My Top Three Pet Peeves (with a Bonus One for Good Measure)

As I grow older, I’ve learned not to let things bother me the way they used to. Age has a way of softening sharp edges, giving you perspective, and teaching you to save your energy for the things that truly matter.
But even with all that wisdom, there are still a few things that manage to get under my skin, just a little reminding me how I would act when I was young.

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1. People Who Don’t Think Things Through

I’ve always had patience for honest mistakes.
What gets me are people who don’t consider those around them or a hot head that lacks of basic common sense.

The person who blocks an entire grocery aisle while analyzing two cans of beans like they’re choosing a retirement account…
The driver who stops dead in the middle of the lane to check their phone…
And the guy who rants and raves before he has even half the facts.

I’m always willing to help — just don’t act first and think never.

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2. People Who Take Advantage of Kindness

This one hits personal.

I’ve spent my whole life helping people — tenants, neighbors, strangers, you name it. That’s just who I am.
But when people:

• react with suspicion like kindness must have a catch,
• keep taking without ever giving,
• or act like I’m obligated to do it,

…that gets to me.
I don’t expect anything in return, but I’ve learned that kindness brings out the best in some and the entitlement in others.

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3. People Who Don’t Take Responsibility

After decades in retail, business, and life, I’ve seen every version of “It wasn’t my fault.”

The excuse-makers.
The professional victims.
The people who blame the government, the weather, their neighbor, their boss, their dog — anyone except themselves.

I believe in compassion and second chances, but I’ve got zero patience for adults who refuse to own their part in anything.

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BONUS: The Tailgaters in a Hurry to Go Nowhere

This one deserves its own category.

People who sit two feet off your back bumper even when you’re already going 10 mph over the speed limit… with a car directly in front of you.

I don’t know what magical escape path they think I’m hiding, but unless my car suddenly sprouts wings, nobody’s going anywhere.
Slow down. Relax. We’ll all get there.