Normally I end my posts with a question or inquiry. Today I start with it.
What is your pet peeve?
What is the thing that irrationally irritates you?
What is the one thing, that people do, that makes you react, in a particularly strong way?
What really annoys you, in a way that it really gets under your skin?
Mine was exposed yesterday. It took me a while to understand what was happening, but now I am clear as to what happened.
It was something little, and yet I had a visceral reaction to it. I was angry. Yet my reaction did not seem to match the situation. However I could not shake my mood. I was deeply irritated.
So what was it?
Well as said, it was something little.
I was in an exchange with a colleague. We could not find a solution that worked for both of us. This in itself is not unusual. However when the impasse was reached, my colleague started using strong language. I dont mean swearing or vulgarities, but rather using strong words such as "unnaccpetable", "not possible" and "you will have to .......".
As a consequence, I stopped the dialogue. It felt like a form of bullying. I felt unnecessary pressure was being applied.
I slept on it and asked a few people for their take on the situation.
My conclsuion, in short I had a reaction to someone abusing their position and amount of power.
I will deal with this situation. However it was good for me to reflect on my reaction.
In short, I dont like bullys and its as simple as that!
So what is your pet peeve? What causes you to have such a reaction?
Do tell?
My pet peeve - or at least my peeve about pets - is people who shout at dogs; come here, do this, do that - I think; "they only have a dog so they can shout at it" I also have a problem with parents who yell at the sidelines of football and rugby matches.
ReplyDeleteThese are I think both aspects of the same thing - and similar to yours - of people abusing their power at the expense of those they perceive to be unable to yell back.
We have a bean jar - not for swearing (there is a place for that) - but for "good", "bad", "right", "wrong", "always", "never" and the most potent of them all - "should". These words are not banned - but the use of them is recorded - the first six tend to come out when trying to hold something in a black or white space - whereas "should" is about saying things ought to be other than as they are. Becoming aware of my language has I believe the potential to make conscious and subsequently develop my thinking - and also appreciate the thinking patterns of those around me.
Wow interesting and thought provoking post . Language does not bother me one bit ... Or power stuff
ReplyDeleteFor me pet peeve is non connection . Family freinds and loved ones not showing caring or love when my expectation is higher . Failing to show up... Be there ... Do as promised ... Hold their word ...
Lk
Pet peeve indeed. Yesterday I had a near meltdown for little things, that should not have bothered me as much as they did, as you say. What was it? People not following rules clearly marked or showing common decency. I counted 3 situations in 1 hour. My kids asked me why people were not following the rules. I don't know how to answer: In some cases I say different folks have different rules. I totally agree that sometimes the exception proves the rule and definately that rules need to be critically considered in order to advance civilization (like women getting the vote!). BUT when its something as easy as NOT eating in an area where there are "no food and drink" signs or stopping for people at a crosswalk (I am looking at you 3 cars and 12 bikes that zoomed by us!!) it is enough to make me want to hit someone! Cleary a visceral reaction that is a bit crazy;-)
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