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Peeves

We all have things that get on our nerves. I have a handful. Sarcasm. Group texts. Oversharers. The list goes on. The benefit to having things that get on your nerves is the opportunity to exercise different fruits of the spirit for both your personal and spiritual growth (see Galatians 5:22). I immediately think of exercising patience and self-control when it comes to my own peeves. Such as…
·         Sarcasm – It’s not as funny or clever as some people think. I find it unattractive, condescending, and rude. And it benefits no one.
·         Group Texts – If a message isn’t something pertaining specifically to me, I’d rather not be in a group text. I don’t like getting a bunch of responses from people I either don’t know or that I’m not directly communicating with.
·         Oversharers – It goes without saying, but these days, people reveal way too much about themselves. While selective sharing is cool, a little mystery can go a long way. Everyone doesn’t need to know everything about you.
·         The Questions “Why are you single?” and “Why don’t you have a boyfriend?” - Both questions are usually accompanied with, “You’re so pretty, so why unattached?” It’s a silly question and assumption. People who ask me those questions often ask with looks of concern and pity, which used to make me feel like I was living with some kind of deficit for being single. My response is often, “I don’t know.” Truthfully, I don’t know how to respond to that question anymore. I usually smile and change the subject. Is an eligible bachelorette not more than her looks or relationship status? Know what else is annoying yet comical about those kinds of questions? They prompt even more questions. Once you meet someone people will ask, “When are you going to settle down?” Then when you settle down it’ll be, “When are you going to have kids?” Then when you have one it’ll be, “When are you going to have another one?” Back off, please? Thanks.
·         Public Speakerphone Users – Can you not take your calls somewhere quiet? Earphones are lovely. And so is privacy. Everyone else doesn’t need to hear your phone calls and likely don’t want to. What annoys you and why? 

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