We’ve all been annoyed by someone’s actions or behavior. A practice that enrages one person will go unnoticed by another; hence, Pet Peeve was born. It doesn’t always require a reaction, but it’s enough to make you want to sigh in exasperation. Here are 15 annoying pet peeves.
- Slow Internet. Who would want to use a slow internet connection in the first place? Although it is common in the Philippines to have a poor internet connection, there are instances when it is even slower, particularly for people who live in rural areas or in remote areas away from the city. Many people, especially now that we are in the midst of a pandemic, spend almost the entirety of their day on technology, and when they are unable to do so due to slow internet speeds, you are likely to hear a series of grunts of frustration.
- Being Late. It’s understandable to be late once in a while, but making it a habit is another story. Regardless of whether it is a casual or formal meeting, being ahead of the scheduled time should be your goal rather than the other way around. Who are you to waste 15 to 20 minutes of our valuable time by the way?
- People Staring at You. First and foremost, why do you feel the need to stare as if you’re pulling the skin off of someone’s face with your eyes? Second, most people are unaware of what a person is staring at when they are not looking at them. Do you gaze at us because you’re taken aback by our demeanor, or do you stare because you’re judging us from head to toe? Thanks in advance if it’s the former; otherwise, please mind your own business.
- Loud Chewing or Drinking. Imagine dressing up to go on a fancy date at your local well-known restaurant and ending up dating a person who eats like a pig. This statement may appear too blunt for someone who practices this, but don’t you know table manners? Honestly, nobody finds it appetizing to hear someone indulgently splurge in their aglio olio pasta.
- Interrupting when someone is talking. We understand that you are energetic and excited to spill some tea or share your views, but when someone interrupts another person, it indicates that they are not interested in what the other person has to say. That can get irritating fairly fast, and it is recommended that you avoid doing so if you want to remain on people’s good sides in the future.
- Staring at Someone’s Phone. Today, a person’s phone is considered to be a treasured private asset. Taking a peek at someone’s phone, especially when they are messaging someone, can be quite upsetting and can make them feel uncomfortable.
- Saying “No Offense” After Saying Something Offensive. No offense but, are you coldhearted? Unless you’ve just said something offensive or are about to say something wrong, it’s not necessary to say “no offense.” When you accidentally say something insulting, it’s completely acceptable to apologize. However, habitually doing it while practicing saying this phrase has become synonymous with “I don’t actually care about your feelings” that it annoys the majority of people.
- Smoking in a public area. Smoking, in general, is detrimental to one’s health, is unnecessary, and is expensive. If you’re a non-smoker, you’d already be grossed out by the thought of inhaling the noxious fumes from a stranger’s cigarette.What more if it actually happens? Adding to that, does smoking in front of us make you cool? Nope.
- Pushy Sales People. Have you ever been in the position of freely idling in a mall while looking for anything, and all of a sudden a sales lady walks in? However, while it is convenient to have someone assist you while shopping, it is unpleasant to have them watch your every move as if you are trying to steal anything from their establishment. Customer service is nice, not until they accuse you in a low-key manner.
- Arrogant Customer Service Representative. In addition to being annoyed by pushy salespeople, an arrogant customer service representative is another pet peeve of ours. When you inquire about the system politely, you’ll get an arrogant, raised brow, caustic response. Why did you apply for customer service if it’s so difficult for you to serve clients with respect? I mean, it’s just so awful and horrible, right?
- Backhanded Compliments. Actually, many people are doing this unintentionally. There’s a big difference between telling an oversized lady she’s stunning because she’s confident in her physique and just telling her she’s beautiful. Backhanded compliments are like dipped red bell pepper in melting chocolate. It’s become a pet peeve these days, not just because it’s offensive, but also because it blinds other people. It’s nothing more than a sugar-coated insult. This stigma should be stopped because people that are confident are aware that they have something that makes them confident and not the other way around.
- Stating the Obvious. “Hey, you’re getting thinner, did you starve yourself”, “Ow, you’re having a breakout”, “You gained weight huh, I thought you were on a diet.” To add to the preceding point, expressing the obvious is another pet peeve that really grates on people’s nerves. Yes, we don’t like backhanded compliments, but we also don’t like it when others state the obvious. Okay, we get it, you witnessed us losing weight, gaining weight, having breakouts, and whatever else, but man, we already knew that, no need to rub salt to the wound. Telling people about their flaws will not make you look like a caring citizen, so keep your mouth closed.
- Children Whining. Who in the world enjoys a child wailing while throwing another tantrum? Nobody, not even their mothers or fathers. It’s exasperating to watch a child freely weep all she wants, especially if you’re in church honestly pleading to the deity to hear your prayers (apparently, one of those requests is for that crybaby to stop).
- Bragging. Nobody is bragging, it’s how you perceive it. Contrary to that statement, there are actually many people who are bragging. Although that statement is true, it’s only applicable for the people who are sharing their successes for inspiration and because they’re happy. However, there are really these people who keep on updating you about their latest gadgets, or about the things they will buy (or credit), that are totally disgusting and time-consuming. Yes, it depends on how we perceive it, but, does someone who is really successful and happy needs to constantly update people to check if they are insecure? That’s another story
- Smart-shaming. This has become one of the most talked about issues nowadays. People tend to intimidate or shame someone who actively participates in the class. It’s not the genius’ fault that they study to participate and freely express their views regarding the lesson. To be honest, those people who keep on shaming the intelligent are nothing but insecure creatures who wish to have the smart’s brain. That’s it.
While it’s annoying to think about all of these pet peeves, we should still always be mindful of our reactions that might hurt or also cause annoyance to other people. Pet peeves are not against the law, so it is important to still be a non toxic individual.
