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?