Rude Behaviors that Bother Me the Most

Maybe it is just me, but lately, it seems to me, that people are ruder and unthinking. Maybe it's the general overall angry feeling that now seems to pervade every place we go. We all have those actions that really touch a nerve. Here is my list of the 5 most annoying things that people can do.

5. I am a proud mother of Ethan, my six-year-old, very energetic little boy. He has his moods and can be very obstinate and cause trouble. However, I deal with his behavior as it happens. What annoys me is when parents allow their kids to run hog wild and respond with such explanations as "Boys will be boys,..." "He is only 6, he can't be expected to know when to say please and thank you,'' or "He is just being a kid."

My son is 6 and learned how to behave in public long before this age. He is by far NOT perfect and at those times if a stern admonition doesn't work I remove him from the situation. It is not right that these parents expect others to deal with their out-of-control kids and it is happening more and more often.

Part of it, is that parents are afraid to discipline their kids these days. But, that is not only frustrating for others when they have to deal with those children who do not know how to behave, but unfair and damaging to the children who aren't learning boundaries and the proper behavior to help them through the next stages of their lives.

4. The next behavior on my list is related to #5. It's the counterpoint. There are people who get upset when there is ANY childlike behavior from, you guessed it, children. Yes, as parents we need to keep our children in check, but we also have to realize that a child is not going to be able to sit still as long as an adult.

Forgetting the fact that not many adults will sit still without any talking or distraction, how can we expect that of a little child? Letting them get up, walk around, talk about what they are seeing or dealing with is actually the best way to ensure they don't get bored and run rampant and out of control.

But, we have all seen it. Those non-parents who will roll their eyes, complain to others, or say something nasty to you or your child just because the kid needs to move around a little bit. Frankly, it's because of such people that I would almost be tempted to allow my child to annoy just those people. I don't, but, sometimes, I really would like to.

3. I enjoy going to the movies. As a parent, I rarely get a chance to see adult movies these days. So, when I do, it's a treat I am really looking forward to. Which is why I really despise the people guilty of my #3 rude action.

When the movie starts, I expect to be able to hear the dialogue on the screen. It is one thing if someone next to me, behind me, or in front of me is talking about what is happening on screen, but there are many people who have conversations in a moderately high volume about subjects having nothing to do with the movie.

First off, who cares?? I am not here to learn about your life or problems. Second, why did you just pay $11 to have a conversation? Go out in the lobby, talk to your hearts content, and let the rest of us enjoy the movie. And while you're at it, once you stop talking, please also eat with your mouth closed.

2. Coming in at number two is telemarketers in general. I understand that it is their job to sell whatever they want to sell, or to get a donation if they are calling for a charity, but they need to lessen the vehemence they use when trying to persuade us.

If I say, "No," I do not appreciate the person on the phone ignoring me and stating, "Okay, so I will send you this for a free trial..." No! I didn't say maybe, I declined.

I also dislike when charities will call with the opening statement, "Can we count on you to give the same amount you gave last year?" This happens regardless of whether I gave anything the previous year. I know that most charities are good causes, but if I can't afford to give something at this time, I don't need someone to try to coerce me into giving something by attempting to make me feel guilty. It is an offensive and rude tactic. And, frankly, it takes away from all the charity is, hopefully, trying to do.

1. I do a lot of driving these days. There are many things that drivers do, which I consider extremely rude. But, there is one infraction that sets me off more than others. When I need to move into another lane, whether entering a highway or changing lanes, I do what I am supposed to, I signal and wait for a proper amount of room to move into the desired space.

But, as I start to move there will, invariably, be someone who will speed up just enough so I can't. Then they slow down, so the ONLY reason for this action was to not allow me entry where I wanted to/needed to go. It is so frustrating because it wouldn't cost the driver much time by just continuing at the original speed. The driver just slows down again afterwards. I just cannot be allowed to pass, nope that would be a tragedy.

It is why there is so much difficulty getting anywhere traffic wise. This pride or head game, whatever it is, is unnecessary and extremely rude. And, it just makes me grumpy.

So these are the behaviors I find most offensive. Do you feel the same? Did I leave out something worse? Let me know what you feel.