Let’s have a show of hands, please. Got any pet peeves? Oh, come on! You can hardly get on the highway without running into some of those people you just want to yell at. Or someone at the local restaurant who eats with their mouth open or someone in a public place who carries on a conversation on their speakerphone in a loud voice.
Everyone has them, right? The things other people do that we just can’t seem to cope with. The things that are fingernails on a chalkboard to you! The things that get your dander up!
Here’s a few of mine, so indulge me while I step up on my soapbox. Share yours in the comment section! Disclaimer: Yes, I know this says a lot about me too. And, know that I’m working on my patience, tolerance and self-control. But help me out a little bit, won’t you? Meet me halfway because, after all, it’s a two-way street you know.
The handicap spots are for people with a handicap!
Never have understood this one. And in recent years, it’s become a little personal. Yeah, you may be in a hurry, but few things rile me up more than walking up to Walmart, watch someone wheel into a spot close to the store, reach down, grab the handicap placard, hang it on the mirror, then jump out and run inside.
Grrrrr! Complete lack of respect and consideration for others.
I’ve actually stopped people and called them out. Yeah, I did. “Well, I’m in a hurry and will be only a minute.” Or, “I’ve got a placard on the mirror. I’m legal.” Yeah, but it’s for your grandmother who isn’t with you, right?
It’s personal in that my wife’s dad was in a wheelchair for over 40 years of his life. Don’t abuse the handicap spots!
Double Standards.
Don’t hold me to one standard you are not willing to live by yourself. Or — and this is where you see it more often — don’t hold one politician, pastor or leader you disagree with accountable, but let it ride and offer defense when one whose views you agree with does or says exactly the same thing.
In other words, don’t call out politicians you disagree with and stand idly by with crickets when politicians of your own belief do — or fail to do — exactly the same thing. Double standards.
Slow drivers in the passing lane.
There are rules of the road. Some written, some unwritten. And everyone — EVERYONE — has their driving pet peeves. You demonstrate it daily with your glares, your horn, your fist-shaking and, umm, your fingers.
But a guy who’s driving 50 mph on the interstate in the left lane? Grrr! Yes, I drive over there at times because it’s smoother, but I always try to move back to my lane when cars approach from behind me.
Seriously, when you can look behind you and there’s a line of 15+ cars, it should an indication, right?
Overusing words.
Oh, my goodness! This one is rampant, and I’m sure I’m missing a few. Not talking slang here, but words that are used when they really don’t apply to the situation. Here are some:
- Breaking news.
- Superstar.
- Racist.
- Fake news.
- Expert.
No, your opinion is not breaking news, nor is everything #fakenews just because you don’t agree with it. And, sorry, not everyone is an expert just because they had a course in a particular subject or read an article.
The term racist is so overused and exhausted it has lost its true meaning. Save the word and use it appropriately and meaningfully. Then, it has power and weight. Everyone isn’t racist just because they may have a different opinion though.
Holding up the grocery line, Starbucks line or fast food line.
Folks, it’s pretty simple, shouldn’t come as a surprise. So please don’t wait until the cashier finishes every single item in your grocery basket, then grab your purse or wallet and dig for your debit card or checkbook. And please be respectful of that long line behind you. Having a conversation is great, but when your conversation drones on and on and you’re the only one talking, well, then…
And, how many times have you been to Starbucks or McDonalds now? If you’re standing in line, shouldn’t you have made your decision by the time it’s your turn to order? Yes, yes, yes, I understand there are mitigating circumstances (e.g. kids, indecision, try something different), but when you’re in an airport or movie theater or somewhere similar, shouldn’t you bit a little more considerate of the long line behind you?
Please be on time for church or the movie, or at least be respectful.
Yes, I get it, stuff happens and you are late. I’ve been late once or twice and it’s not fun to walk in. Everyone looks at you. But please don’t come in talking and distracting just because I got up early, took care of business and was on time. It’s disrespectful and bad-mannered.
My dad taught me this way. He would say: “If you aren’t 10 minutes early, you’re late.” So guess what, I’m generally early, sometimes very early.
Please don’t post things on social media that aren’t true.
Saved the best one for last, or at least the one with the loudest, screeching fingernails on a chalkboard for me. It’s one reason I won’t — or can’t — spend a lot of time on Facebook. But when I’m there, and it’s staring me in the face, I just can’t.
Of course, you know the famous quote from Abraham Lincoln: “Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.” I’ve been unfriended because I told someone their post was inaccurate or an outright lie. Heck, I thought I was doing them a favor and that when they found out, they’d be grateful and take it down. Ha! Call me naive. The example to the right is completely false. There is absolutely no corroboration to the story whatsoever. Anywhere. Nonetheless, it stays up and is even defended.
Some call me a “fact-checker”, but for me, it’s more of a credibility thing. If we aren’t credible or accountable, how can we hold those people we disagree with accountable? Answer: We can’t! The sad part is that most of these mems are easy to check. Just Google ’em and you’ll quickly find they aren’t factual at all. Sad Part II: Many people know they aren’t true when they post them.
Okay, so I’ll step off my soapbox now. But I know you have ’em too! Cell phones? Driving? People who eat with their mouths open, obnoxious laughs, messy people? Leave ’em in the comments section below!
And, let’s try a little tolerance, respect and consideration.