guess it’s the latter who annoy me most. For God’s sake, we’re not all clairvoyant, so don’t expect us to read your mind!
10. People who don’t recycle or people who recycle but often litter?
This is a tough one. I personally refuse to litter — I’d sooner stuff the unwanted trash in my purse — but recycling is a must for our planet.