I grew up in a household where smoking was akin to murder. Seriously, my mother would have preferred us to cover our whole body in tattoos, date a bikie and tape over a Tom Hanks movie than take up smoking. So it’s hardly surprising that cigarette smoke really annoys me.
But it’s not the only thing that really annoys me, no I have a whole list
Such as:
1. People who can’t tell the difference between you’re and your. (You’re = you are. Your = a possession.)
2. People who say “in regards to” instead of “in regard to”. It’s not a plural. (On a side note, I also hate it when someone corrects your grammar mid-sentence. Did I mention I’m a walking contradiction?)
3. People who obsess over food and their diets. (It’s boring and we just don’t care which new paleo-bird seed-macrobiotic diet you’re on. We’re enjoying our food, so please let us be.)
4. Wet towels on the floor. (They’re not going to dry themselves there.)
5. Sand or food crumbs in bed.
6. Txt tlk. (Srsly.)
7. Internet that refuses to work. (This has been the cause of many irrational tears and tantrums.)
8. Sniffers. (Just blow your nose and save us all the misery.)
9. Smart phone users at concerts. (Why pay all that money to stand there and text/Tweet/Facebook/play Angry Birds?)
10. PDA’s on Facebook. Also, vague status updates. (Facebook’s a public forum, people.)
Annabelle Cottee is a twenty-something wannabe journo, You can visit her blog at annabellecottee.tumblr.com or follow her on Twitter @annabellecottee.
What are the things (reasonable or otherwise) that really annoy you ?
Comments
570 Comments so far
Screaming babies. only one thing to say: EAR RAPE
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There is no letter ‘k’ in the word nothing, nor does it include an ‘f’. The day after Friday is ‘Saturday’ not ‘Satday’.
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I hate it when people say “renumeration” when they mean “remuneration”. I’m always tempted to say, “What? Count again?”
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People that say ‘thank god it’s Friday’. I want to punch them in the head.
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1. Using “cookie” and “cup cake” instead of “biscuit” and “patty cake”, unless one is actually North American.
2. “Like”, “literally”, “Oh. My. God.” and all those things that the youth of today seem to be afflicted with. Yes, I’m 29 going on 79!
3. Australian flags on cars.
4. Copious FB status updates about, for example, the bowel movements of babies.
5. “I should of…” instead of “I should have”.
6. Mobile phone usage – in trains (nearly always unnecessary), when I’m having a coffee or a meal with someone, when I’m in line to be served and the person in front of me is negotiating a phone conversation at the same time as buying something etc.
7. Fashion – I just don’t get it.
8. People overtaking me when I’m doing the speed limit. I secretly hope that there is a camera nearby and they get snapped.
9. Expressions which come into fashion which are then so overused that they are hideously unimaginative and epitomise the herd mentality. Variations on “harden the fcuk up” and “epic fail” spring to mind at the moment.
10. The fact that nearly all of mine are quite unreasonable!
I think that notsomadboy posting about so many of the comments indicating a fundamental dislike for others is absolutely correct! I frequently catch myself out when I’m annoyed and think to myself “relax, not everyone has the same values, sense of etiquette, education, upbringing etc. as you”. And if that sounds arrogant, I don’t mean for it to sound like that – I imply no judgement that my values, sense of etiquette etc are any better or worse than anyone else’s – merely, that they are different.
It is the thing that frustrates me most about myself, especially as it would be horrible if the whole world was made up of people like me! Anyway, thanks for this because I’m so glad that I have a forum to express all of mine – knowing how unreasonable they are, I very rarely express them!
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I have never heard a cupcake being called a ‘patty cake’ before and I’m 28, have lived in Australia for my whole life. Patty cake sounds creepy to me, to be honest! Kind of like ‘panties’ !!!
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Oh no! I am with Anon. I hate cupcake..it’s patty cake. Cupcake is American.
Looks like cupcake has won out though, if a 26 year old Aussie born person has NEVER heard of patty cake. How sad.
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I cant cope with people pandering on this website to the authors, I dont know why but it bothers me. Oh Zoe I just adore your nailpolish colour, where can I get it ? , seriously ?? , Or Mia I l just adore your new necklace, where did you get it? I need one so yesterday….. Or oh Mia I think I have a girl crush on you…. Bla bla bla… …SO annoying….
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Everyone breathe. Now look at everyone’s comments…
The majority of comments are linked by one thing: A fundamental dislike of other people, a failure to accept that not everyone behaves like you and a failure to no sweat the small stuff and chill out.
A Psychologist could have a field day with this.
And for the record: My pet peeves are sand in my underwear, a rock in my shoe, or a smudge on my glasses….
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Definitely No. 1, people who incorrectly use your instead of you’re….. There just bloody stupid.
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Um, sorry if you’re going to bang on about grammar and call people bloody stupid.. maybe it’s best to get there and “they’re” correct. Just a thought.
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My pet peeve is people who whinge about other people’s grammar. Show me your flawless, entirely grammatically correct sentence before getting on your high horse because you can differentiate between ‘your’ and ‘you’re’.
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I don’t think text speak is really that bad. Hating on it just makes you sound old. There’s a certain genius in conveying a clear message in the fewest possible characters.
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It’s amusing to see the repeat posters here. There are a few posters who are obviously delighting in venting their pet peeves of which they have a lot!!! Blood pressure tablets anyone?
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See my mum and dad were both smokers, smoked when she was pregnant with me, all when I was growing up…. and even though i’m not a regular smoker myself, I actually quite like the smell of them!
My one biggest hate though………….. SLOW DRIVERS!
If you can;t push the gas pedal down to the appropriate speed on the road, then maybe you’d be better off getting public transport.
It’s dangerous and slow drivers should be punished!
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Hate slow drivers. On the freeway here it’s 90km, but there’s a speed camera, so people slow down to about 70. You only get in trouble if you’re going OVER the speed limit, you idiots!
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Yes, slow drivers that go along at 50kph in a 60 zone, but who continue at 50kph though a 40 zone. Slow drivers AND speeders irritate me.
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Quite topical right now with everyone going Christmas shopping and struggling to find a parking spot. But not being able to find a legal parking spot, only planning to be a few minutes or knowing there is nobody around to issue a parking ticket is no excuse to park illegally in a disabled spot, no stopping zone or over someone elses driveway. Its just rude.
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I wouldn’t call it annoying… But something that I just don’t get is leashes on children! That is your child- not your dog! I handled having 3 under 4 without needing to put a lead on any of my children!
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I used to feel the same about kid leashes… but then my sister had twins after her first child, and I’m starting to understanf them! She doesn’t have one, but I seriously suggested it to her – her three girls are wonderful, but they are go crazy when they’re in public, and you really have to watch each one or she’s go bolting away. It’s fine if there’s one adult for each kid, when I visit her and she and her husband and I take the kids out… but when there’s one person it gets a bit terrifying when you’re coaxing one 2 year old to stay put and the other is running for the park across the road!
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Actually, you’re right! Having twins going through the terrible twos at exactly the same time would be so hard!!
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People with placid kids wont understand it. My girls were easy toddlers and complied beautifully. Then I had boys who liked to run away. And it was the best option. Do I let them run away and onto the road or do I restrain them for their own safety and my sanity?
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My Mum had me and twins two years later, I used to wander all the time, and I think my brother did too. She’s always really hated those leashes.
Last year I saw a kid with an unfortunate outfit – he had one of those leashes on and a jacket with a hood that had puppy ears. He had the hoodie up…
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I had my 4 children very close, at one stage I had 4 under 4. Going out with them all was necessary sometimes and if I didnt have a leash it would have been far more difficult. Actually practically impossible. Even with a double pram to push I only have 2 hands and I had to keep them all safe. Personally I cant stand it when people let their toddlers run wild in shops with no respect for the shopkeepers business or the other customers. If my child restrained on a leash for a short time during his terrible twos stopped me being one of ‘those’ mothers I dont care if people didnt like the look of the leash. It kept him close to me and controlled in public spaces.
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I felt the same way, until I had my third child. He has autism and is a runner. A leash is the only way to control him when in public. Next time you see a kid on a leash feel some sympathy for the parent rather than judgement, there’s a good reason we use them.
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I had a leash when I was a kid. I was quiet and a wanderer. It wasn’t that I was deliberately running away, just that I’d notice something and wander off. I was the only one out of the four of us kids that needed one. I think the local police actually suggested it because I’d usually end up there: waiting for mum to find me.
It kept me safe and I don’t know of any ill effects from it, for me personally.
Actually, my mum still “threatens” to use it when we go out as I still wander off…
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1. My lovely but insanely disorganised in-laws texting me three days before Christmas asking me to “please pick out presents for the kids because you know better than us what they want.” Yes, I do and I’m happy to organise this but I now have three kids on school holidays and a husband working all the overtime he can get. You know this means I’ll be shopping at 11pm on Christmas Eve. Just because you are happy doing everything at the last minute doesn’t mean everyone else is!
2. My lovely, always loyal husband excusing them with “they’ve been really busy”. With what – they’re retired!? The Sunday papers?
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Sounds like my sister in law. Wanted me to travel to her shops on the other side of Sydney to shop for our kids Christmas presents from each other. She couldnt come to me or even meet me half way because she had to be home for school pick-up. Her child is 17. I have Primary school aged children.
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Things that annoy me:
1) Greedy people (especially when they feel the need to post pictures of what they’re eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner, over facebook)
2) Liars
3) People who stare (like didn’t your mother teach you staring is rude?)
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I would have to say Christmas after working in a shopping centre this year . The endless drone of christmas carols , overcrowded carparks and food courts full of overweight people pushing their way in and stressed out kids screaming at santa. Over IT!
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talking at the movies. It’s gotten so bad that I don’t want to go anymore.
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Yep. If you want to have a chat, wait till it comes out on dvd. Otherwise, shut up!
And don’t get your knickers in a knot and act all incredulous when I tell you to be quiet.
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Last time I went with my mum she constantly told people, even kids who were with their parents, to be quiet. She told one mother if she wasnt going to teach her child manners somebody else had to! I wanted to slink away and sit alone.
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1. The dog next door that barks incessently for no reason and his owners who never walk him
2. Inconsiderate smokers – Dude, not cool to smoke underneath my bedroom window!
3. People using the word “nothing” instead of “anything” as in “I wasn’t doing nothing”
4. The song “Menamanup do do do do-do”
5. The guy who gets the audience of ready steady cook to do the fake “awwws” over the food.
6. People who trail off their sentences with “so…….” often accompanied by “yeah….” and then a vague look into the mid distance.
7. All the shit drivers on the roads at the moment. It’s only Christmas people – not the last day on earth. Although, if you keep driving like that it will be.
8. The fact that I’m seriously thinking of voting for the Catter party as I’m hating on both major parties her in QLD.
9. Excessive packaging (like the walkers chocolates I bought masquerading as liquor chocolates. Flavoured fondant does not count.
10. When you are super sure your baby is fast asleep and you can have a shower, only to step out to said baby crying!!
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When did people start referring to women as “females” only? The news is full of statements like “A female was crossing the road…” or that Biggest Loser ad where the contestant says that he can’t approach a ‘female’. I’m not sure why but this really gets on my nerves. Is it so hard to refer to us as women or as a woman? Female makes me think of dogs or turtles or something like that.
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I do that sometimes – it’s a throwback from my time in the military, it was all males and females, never men and women.
Not sure about why the media at large does it. I do always think it sounds a bit funny to hear 19 year old woman or man. Female/male covers just the gender rather than identifying as a woman/girl/chick guy/dude/bloke? Takes away preconceived ideas? I don’t know, just wondering out loud.
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I get irrationally mad at people who don’t give ‘the wave’ when you let them in in traffic – there needs to be some form of punishment for that
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I always wave! It’s definitely an unwritten rule… and I do it because nine times out of ten i want to get out the car and hug them because most people are rude and don’t let you in! haha
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hear hear!!!! It’s especially bad in Qld… people need to learn manners on the roads!
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while we are on traffic – HELLO – slow cars in left lane, over take in the Right lane(s) – ALWAYS, no exceptions.
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My current pet peeve is this habit everyone seems to have gotten into of using ‘this’ as a full sentence.
People do it on here, too, I’ve noticed. There is a comment made and then someone else comments ‘This’
Oh but people retweeting with a ‘+1′ on twitter doesn’t bother me.
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My pet peeve is people who push into a line and dont wait their turn. I think I almost created an international incident once at Rome airport. After a long overnight flight from Singapore to Rome our jumbo load of passengers had to queue for one, yes one, immigration officer. At first everyone was orderly and patient however another three jumbo’s landed and still only one person on deck to process all the passengers. Three American’s were making a blatant attempt to push in front of myself and my husband. Let me tell you, after already standing in a stuffy, overcrowded arrivals hall for two hours already I wasn’t about to let this happen. Needless to say what happened next wasn’t pretty but let’s just say they got the message along the lines of rude American tourists giving American’s a bad name (and so did everyone else in the hall for that matter) and nobody pushed in front of me. I think my lovely quiet natured husband wanted to curl up and die.
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We had the same thing happen here in Australia at the customs line after one of those long legs from Europe. A few tourists decided to head straight to the front of the queue. One of our lovely customs worked yelled out loudly ‘the custom here is to go to the end of the line and wait like everyone else’. Some countries do have a pushing in culture so a gentle reminder that its not acceptable here is all they need.
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When people say ‘correct’ instead of ‘yes’. Such as:
“Are you going out tonight?”
“Correct.”
What are you, my friggin year 2 teacher?
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That just doesn’t make sense!
My Uncle uses “correct” a lot, but I think that comes from his underlings at work confirming stuff with him, so he says “Correct”.
I used it the other day in that context in comments on facebook – someone said “I think the story is…” and I responded “Correct”. Bit different to what you’re saying happens though.
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I hate comments (written and verbal) where people are (I think) trying to be polite, but it’s actually just unnecessary padding. Things like:
Can I just say
For me, personally
Sorry, but (very occasionally warranted)
No offence
Please don’t take this the wrong way
If you want to say something, just say it!
Also when people complain about articles or comments “That’s very hurtful to …”. If every article that might offend or upset someone wasn’t published, it would be very dull indeed.
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Kris, interesting you say that because I’ve noticed that your comments often come across as very blunt and occasionally harsh, and this is probably why. Obviously I don’t know you and you may very well be the loveliest person but in the online world it’s hard to know because there is no tone in text. All you see is these blunt words and sometimes it helps to soften your words a little by using one of your examples above, particularly when the discussion is on a sensitive topic.
I like to use “for me, personally” online, it means this is my opinion and you can have yours, whereas without ever saying something along those lines, a comment can read very “I am right and you’re wrong.”
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Same Jess that had a go at me before, right?
I don’t think it softens the blow, it is unnecessary. I think people are scared of others disagreeing with them, and aren’t very good at it. You don’t have to agree on everything to be friends with people and to still like them!
I think you get to know people through their writing online, and there are a number of people here who’ve met me personally, and they can tell you I’m the same online as offline. I don’t think there’s any point pandering. It’s like saying “With all due respect”. Everyone knows that whatever follows is going to show they have no respect for you whatsoever.
I also think that tone is a lot to do with the receiver, and if you’re unsure about a stand you’re making or especially sensitive about something, then the tone you take from something isn’t necessarily the spirit in which a comment is made. It doesn’t make me (or whoever’s making it) a big meanie, most of the time. It just means you don’t like what has been said.
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I have met Kris and agree she is the same offline as online. I also agree she can be quite blunt, however I do not find her offensive. Perhaps meeting her has helped with that. It is her manner, there is no malice intended.
I speak (in life and online) in much the opposite manner to Kris – in that I usually say “for me”, “I have found”, even usually, sometimes or often (as opposed to always or never). However I feel (just did it then!) both types are valid and I find the way Kris speaks with me, and the way I am able to speak with her, to be frank and I like that.
The other items listed (no offense, but; can I just say; don’t take this the wrong way) are often nought but thinly veiled criticism, and not something I have time for either.
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I have to agree with you Jess.
Kris2040 – I find some of your comments mean spirited, and I often feel that is how you intended them to be. It’s ok to disagree with someone, but may I respectfully request you tone your retorts down – they sting.
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Way to go, Anon. Very brave.
Mean-spirited? I don’t suffer fools gladly, and I will only argue if I can back myself. I make no apologies for that.
This is exactly what I mean by my comment above about how things are taken – you find, you feel. I am not mean or nasty. These often get thrown up when people ask questions. Asking questions isn’t being mean or taking the piss, it’s asking questions. If you can’t or won’t answer, that’s not my fault.
And if you can’t handle responses to stuff you say, don’t put it out there when you have a fair idea that people will take you to task about it, then complain when they do.
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Regular reader, rare commenter.
Always enjoy reading your comments Kris, in fact I look for your icon as I know what will follow will be honest, to the point and considered.
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I like bluntness, probably because I’m that way myself. I prefer to know straight up what people think without the BS .
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Hey Kris, I always enjoy your comments. I like your forthright style and can’t think of a single comment you have made with which I don’t agree.
Take no prisoners.
Tell it like it is.
Don’t suffer the fools (gladly or otherwise).
I think you and I would get on very well indeed.
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Must be a cheffy trait, chef! Cheers.
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Hi Chef, the way I read your comment is that if you agree with something Kris says, and she doesn’t offend you or hurt your feelings, then she can say anything she likes.
We all have different levels of tolerance, and what I would like to suggest (and this is how I live my life) is that if you say something to someone, which then hurts their feelings and they tell you this, you don’t just ignore them – they are not invisible, they are human and their feelings are just as valid as yours.
And Kris, alot of your comments are subjective, not objective, and there is usually two or more ways to look at every situation. And no side (unless it is illegal or life threatening) is more right than another – it’s just your opinion.
Please be nice
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Everyone’s comments are subjective, Guest. Of course anything I say is my opinion. I have no problem with people disagreeing. I just recognise that if I post something, it’s up for public debate. If someone commenting on something you say in a negative way worries you, either be prepared for it or don’t post it.
I’d really love some examples of my nastiness/mean-spiritedness. I’m not nasty at all.
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Kris
Here’s an example of something you said that was mean.
In your post a few weeks back when you told MM why you were not planning to work to support yourself and your child, you stated that you were going to go and study and live off government benefits.
Your reason – you were not going to take some crappy customer service job.
Way to go insulting those of us that do work in customer service (like me – and I’m a single mum, solely supporting my children).
Nasty and mean – I stand by my comment.
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That’s a pretty long bow to draw, Guest. And it certainly wasn’t meant as an insult to to anyone who does it.
I think you’ll find that I also said I’d done those kind of jobs a number of times and it helped my depression right along too, which I’d really rather avoid happening again, and if that “offends you”, so be it.
Don’t cherry pick comments out of context to try and bolster your argument. That is saying that that kind of job isn’t for me, as I it was bad for me. It isn’t being mean or nasty to you or anyone else who does those jobs. I don’t feel a need for everyone to like me, I don’t care if others don’t. I don’t like everyone either. But don’t misrepresent me to try and make your argument.
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OK Kris2040, here’s your demeaning comment, cut and pasted.
“Exactly, Susan. I’ve applied for uni for next year now KDot is here – I have no intention of getting a shitty customer service job that does my head in and dragging myself there day in day out only to hand it over in childcare payments anyway. I plan to get my degree and use the help that’s available for childcare to benefit BOTH OF US. I can’t fathom how anyone can think that being on the single parent payment is a luxurious lifestyle and I certainly can’t fathom anyone wanting to do it for any longer than they need to.
Once I’ve got her in childcare and I’m sorted for study, I’ll be going for any work that I can get as well”
So no, I didn’t misrepresent you. And no, you didn’t mention depression, nor previous customer service experience you may have had.
And what you choose to do does not offend me, but calling my job a “shitty” one, does offend me.
You asked for proof of a mean comment. I’ve stated one.
If you choose not to own your comment, I can’t make you. You can continue to argue your point. I am choosing not to reply further, and I will be avoiding you online.
Peace out.
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hi guest,
i can see how you might feel offended if you work in customer service but i think kris was trying to say that she is not going to take on something else, on top of studying if there is no real benefit ie. all her wages go to childcare. i am sure she was not meaning to be demeaning to anyone.
i read that comment and remember thinking that it was really sensible to throw yourself into studying and get through the degree as quickly as possible.
i am glad when i hear single mothers using the payments and benefits they receive to further their education. i wish her the best.
i know kris’s comments can be very straight down the line, she doesn’t sugarcoat, we don’t always agree but i respect her strong beliefs
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Guest. First of all, where have I not “owned” my comments? I wouldn’t put my name and photo to them if I didn’t. And I acknowledged your mention of this dastardly piece of writing, and talked about it when you brought it up. How is that not owning it? Disagreeing with you about what I meant when I wrote it isn’t ignoring it or “not owning” it. Quite the opposite, I think you’ll find. I have already said that it wasn’t meant to be nasty, yet you carry on about it being so.
I think you are taking it out of context – thanks for going back and finding it, by the way. I think it’s pretty apparent that even if that post isn’t a part of a conversation (and I’m not as big a watcher of me as you are, it would seem), what I was planning was a pretty current theme at the time I wrote it – it certainly isn’t me breaking any exciting news. And it most certainly isn’t me saying “Anyone who works in customer service is a crappy person”.
I’ve been quite open about my depression and the effect that my customer service jobs had on me. It’s no secret.
Out of interest, what were the posts around that, and that I was replying to? I bet if you were to look at my posts from around that time you’d find a lot about what I was planning to do and why.
I was talking about if I were to go to work, I’d be handing over most of the pay I’d get (with my qualifications and experience) to childcare and wouldn’t get ahead at all. That’s true – I WOULD be doing that. I don’t have to do that so I’m not going to.
Avoid me online, don’t, I really don’t care. I hope it makes you feel better though.
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Long time reader, very rarely comment, but just have to say – agree 100% Jess.
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I tend to sometimes teeter on the borderline with my use of language. I actually try to consciously use softer language because I am quite opinionated, as you are Kris. I agree that some phrases are used to wrap something potentially mean and harsh in cotton wool and don’t actually soften the blow at all, but I think at least it shows that a person is not meaning to offend anyone. I do hate it when people used the phrases “don’t take this the wrong way” or “no offence” before insulting someone. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you are so ugly today”. Erm, how else should I take it? When you say something nasty, don’t try to pretend you don’t mean to offend or hurt someone, just own it.
I think you are great to passionately debate things with on this site Kris! But I have to confess I thought that comment you made directly to someone about wearing joggers with work clothes look crap was a bit rough. I would have said “My opinion is that they don’t look right together” instead…. but we all express our opinions in different ways. That’s what makes the world go round!
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Jeggings, smokers, people who insist on spitting in public, BO, dreadlocks, camel toes, men with unclipped fingernails…. I could go on and on
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Yes yes yes, men who don’t clip their fingernails, and spitting. Eurghhhh.
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a friend of mine says ‘noo’ not new, very annoying.
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I am in the US at the moment, and if I don’t say ‘noo’ (new), or ‘toona’ (tuna), or anything else of a similar pronounciation, they have no clue what I’m talking about.
Most expats have no problems translating anything into a format Americans can understand, but in general, Americans are hopeless at doing the reverse. How come I can understand that a shopping trolley and a shopping cart are the same thing, but when I call it a trolley, they look at me as though I’ve sprouted antennae?
I will have no problems re-adopting Aussie pronounciation when I return – I look forward to the day!
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I fucking hate it when you go out to dinner with girlfriends and they text while at the table. Or people who talk on their phones in trains. Stupid FB updates. Children who leave the table without taking their plates to the sink. Players who backchat umpires.
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Yes yes yes and yes!
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No 1 seriously kills me, I constantly want to comment on a person’s FB status when they use your instead of you’re. Also people that spell definitely with an “a”. Grrr.
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I think whoever coined the phrase ‘the silly season’ must have worked in retail. I used to work at the ABC shop and we’d keep a score board over Christmas of the most bizarre customer requests – like a replica of the statue of David. People also used to think that we were ‘taxpayer’ funded (not so) so they could ask us to do all sorts of things for them – like call other shops (like Big W) to find out if they certain items that we didn’t sell. Oh and pay their phonebilll – before Telstra was privatised – because we’re all ‘government’! As part of this logic I even had a customer tell me that we should sell things cheaper than other retailers so poor people could afford them!
The most annoying thing a customer can say in my opinion is “but I was told I could get it here”. By who? Like your neighbour is more of an authority on our stock than I am. It’s hard to say “You were told wrong” in a polite manner!
Sorry, the scars are obviously still there! Merry Christmas to all who work in retail, may you survive the next two days.
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Pay their Telstra bill? No way!
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Reading these posts is funny, but it’s made me realise that most of these rants are just the little stuff. Along with the retail/hospitality workers, I’ve worked with the public for over 20 years as a nurse and have a wealth of stories of annoying things people can do, but life is good and my annoyances are minor.
1. Grammar and spelling (I was always good at this, so it annoys me).
2. Mobile phone manners (or lack of).
3. Stupid Facebook statuses (vague, threatening, emo etc)
4. The “it’s all about me” syndrome.
5. Bad driving
6. Lack of consideration for others
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I’m “a woman”, not “a women”. It drives me batshit crazy when I see this on internet forums.
Wet towels on the end of the bed.
Undies/smelly socks dropped on the floor, inches from the dirty clothes basket.
People who wear strong, migraine-inducing perfume/aftershave.
Commercial FM radio stations.
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The reverse also drives me crazy, where “woman” is used instead of “women”. Even in newspaper headlines, like “Survey says Australian woman buy more bananas than men” or something like that.
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When people say pacific instead of specific. Oh I have to bite my tongue so hard not to yell at them Pacific is an ocean!!!
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Kath and Kim took this one step further when they holidayed in the “Specific Islands”. Too funny.
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Oh yes I have a friend who says it often – kills me each time. ‘Pacifically…’ Sheesh!
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We call them death trap buggies.
The buggies that are attached to the back of a pushbike for kids to sit in. In an age of air bags, child restraints, seatbelts, helmets and other life saving laws why on earth are people allowed to sit their child in a mesh cage on wheels and ride down the road with them in it?
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Yes! Also those fucking recumbent bikes.
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I’m not normally a wuss about stuff, but they scare the crap out of me. I quite enjoy bike riding and often think “Oh, that’d be good” when I see a nice bike that’s cheap. Then I remember that I wouldn’t actually be able to ride it anywhere meaningful because there’s no way I’d put KDot at risk by putting her in one of those buggy things, or a seat on the back of the bike. Some jerks threw a can of drink at my helmet once, I don’t want to risk that happening again. So until she’s big enough to teach and take for rides on the bike track, no bike for me.
Oh, that just reminded me of an absolute pet hate of mine. People riding their bike with their helmet dangling from their backpack or handlebars.
x10000 when it’s an adult riding with kids! Put your bloody helmet on, you idiot!
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I agree. Also they are just at the level of all the vehicles exhaust pipes. I Hate thinking about all the crap that is getting blown in their face when stationary at lights etc.
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Just discussed this with my husband last night, after hearing that a friend’s toddler had gone over the side of the bridge in our local park in one of these deathtraps. I don’t know why these things are legal, perhaps someone could research this. I might do it myself after Christmas.
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Wow, I’m really amazed that wonky grammar is at the forefront of so many people’s minds as a major irritant. Quite heartening to me personally after years of classroom battles with disinterested teens who couldn’t give a rat’s.
Merry Christmas!
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#1: Inconsiderate smokers. I absolutely hate smoking but I understand that people still do it and its their choice. But do not force me to smoke by default because you’re too inconsiderate to smoke away from doorways or put your cigarette by your side while you’re smoking it near me.
#2: People who cannot dress appropriately. It drives me mad that no one dresses up anymore. Part of the reason going to the opera or a wedding or a fancy restaurant is special is because you put on your Sunday best. That ambience is taken away when people are wearing tracksuit pants.
#3: Negative people. I’ve got friends who do nothing but complain about their lives and how much they hate their jobs and how they’ll be alone forever. But they make no steps to change their jobs or join online dating or change their situation in any way. They just like to whinge.
#4: Sniffers. There is nothing worse than being on the train and trying to read but the person next to you won’t stop sniffing. It drives me crazy. Blow your damn nose!
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#1: Inconsiderate smokers. I absolutely hate smoking but I understand that people still do it and its their choice. But do not force me to smoke by default because you’re too inconsiderate to smoke away from doorways or put your cigarette by your side while you’re smoking it near me.
I’m a smoker and I hate this! Yes, I’m addicted, yes, I know it’s probably going to kill me, but see point A. I’m addicted. I don’t want to know that my disgusting habit is hurting anyone else!
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I hate it too, sarah. If people are so precious about health, why aren’t they complaining about car exhaust as much as they complain smoke? Carbon monoxide kills much faster than cigarette smoke!
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I think Sarah was agreeing with Jess?
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I understand that you’re addicted but that doesn’t mean I have to inhale your smoke while I eat my dinner outside at a restaurant or walking down the street does it? So yes non-smokers have a right to rant.
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I agree with your comments about people no longer dressing up Jess. I love having occasions to dress up but it does seem that some people have no clue about appropriate attire. I’m appalled when I see people at brunch in their exercise clothes, shoppers at the supermarket with bed hair, tracksuit pants at a restaurant, nightclub clothes at weddings, Ed Hardy at dinner, and so on. I also don’t want to see underarms, midriffs, bum cracks, tramp stamps, bras, g-strings, or crusty feet please.
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People who pretend they have allergies. This drives me insane. I work in a coffee shop and there is regular customer who has two little girls both with coeliacs disease. We take extra care to wash tongs etc when getting her gluten-free slice out and never toast it because the toaster has other crumbs in it. Then others will come up and tell me they’re ‘allergic to gluten’ and when we go to the trouble of doing the same thing, they complain and tell us to just toast it normally. Or when people overshare that they ‘get the runs because I’m lactose intolerant’ so I HAVE to have skim milk’. When will people understand that skim milk has just as much lactose as full cream? They remove the fat, not the lactose. Unless you’ve been to have an alergy test, you can’t know that you’re deathly allergic to something, so please don’t insult those that are by saying it – just be honest and say you’re fussy!
People hassling me in the street about bringing Jesus into my life or taking a Watchtower. It’s fine if it’s once or twice – I understand people want to share their faith. But when I walk past the same spot every day for weeks on end, and every day they shove things under my nose, I start to lose the polite edge to my voice when I say ‘no, thank you’.Recently a woman shouted at me and told me I was rude because I’d had enough and just walked past without saying anything. I turned back and said ‘actually, I’ve politely told you the last 3 weeks that I’m not interested, and you have continued to stop me in the street. I have respected your beliefs by politely declining, it’s now your turn to respect mine by leaving me be’. She looked angry.
Shop assistants (usually in the 18-22 age bracket) that talk to me as if a) we’re friends (‘Hey babe! You would look so cute in these denim shorts that show off your bum cheeks, there’s only a 6 left, but you can squeeze into them!’), treat me as if I’ve interrupted their private conversations or very important day (after 20 minutes of waiting: ‘Oh… are you right?’) or ignore me completely. No wonder everyone is turning to the internet!
On that note however, I worked in retail for years and also hate it when customers come in and speak to you as if you’re their personal servant or beneath them. Likewise, when people make snide comments about certain work types. The other day I overheard a man say to a shop owner (in reference to the workmen out on the street redoing the pavement) ‘Ah yes, the rocket scientists are out there again!’ Oi, if those guys didn’t do their job, you wouldn’t have a nice smooth road to drive your shiny BMW on, so stop being such a snob and shut up.
People who get into debates but refuse to listen to the other person.
People who bring their (non Guide Dog) dogs into the doctor’s office/bank/grocery store/coffee shop/chemist. I don’t care how much you love your little Fluffy, it’s icky.
People who stand in the middle os escalators.
People who ask for their coffee ‘extra hot’ then come back and complain when they burn their tongue.
People who offer parents advice on how to care for/discipline their children (especially when they don’t have kids of their own!). I don’t have my own kids yet, but the amount of times I’ve been with my stepson (who’s exceedingly well-behaved, for a 4 year old, I have to admit!) and start telling me what I should with him. I might not be his actual mother, but I help keep him alive and happy on a regular basis, I think I’m ok, thanks.
Text/internet speak. I loathe it.
People who emphatically HATE things they haven’t actually read or seen (I’m convinced the folks that loathe Twilight with the fire of a thousand suns haven’t actually read them. Sure, they aren’t exactly the most amazing literary masterpieces, but they’re a bit of fun, and ujntil you’ve actually read them, just shush and let us enjoy our fluff!). My fiance is one of these people!!
When people say ‘you look tired’. That’s just a slightly more polite way of saying ‘you look awful’.
People who go out of their way to spread dangerous and damaging lies, especially amongst communities which already have enormous health and education issues (Meryl Dorey, I’m looking at you and the crap you said on an Indigenous radio talkshow the other day. Many Indigenous Australians already have severe health issues that need addressing, they do not need you filling their heads with rubbish about not vaccinating, feeding on their already strong mistrust of the government to better your crazy beliefs).
Hmm… that was cathartic!
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I worked in a coffee shop for many years and one of my biggest hates was the person with the fake allergies. People don’t need to lie, I’ll make what ever you want however you want it. Faking an allergy is douchey.
I think I have bout a million pet hates for my coffee shop years.
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We know a child who has to follow a gluten free diet yet has never been diagnosed! Sometimes I think the parents like to sound trendy!
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My kid has an intolerance to gluten rather than an allergy, so it hasn’t been diagnosed as such-just a recommendation from a dietician/naturopath. I can tell you that there is nothing ‘trendy’ about the food bills or the extra meal we now need to make for his dinner, nor the look of disappointment on his face when he sees other kids eating ‘normal’ food.
I
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Amy – when I was in the navy, I used to make up sandwich packs for those who weren’t around for lunch (eg working elsewhere). I had these two kids come up and tell me they needed special lunches made because they had allergies. One was tomatoes, which was fair enough. The other? Mayonnaise. I asked what in the mayonnaise they were allergic to, in case it was egg so we knew not to do egg for this person. They answered “Um, just, mayonnaise”. Right, so you’re not actually allergic then? “No, No, I am!” What to then? “Um, mayonnaise.”. OK then, buhbye.
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HaHa Kris, A couple of stories.
My flatemate who had Soy (ie dairy free) Mayo… ummm Egg, Oil, is not dairy!
The other friend who was “deathly allergic to seafood, soooo allergic that my throat swelled up in the same room as salmon sandwiches” This girl ate a lot of thai and other asian food which I know for certain has at a bare minimum fish sauce in it!
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That was the best part about the mayo allergy – we used to make a huge batch of mayo once or twice a week, and from that we’d use it on sandwiches, make it into Caesar salad and other dressings.
You’d be amazed at the number of people with allergies to fish who eat Caesar salad (with anchovies in the dressing).
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I’m allergic to fish and even get wheezy just by smelling it when someone is cooking it. I eat Thai food but have been fine with it. Maybe you don’t understand your “friend’s” allergies.
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Oh, you’ve reminded me… CHARITY MUGGERS.
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Ah, chuggers. Hate ‘em. The thing that shits me the most is the fake “hiiiiii! Can I ask you a question?” I would respect them far more if they dropped the fake new best friend shtick and just asked for my cash.
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In regard to people hating things they’ve never seen or heard, how about all the people who hate America but have never been there. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard someone say how much they hate America and “the yanks” but they’ve never been to the place. Interestingly, I can’t think of anyone from the top of my head who has actually been there and hates it.
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Oooh, that really annoys me!!! America might have it’s faults, but so does any country – I still the place is awesome and beautiful!
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Anyone who asks for skim milk coffee would seriously not be lactose intolerant. Skim milk has extra whey added to it which is loaded with lactose, more so than whole milk. Dairy producers add whey powder to create extra ‘body/flavour’ as taking out the fat makes skim milk very bland. At least you will be able to get a laugh next time someone tells you that or if you’re having a good day and feeling kindly disposed, you could maybe educate them by telling them the truth about skim milk.
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I think I did know thast skin has more lactose… but I didn’t know how. Thanks! I think it’s the same with lots of ‘fat free’ things.. they add more sugar and/or salt to balance the crappy flavour!
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Maybe it’s a trust thing. I’ve pulled the allergy card with the coffee before…I had to because I saw the Barista using FC milk in the last skim coffee I ordered. Seemed more polite/discreet to emphasise an intolerance than to start something with the staff.
Would be annoying though
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I cannot stand the way some people say “anythink”, “somethink”, “nothink”…can’t freakin stand it!!!!
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Dog prams. They really prove to me just how humanised pets are becoming in our society. I don’t care if you have a toy poodle, it’s a dog and it goes woof and it doesn’t belong in a pram.
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What the? Is that for real?
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It sure is ‘for real’ here in the States. I’ve seen at least five. Googling ‘dog stroller’ is a scary experience. A rationale for one of the sellers of this product: ‘Why get a Dog Stroller? Let’s face it, pets love to spend quality time with us and if that means a fun ride to grocery store, so be it.’ The grocery store. Yeah, that’s right. The grocery store. The sense of entitlement by some dog owners in this world…honestly. I have a big Retriever and I love him to bits but there are boundaries. Just because you have a small dog…you shouldn’t feel that you can take it everywhere with you.
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Seriously?? Wow, I must have been living under a rock. People really do this? I had to laugh when I saw the picture – I thought it was hilarious. Now you have said they are real, I am not sure WHAT to think.
*wanders off shaking head*
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You can absolutely get them here – my friend took her two maltese to the dog park where a bigger dog got into a fight with them (probably because they have dyed pink and purple ears…a story for another day). So she rushed out and bought a dog stroller and ‘walks’ them in that.
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‘probably because they have dyed pink and purple ears’
Oh, my!
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Oh, yuck. Caesar Milan would be revolted.
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But what if you’ve got an old doggie who likes to go out into the outside world but has trouble walking very far
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A couple of my annoyances:
People (shop assistants) who ask if I want anything kelse! I want to answer “No thang you.”
People who think the name Xavier needs an extra syllable in front of it; to whit, Egg. No, his name’s Xavier, not Egg-Xavier.
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The X-Men movies are responsible for the Egg-Xavier monstrosity.
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Yes, that annoys me too. Although on the flipside, you could avoid that by going with a bogan phonetic spelling. Zayvyah. Has a nice ring to it.
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People who STAND on those walkalator/rollators that you find in airports/train stations/Disneyland. They’re for getting your destination quicker people, not to have a rest and hog all the space. Keep to the right (or left, depending where you live) and keep moving. Or I will shove you out the way. It’s very satisfying.
People with prams who make no attempt to avoid colliding with others. You should have bought one with front wheels that swivel, dumb arse.
Shopping aisle hoggers. Move to one side if you’re going to stand and chitchat/ponder over the home brand vs heinz beans.
People who sit on the outside seat on the bus/train and have their bag on the seat next to them and avoid all possible eye contact so they don’t feel obliged to move. I now actively seek these people out to make them move. It gives me great pleasure.
Obviously I’m a bit stabby and could use a cup of tea….
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Yes, can’t stand the standers! I lived in London for a few years before settling in Oz and I LOVED how people would stand to the left when going up/down escalators so us fast walkers could pass by…now living in Newcastle (Australia) I get annoyed at the people who stand two across and don’t let me wizz through-not that there are that many escalators in Newcastle anyway, maybe 3…or 4
Another annoyance are the people (maybe it’s just Newcastle) who go soo
s l o w when making right hand turns at traffic signals, ensuring they get through but no one else…
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I’m from Newcastle (I now live elsewhere) and yes…people are slow turning. Newcastle has it’s own system of driving. If you overtake someone, it’s a personal insult. If you try to overtake someone, it’s a personal insult. If the person in front of you is driving too slowly or too quickly, shockingly enough it’s a personal insult.
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Theyre like that in Brisbane.
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i noticed Newcastle has that weird cross intersection thing where everyone has a stop sign in front of them… how do you know whose turn it is to go if everyone approaches at once? i had this happen and in the end i just put my foot down and went for it after everyone moved forward and slammed on the brakes 3 or 4 times because we all did it at the same time.
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it’s ‘first in best dressd’, but if everyone gets there at the same time, it’s give way to the right – same as if the lights are out at an intersection, or a roundabout – you give way to those going through, then to the right
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I’m a new mother and what drives me crazy is interfering people whom are not family or close friends giving ‘advice’ on looking after a baby. I have a mother and 2 older sisters plus a few close friends all with children so I’m surrounded by a great support network where I can get plenty of advice if I need it! And I might sound neurotic but I also dislike it when people I don’t know well ask to hold my baby,
Another new one since becoming a parent is people who come to visit when they are sick!! My daughter was born premature and in her first week at home we had 2 different people turn up to visit and then precede to tell me they were sick! I can’t believe how inconsiderate people are, you don’t visit a newborn baby (especially a premature one!) when you are sick! How selfish!
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Did you kick them out? I would have. Zero tolerance for that around a newborn.
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Not neurotic! no sick people in the house, I don’t know you, back off from my cub, and don’t give unwanted advice are probably on the list of all mothers of newborns……
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You dont visit ANYONE when sick. People are so crazy and obsessed with being busy all they time they cant even stay home when they’re sick!
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Not trying to have a go at your post KO but people who complain about other peoples facebook updates about their kids, babies, pregnancies, life etc! If you aren’t interested don’t read them! That’s what I love about facebook, I have friends all over the world that I don’t have much time to talk to but I still feel like I know a bit about what’s going on their everday lives!
and say that I also dislike it when people write a vague update with a nasty undertone. You know they are trying to get at someone but I think that’s a personal thing not something to be aired publicly!
Saying that though, I will also make a contradiction
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I am at the age where everyone I know is having babies (including myself!) and my facebook is FLOODED with baby photos and videos and preggers belly pictures and nursery progress shots. Some even post weekly belly shots. Ok, I can appreciate an update pic every two months or so but I certainly don’t see the need for weekly shots!
I feel like I’m not being a good facebook friend if I don’t comment on or ‘like’ every baby or belly photo… so now I just don’t check my facebook that often. It’s easier!
As for me, I have decided to rebel against it all and have refused to post even one belly shot! (Am almost 30 weeks)
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I agree! I have a few Facebook friends that put photo after photo on Facebook like we all need to see how their child’s day goes from start to finish. One of my close friends sister put up NAKED pics of her son playing and I thought enough! Delete!!
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People.
Mostly (but not always) other people.
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Ah, I have some more.
People who type strange things with no meaning, leaving you scratching your brain.
Like:
“should of”.
or people who have no idea what “defiantly” means and use it to mean “definitely”.
” I’ll defiantly do that!” oooh calm down there, tiger.
of course, “their, there, they’re”, “your, you’re” etc.
They’re bikes. People with wheels. It’s hard on a non-native english speaker, it confuses me.
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Ahhh YES!!!!! Another person who hates it when people use defiantly when they mean definitely…how they think it is right, I have no idea!!
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I loathe hearing anyone say “arks” instead of “ask” or “expecially” instead of “especially”.
My major pet peeve since becoming a parent is the bragging and pathetic exaggeration of their child’s “talent” or “intelligence” that some other parents/grandparents carry on with – at 1 and 2 yo ffs. We are all proud of our kid/s but I don’t expect anyone apart from me and my husband’s nearest and dearest to think our daughter is anything special.
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It gets worse. Wait til juniors playing taekwondo for Australia while winning an academic scholarship for high school and sis is playing piano at the school of the arts……..
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So many frickin things come to mind!
Perhaps I’ll start with shop assistants who approach you with: “are you right?”
Er yeah I’m right, but I’d like this top in a size 12 thanks.
Oh and when my 6 yo walks (or rather wanders, stopping dead every 30 seconds) in front of the stroller…please be aware child!!!
I’m fired up!!!!
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Here in the US, there are two catchphrases in stores that get me.
1) ‘Are you finding everything OK?’ Well, if I don’t know what your store sells, how can I know what needs finding?
2) (upon finding everything OK and going to the register to pay) ‘Did you find everything OK?’ Well, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here paying for what I found, would I?
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People who press the button at pedestrian lights, then don’t wait for the walk signal, and just cross if there is a break in traffic. You can’t ‘unpress’ the button. The cars are going to have to stop. So if you press the damn button, have the decency to wait for the walk signal!!!
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I received this text from my 61-year-old mother in law this morning:
Yr a wndfl mum giv n a kis + hg 4 us hav a g8 wk
Usually they take more than one read through to make sense. I’m conflicted, because obviously it’s a sweet sweet message, but come on woman, really??
That and Perth drivers make me crazy… and a few other things, but we haven’t got all week.
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Oh, but Shopping Centres in December just has to go on the list as well.
I work at an office where a major shopping centre is our lunch-time pasture. It’s always busy, but getting a sandwich and getting back to my desk has gone from taking 15 minutes to currently 40. Almost worth it to bring lunch from home…
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Oh !! Perth drivers!!! Don’t get me started!!!!!
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