30 Petty Grievances
I don't think I'm being petty... these are pet peeves
Random Observation/Comment #869: If we get another pet, I’d call it “peeve” so I can say, “Here’s my pet peeve.”
//Generated by AI on labs.google/fx/tools/image-fx
Why this List?
I started writing this list because I heard something on a podcast my wife introduced me to in a long car ride. My first book, My Life in Lists of 30 (free ebook), had a list of 30 pet peeves (I hate wet socks). In this list, I was thinking more about how a lot of these topics could be an introduction to some tight-5 comedy routine.
I also binge watched a lot of episodes of Monk before it left Netflix, so I was wondering what my OCD compulsions and irrational fears could be. This was a fun one to write. I guess, I am human.
As I wrote this, it may also seem like I’m taking cheap jabs at things my wife does - it isn’t intentional. These are petty and I’ve likely accepted this is the world I live in.
Spam calls - Firstly, the calls are just a pain the ass because it interrupts the podcast I was listening to. Secondly, why do Democrats still ask for my money when the major election voting is over? I didn’t even confirm my number. Get me off these lists.
All digital things making me nervous someone is trying to steal my identity - All scammers are going to hell. They’re praying on innocent people and really making the experience of just being in the digital world a less trustworthy place.
Internet Trolls - I see some people really try to create content and share interesting things. They’re finding joy from doing things and engaging with people. Does your comment even add any value or discussion? Why do people have to argue and need to be right? Why are people so mean about it?
Forwarded messages on Whatsapp groups - Everyone has got that family member that somehow gets some image/video that they think helps to get forwarded into my protected space. Don’t spread me this misinformation. I can read my version of misinformation through my normal channels.
Voicemail - I don’t even know why this exists anymore. I also don’t know how I can remove this stupid Android notification that says I have unheard voicemails. Yes, I know. I refuse to waste my time figuring it out.
Physical mail - Where’s my unsubscribe button to all physical mail? Why you sending me stuff? I don’t want your coupons.
People who leave their shopping carts in the middle of parking lots - Vigilant justice is needed for these people. What world do you live in that you can’t take 5 steps to push the cart to a designated spot?
Websites that put a less than 16 character limit on passwords - This is more than just poor web security. It used to be some field type in the database, but you’re not even storing the plain text password, so this doesn’t make any sense. Any limits on the number of characters is really just limiting the randomized hash space, which increases the ease of password rainbow table look-ups.
People who don't replace the toilet paper roll - Replenish!
Ads on podcast apps that are louder than the podcast - This rubs me the wrong way. I also enjoy ads that are explicitly spoken by the podcasters.
Having to click through multiple "Accept Cookies" notices on websites - It’s really annoying that every website has a different format for this as well. I personally don’t even use cookies or ads.
When your house has the worst possible phone connection, but it’s fine literally everywhere else - It’s literally just my house where the SMS and calling doesn’t work. It normally doesn’t bother me, but other people visiting my house have the same problem.
People who talk loudly on their phones in public - It’s also weird when people turn their phone forward and talk at it like they’re dictating a book. What happened to putting the phone on their ear?
Having to pay for a subscription just to watch one movie - In general, we do have way too many subscriptions. It’s upsetting when there’s that one series on Hulu.
When the Uber/Lyft ride shows the spinning car - I’ve been burned before where a driver has accepted, but their GPS just doesn’t change. This is always a means of stress (especially when I’m with family and we’re freezing outside).
Going to Red Rocks Amphitheater and not leaving early - The venue is awesome, but it’s really a mess. You’ll be waiting outside for hours to get your ride if you’re with the huge crowd..
When you connect to your own WiFi, but it says “no Internet” - Damnit. I don’t know how to troubleshoot you anymore.
When the person you’re eating with orders something you can definitely cook better - Why you getting this pasta carbonara? I make an excellent pasta carbonara.
Long group conversations - I really like Inbox Zero notifications - it’s a digital obsession. When the notification says (120 unread) in an old college group chat, I get a little deflated. It’s time to just mark unread and face the consequence of not knowing what BS was exchanged between us this day. I will mute this notification for 8 hours.
Bluetooth switching to Android Auto - I spent many years without Android Auto installed and never plugging in my phone to my car because I’m usually listening to something in my headphones. The slight disruption when joining the car is such a brief bit of pain.
Suggested tipping for unnecessary to-go orders - What in the world is happening? I don’t want to tip you for checkout at the airport Hudson market that has already marked up pieces of gum. It’s even crazier when the tip choices start at 22%. Stop psychologically shaming me.
Photo tagging on Facebook - I thought we were over social media posting already. Please ask my permission before putting me on the web. I’ll likely say yes, but don’t also tag me. I curate my photos way too much for that.
Recipes on food sites that include a full background story - Sometimes these are interesting, but sometimes I just want to know what the oven temperature is and approximately how long the bake should be.
Apps that ask for additional permissions - I know my phone is spying on me, but does my alarm clock also need my location data? What are you doing?
Physical receipts - Why do I even need these anymore? “I don’t feel like I’ve ever needed to prove I’ve bought a donut”
Voice assistants that don’t work as intended - It’s annoying when they find the wrong song or it sometimes picks up from my phone and the local speaker, so it doesn’t know which one to do it on what device. Ugh. I also find it funny when my Google assistant just ignores my wife.
Spoilers and/or poorly written endings - I’m personally really bad at this, but it is still a pet peeve. I do like the excitement of watching and figuring it out. It’s also disappointing when the last episode or season is just crap.
Missing puzzle pieces - The whole family loves jigsaws. It’s the worst when you lose a piece or if the box itself already has a missing piece. Monstrous.
When I cook food and it doesn’t get eaten within time - I show love through acts of service like cooking. I do get slightly mad when the food gets cold because the eaters have not started eating it. Gah!
When someone borrows your keys and they’re not returned to the same place - This definitely does mess up my day. I dislike not knowing where personal things are because they are stored in particular places in my brain and it’s distressing when they’re not in their home.
~See Lemons have Pet Peeves
I totally agree with the last one especially the stuff in the kitchen!