Pet peeves 

All of us have experienced irritation because of someone’s annoying acts – biting nails, manner of speaking, or something else. These annoying actions are also known as pet peeves – the conduct that causes light irritation. As a rule, this conduct does not include brutal things, but it can make you feel disappointed. And this can lead to the relationships’ destruction. That’s why it’s essential to understand these pet peeves and try to get rid of them.

 So, what are these pet peeves that cause irritation? Let’s find out:

• Micro-Management: The significant part of people do not like when the employer hints to them that they cannot discharge their duties. And, in fact, micro-management does it because it implies control over all little things.
• Complaining: It is one of the most widespread pet peeves. But you should not treat it only as such. This conduct shows that something, in particular, annoys a person and it can be used to fix this situation. Simply ask what has prevented them from doing their work well, and then try to find a solution together.
• Anxiety: Some people feel uneasy when they see other people agitated and stressed (e.g., someone does not cope with his/her duties, makes mistakes on purpose). In fact, constant anxiety is more harmful than helpful for the business processes because it leads to unnecessary nervousness among employees and thus impedes timely response.
• Selfishness: Although you cannot selfless acts from your colleagues, try to refrain from them as far as possible. It’s a bad idea to demand some one-sided benefits from your subordinates, customers, or partners. All of us have our own needs and goals, so it’s reasonable that people do not want to cooperate with those who constantly ask for something.
• Ignorance: In inexperienced managers can also be seen as a pet peeve. But this kind of conduct is preserved only by the lack of organizational experience because this problem is very simple – read manuals before doing something new (especially if you are responsible for safety). There are no formalities in the company; every worker should follow common rules instead of looking for loopholes.
• Frequent mistakes: Wrong decisions, performing wrong duties, or missing deadlines is one of the most common pet peeves in the workplace. First of all, you should understand errors can be made by anyone and it’s better to fix mistakes immediately than let people make them again and again. Thus, try to pay attention to every single detail that is related to your work; also, inform about any information related to the task at hand (or everything that may affect its accomplishment).
• Regularity: This type of pet peeves comes from a lack of punctuality. Yes, we live in a competitive world and there are always numerous tasks waiting for their solution; but showing up late means only one thing – disrespect to personal time for others and yourself. Do not lose sight of this conduct because unwillingness to comply with time is one of the most serious pet peeves.
• Rudeness: It is an integral part of many educational systems (so, some people may consider it necessary). But even if you are rude to someone, do not expect a positive reaction – nobody likes to be treated this way. Besides, you should remember that any person can make a mistake at work or in personal life and the only thing they deserve from their colleagues is understanding and forgiveness instead of rudeness.
• Greediness: This kind of pet peeves comes from over-demandingness towards your workers. Those who want more money for doing less valuable things may find themselves dissatisfied with their jobs very soon because such acts lead to losses for both sides – either you will not be able to afford the desired salary, or your subordinates will quit. However, you should pay attention to this kind of pet peeves because it is the first step towards better efficiency; for example, you can set an achievable bonus program that will motivate your employees without causing them stress (and the company losses).
• Neglecting others' interests: Managers often focus on their own needs and forget about those of others. You can easily recognize such conduct by various signs – unfulfilled promises, lack of proposals for common actions, neglecting opinions of people around. All these issues may cause irritation in team members, so remember its possible consequences and try to assist your colleagues whenever they need help to achieve something.
• Nepotism: It is one of the most frequent pet peeves among companies – someone’s ability does not always reflect on the success of the organization. This kind of inequality leads to demotivation and a bad image of the company, so use objective standards for promotions not only your own opinion.
• Indiscretion: Intrigues and gossiping undermine mutual trust within a team; therefore, try to avoid such activities as far as possible. Even if you do not tell everything about people around to others (parents or friends), remember that indiscreet people usually use wrong information in the future and this will lead to more damage than benefits.
• Laziness: If you want professional results, you need a professional attitude – it is very important especially for managers who motivate their subordinates. Sloppy work or simply ignoring some tasks can be seen as a form of disrespect for your job and team. Thus, you should avoid such pet peeves in the workplace because laziness is very contagious.
• Familiarity: Although being too strict may have its pros, it’s even more effective to create a friendly atmosphere within a company by informal communication between managers and subordinates. You do not need to use nicknames in business conversations, but a few compliments on a regular basis will guarantee mutual respect from both sides; thus, you may become an example for others when following this kind of pet peeves.
• Insubordination: If people under your management fail to follow common rules (or instructions), they demonstrate a lack of respect for you and your colleagues. This is very poor conduct in a business environment where individualism must be managed to achieve the best results. Thus, if you want others to listen to your opinion, follow the same rule yourself; moreover, refrain from any condescending comments or actions that may be interpreted as “I am better than you are” attitude.
• Unclear instructions: Your words should have one meaning only – otherwise people around will continuously ask explanations for unclear messages or tasks. It wastes both managers’ and employees’ time, so it is better to avoid pet peeves of this type by clear instructions on each assignment within the company hierarchy (from employees to managers).
• When someone drinks or chews very loudly: We know you’ll agree with us that it irritates you very much, especially when you try to enjoy the meals.
• When someone’s being late: Of course, there are situations when we have to be late. But when it becomes a problem, it turns into contempt and irritation.
• Interruption: With interruption this way, you demonstrate (or when someone interrupts you) a total indifference to the things your interlocutor says. It can not simply annoy but also cause immense frustration.
• Chatting while watching a movie: The aim is to watch and feel every frame and emotion of the movie. And chatting while watching a film can only disturb it.
• Slowly walking people: When we hurry or are late, we need to go quickly. And slowly walking people can only prevent it, since they are hard to get around.
• Looking at someone’s mobile phone: Nowadays, the mobile phone has sacral meaning for everybody. And someone trying to look at our mobile phone and see what we do there can be a little bit annoying (and for someone, it can be very irritating).
• When someone cuts his nails in front of people. Make a habit of doing it privately.
• When you stand too close to someone: For a significant part of people, personal boundaries are very important. And they get irritated when you stand too close to them. There’s one fact - this pet peeve has become more robust this year.
• Speaking to someone through headphones: When you listen to music in headphones, it means that you do not want to speak. So if you do not take your headphones off and continue the conversation this way, you’ll show disrespect and cause irritation.
• Making turns with no signals: Drivers get angry when someone makes turns without signals. They have to stop short and hardly escape from accidents. So, if you turn and do not show any signs, the other drivers can show you great disrespect (putting it mildly). And do not be surprised by that.
• Poor working Internet: Today, we cannot imagine our lives without the Internet. And if it works poorly, we can feel not simply annoying – some people can even get mad about it.
• Slowly driving drivers: There’s one more thing that irritates the drivers – when someone drives slowly. If anyone needs to get to someplace at a specific time (for example, to work), they can get frustrated when some driver decides to reduce the speed.
• Glaring at someone, especially for a long time: There are people who can stare at others for a long time. It is just not normal or comfortable since it may be interpreted as “I do not like you, I am staring angrily”.
• When you talk about yourself in the third person: It is a clear sign of detachment from reality and also a signal that you are not confident in yourself.
• When someone leaves the door open: When someone closes the door behind themselves, it’s fine to our perception. But when the door remains open, there might come some troublemakers who can enter without permission. So it irritates very much for those who simply want their privacy.
• When someone does not thank you for something they have received or done: You should always thank people for whatever they’ve done when they deserve it (for example, when you receive tips). It would be an excellent way to improve relationships with others around you - do not ignore this pet peeve!
• Speaking with the full mouth.
• Saying that you do not take offense after offensive acts or words.
• When you leave the water running.
• When you crunch bones or joints.
• Pen tapping.
• When someone corrects your spelling or grammar.
• Using the word “literally” in every phrase.
• When you leave dishes dirt in the sink.
• If the dog owners do not clean after their pets.
• Being a pessimist in every situation.
• When people ask to calm down: For some people, these words bring more irritation instead of peace. So, be careful to use these words.
• Comments with passive-aggressive character.
• Crying kids on the plane.
• When you cough or sneeze and do not cover your mouth, especially nowadays during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• If you excessively show affection in public.
• When someone asks too many curious questions.
• When we litter: Today, people are more eco-conscious. So, seeing how you litter and hurt our planet can truly frustrate them.
• Cutting off other drivers during the ride.
• When you are said that you look tired.
• Thunderous laugh.
• Slothful people.
• Boasting about something.
• When you bite your nails.
• Too loud music.
• When your partner snores.
• When someone says he’s sorry that you feel this way.
• Eating food that smells so bad.
• When you’re busy with your phone and do not listen to what other person says to you.
• Don’t be responsible for your words and acts.
• Constantly whine about something.
• When couples argue in front of people.
• Playing loud games in community transport.
• When you leave nasty comments about a TV show or movie that other people like.
• When you scrape the plate with a fork or knife.
• Ignoring the text messages and not answering them.
• Inappropriate jokes at work.
• When you take a dump in front of people.
• Getting trapped in traffic.
• Repeating over and over again.
• Being part of various charts and constantly cringing because of the phone’s ringing.
• When the others try to imitate your contribution.
• Problems with food delivery (like cold meals or spilled liquids in the bags).
• When someone reveals spoilers of the movie, series, or book.
• When you receive tasks at the last minute.

 So, this is a list of the most common pet peeves. It can be rather long, as there’re many other things that can irritate us. No matter what pet peeves we have, it’s essential to understand them and fight them for keeping good relations with others.