Ten Things I Hate About People

Typically, I would consider myself a pretty friendly and easy-going person. Patience, tolerance, and acceptance are values that I hold in high regard. But even I have to admit to having things that really get under my skin when it comes to people. So I've decided to submit this article to get some things off my chest about the things I hate about people.

1. I hate it when people constantly talk about their kids.
I'm biased here because I'm still single and have no offspring. But that doesn't mean I should have to like standing around smiling politely as people talk about their babies shooting off projectile diarrhea or how their kids like playing around with the wrapping paper more than the presents that it once covered. I'm sure things will change in the future when I'm blessed with little ones, but for now, it really grinds my gears when I'm surrounded by people who only talk about their children.

2. I hate people who are obsessive text messagers.
I was pulling out of a parking lot one day and was waiting behind a vehicle at a T-section when I realized she hadn't moved for a good three minutes and there were no other cars coming in either direction. I honked at her and she still didn't move. I was able to squeeze around her. As I peered through her car window, I saw her looking down at her cellphone text messaging!! I was furious. Can't things wait until you're safe at home? Or at least don't start driving until you've finished your text conversation. But not only are obsessive texters on the road (which I'm hoping there will soon be laws that ban all text messaging from moving vehicles) they're in front of you in the grocery store line, next to you at the movie theater (during the movie!), and even the person in the next cubicle to you at work. The clicking of the texting makes me want to scream sometimes!

3. I hate it when people expell bodily noises in public.
Sure, there are times when you just can't control yourself, or if you have a medical condition. But, it really irritates me when people think it's okay to burp in the presence of other people. Am I being old-fashioned here? Is it trendy now to contribute to the methane gases in the our atmosphere? Well, I didn't get that memo. It's gross. There are a few people in my workplace who I work in very close proximity to (cubicle walls aren't that thin, people!) who burp out loud on average 5 times a day. And yes, I did take a tally count one week because I'm not complaining--I'm stating the facts with back-up evidence!

4. I hate when people go have a drink with you only to expect you to pick up their tab.
Since when was it okay to be a leech and bum? I understand we're all in this recession together and hard times have befallen us all, but that doesn't mean you can take advantage of someone who wants to go to the bar with you. I have a friend who will only go to the bar if he knows that you're buying the drinks--and that's sad. Sure I'll buy you a shot or two but not two buckets of Bud. Have some dignity and buy your own drinks.

5. I hate it when people are late.
Being punctual is just polite. No one likes waiting around so why would you impose that on someone else? If you're constantly running late all the time, try to get yourself organized and manage your time more wisely. Just think of how much more productive you could be if you kept to your schedule.

6. I hate lazy people.
This probably started at a very young age for me because I grew up in my mother's business where I was constantly being told to do something. From this I developed a sense of urgency and just a need to always do something. So when I see lazy people who say they don't have time to do this (clean) or that (workout), it really makes me want to slap them because if you don't make time, its because you don't want to make time. Lazy people are truly just wasting away their lives.

7. I hate people who don't do dishes and leave them in the sink until there's mold on the plates.
First off, doing the dishes really isn't as bad as many people feel. There's no need to let those dishes stack up while food is encrusted on them only to mutate into a mold infested mountain of rancid platewear you'd probably be better off throwing away then attempting to disinfect. Don't let it get to that point. (This is strongly correlated with the previous pet peeve of lazy people.) Just do the dishes right away and forget about it. You'll be thankful you did.

8. I hate it when people borrow things from you and don't return them.
When you let someone borrow something, you're hoping in your trustful mind, that that person will return that item in the same condition you lent within a reasonable amount of time. I know "reasonable amount of time" can be interpreted in many different ways, but come on, we all know social etiquette on some basic level. Don't borrow a DVD, watch it, and then let it sit on your television for 6 months. Don't borrow someone's shoes and don't return them until next Christmas. Be courteous and return their favor by giving back the things you borrowed in a timely fashion.

9. I hate it when people are obnoxiously loud.
We all know one--a person who has to be the center of attention and wants to be the loudest person in the room. It can be anywhere--at a restaurant, a movie theater, in your classroom, at work, even at a babyshower. It's annoying. That feeble attempt at getting people to like them just by shattering their eardrums. Tone it down, loud people!

10. I hate it when people try to impose their beliefs upon you.
Everyone has the right to choose their own way of life. Whether it be religion, sexual orientation, political views, how to raise your kids, or even recycling--these matters are up to the individual and you shouldn't be so judgemental as to question their choices. Everyone should just calm down and try to be open-minded. It would make the world a tad more peaceful than it is right now.