The Biggest, Most Annoying Pet Peeves
Humans are more alike than they think. They’re usually annoyed by the same things. Here are some common pet peeves everyone shares:
People who give backhanded compliments.
It’s never fun when it feels like you’re getting insulted by friends, family, or complete strangers. If someone can’t say anything nice, then they shouldn’t say anything at all. They should only spread kindness. The world is already cruel enough.
When your boss gives you work at the end of the workday.
You don’t want your plans for the night to get ruined. When you’re ready to leave the office and your boss asks you to stay, it can mess up your whole routine. It’s more than annoying. It’s simply unfair.
People who one-up your stories.
When you’re telling a story, you want everyone to nod and listen. You don’t want them to tell a more impressive story. It’s rude. Plus, they must have low self-esteem if they can’t let you stand in the spotlight for even a moment.
When you can’t find something in another person’s kitchen.
It’s hard to navigate a new space. Especially when you’re hungry and would rather be eating. Your friends could simply show you around, so leaving you to cope on your own is beyond annoying. This is a huge pet peeve for many people.
People who hog the sidewalk.
This is a huge pet peeve for anyone who lives in the city. It’s also frustrating for students on campus. It’s hard to get where you need to go when other people are in the way.
When delivery food or fast food spills in the bag.
There’s nothing worse than ruining a perfectly good meal in the car. If your food spills, then it could ruin the entire night. What are you supposed to eat now?
People who spit on the sidewalk.
This behavior is gross and unhygienic. No one wants to step in another person’s spit. They don’t want to get hit by it, either. That’s why this is one of the biggest pet peeves people typically have.
When people crowd at the airport gates.
Everyone needs to be patient. They need to wait their turn. Crowding the airport gates isn’t going to force the plane to leave faster.
People who tailgate in traffic.
Personal space is important, even on the road. Plus, it’s dangerous to drive a car too close to another car. It’s an accident waiting to happen.
When people don’t give back clothes or books you’ve lent them.
If you’re nice enough to lend someone your own personal belongings, they should be nice enough to give everything back. Otherwise, they’re stealing from you. It’s really unacceptable.
People who ask questions during a movie.
It’s hard to hear the movie when someone else is talking loudly. If you’re at home and can press rewind, at least you can learn what you missed. If you’re paying money at the theater, you’re not as lucky.
People who press the elevator button once it’s already been pressed.
A lot of pet peeves involve elevators. It’s annoying when someone presses too many buttons. And when they try to strike up conversations with strangers. And when they press a button that’s already lit up.
Showing up late.
Your time is valuable. When someone shows up late, they’re saying they don’t care about your schedule. There are better things you could be doing with your time than sitting around, waiting for them.
Chewing with your mouth open.
You probably don’t want to see someone chewing with their mouth open. They should keep their lips together while there’s food in their mouth. It’s basic manners. That’s why this is one of the biggest pet peeves out there.
Smokers.
Smoking is unhealthy. It’s not an opinion. It’s a fact. If someone smokes around you, they’re hurting your health. There’s nothing ruder than that.
People who steal food from your plate without asking.
If you ask nicely, then you might get what you want. But you shouldn’t take something from someone without asking. Be polite. Mind your manners.
People who smack their gum.
Gum chewing doesn’t have to be loud. You can chew gum without alerting everyone in the room that it’s what you’re doing. That’s why this is one of the biggest pet peeves around.
When people say literally in the wrong way.
There’s a difference between literally and figuratively. Some people don’t know the difference. They swap the words, and it’s a huge pet peeve for a lot of people.
People who overuse hashtags.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re posting about food, your dog, or your outfit. Just post the picture. Add one or two hashtags if you must, but you don’t need thirty.
Giving fake apologies.
If they’re trying to trick you, they don’t deserve you. Only surround yourself with people who are honest with you. Liars aren’t worth your energy.
Announcing you’re leaving social media.
Social media is an annoyance in so many ways. One of the worst moments is when someone announces they’re leaving a platform. Of course, it won’t be long until they return.
Playing guitar at parties.
No one wants to hear Wonderwall for the hundredth time. Play your guitar in your own home. Don’t bust it out for parties.
People who cut in line.
Wait your turn. You’re not any more special than the rest of the people on line with you. You don’t get special treatment, even if you’re in a rush.
Correcting grammar.
You don’t sound smarter by correcting other people’s grammar. You only sound meaner. Keep your comments to yourself, unless you’re genuinely trying to help someone out.
Staring at the phone instead of the person talking to you.
You have plenty of time to play with your phone. When you’re hanging out with friends, you don’t need to be staring at texts or social media. Pay attention to the people around you instead of your phone.
Not washing your hands after using the bathroom.
It doesn’t matter what you’re doing in that stall. Either way, you need to wash your hands after completing your business.
People who sneeze without covering it.
When you sneeze, grab a tissue or cover your mouth. Or you could wear a mask so no one else gets your germs. You don’t want to get anyone sick.
Giving spoilers to movies and TV shows.
Don’t talk about spoilers out loud, unless you know everyone in the room is caught up on the show. You don’t want to ruin their viewing experience.
When pedestrians stop in the middle of foot traffic.
Whether you’re out shopping or walking your dog, this is annoying. Don’t stop when people are trying to move around you.
People who use speech-to-text in public.
Don’t make noise on public transportation or while at work. If you need to text someone, type out each word. Don’t speak aloud unless you’re making a phone call.
When internet service is slow.
One of the biggest pet peeves in the twenty-first century is slow internet. How are you supposed to contact your friends or get answers on Google?
Driving slow in the left lane.
The left lane is meant for driving fast and passing other cars. If you want to drive slow, then stay in the right lane. There’s plenty of room for everyone.
Repeating memes in real life.
Memes are funny online. They’re not as funny in real life. Don’t quote them or pull them up on your phone to share with everyone.
People who interrupt every two seconds.
It’s rude to interrupt. Doing this once could be a mistake. But repeatedly interrupting others is a sign of disrespect.
Fiddling with the car radio.
Pick a station. Don’t spend forever fiddling with the car radio. Stick with one song and enjoy the music. Otherwise, you’ll annoy everyone else in the car.
When people say ‘no offense’ before saying something offensive.
Saying no offense doesn’t stop your comment from being offensive. If anything, it’s a sign you know you’re about to say something wrong. So you shouldn’t say it at all.
Close-talkers.
This is a huge pet peeve for anyone who enjoys their personal space. It’s annoying when someone steps too close. Especially when they don’t get the hint to move away.
People who post too much on social media.
It’s annoying to see someone post every aspect of their life on social media. Sometimes, privacy is important. You don’t want to overshare with complete strangers on the internet.
The sound of styrofoam.
Some sounds make your ears bleed. For some people, the sound of styrofoam is as bad as nails on the chalkboard.
Grooming in public.
You shouldn’t cut your nails on the train or subway. It’s gross. Save your grooming for your own bedroom or bathroom.
Holding up security in the airport.
Standing in line is never fun. But it’s even worse when someone holds up security. You should be ready to take off your shoes and jacket. Don’t hold up everyone behind you.
Vegans who encourage everyone else to become vegan.
It’s completely fine to be a vegan. However, you shouldn’t pressure everyone else to become vegan, too. It’s annoying, and it’s not going to work.
Using internet slang in person.
Feel free to use LOL and OMG as much as you want on Twitter. However, don’t spell out those phrases in person. It’s embarrassing for everyone involved.
Oversharing medical conditions.
No one wants to hear about your medical issues, aside from family and friends. Don’t tell your coworkers or cashiers too many private details. Especially when they’re gory or gross.
Dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets.
If you’re going to own a pet, you need to be responsible. Clean up after them. Don’t allow the neighborhood to get filled with their feces.
Saying someone looks tired.
It’s rude to ask someone why they look so tired. You’re basically asking them why they look like a mess. It’s only going to make them self-conscious.
Bringing up politics in an attempt to fight.
Political talk is important. But if you’re bringing up certain topics because you want to pick a fight, you’re being rude. There’s no reason to force confrontation.
People who forget your name.
If you’ve met someone multiple times, the least they can do is remember your name. It’s not that difficult.
When socks get lost.
One sock always disappears. It’s no one’s fault, but it’s frustrating. This is a pet peeve everyone shares.
People who don’t know what they’re going to order.
Figure out what you’re going to order before you approach the cashier for coffee. Don’t leave the people behind you waiting.
Loud arguments.
If you’re arguing with someone, find a private spot to work out your differences. Don’t get into a screaming match in a public place. It’s awkward for everyone.
People who sing along to music.
Save your singing for karaoke nights. Don’t ruin a good song by singing along to the lyrics in the car or a bar.
Vaping.
Vaping isn’t any better than smoking. It’s still not healthy for you. And it’s not healthy for the people around you.
Another Pet Peeve / Pet Peeves For Adults
Pet peeves don’t stop there. Here are a few more pet peeves that drive everybody crazy:
People who explain your point back to you.
When people steal food from the office fridge.
People who overstay their welcome.
When people heat up strongly scented food in a public kitchen.
People who insist you watch their favorite TV show.
When people misspell your name.
Loud phone games with a lot of noise.
People who clap when the plane lands.
Group chats that are way too active.
Leaving texts on read.
People who turn without using their turn signals.
When someone stares at you for too long without speaking.
Referring to yourself in the third person.
When people leave the water running while doing other chores.
People who crack their knuckles and backs constantly.
When people tap their pen too much.
Roommates who leave dirty dishes in the sink.
Leaving the toilet seat up.
Salespeople who won’t take no for an answer.
When children cry on airplanes.
Saving gum instead of throwing it in the trash.
Burping nonstop.
Blocking entrances and exits.
Public displays of affection.
Littering.
Double-dipping chips and pretzels.
Taking too many selfies.
Leaving hair in the drain.
Blasting music from headphones.
