by Eric Bailey

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: January 28, 2010

Top 10 Pet Peeves

Everyone has them those items, behaviors, situations, or other aspects of life that annoy you a little more than the other, everyday annoyances. In no particular, here are my top ten pet peeves:

1. Bluetooth Headsets

On several occasions, I have been in an environment with one other person, such as at the front desk of a business or in an elevator, and the person has begun speaking. They will use basic greetings or questions like, "Hello!" or "What's up?" Inevitably, I always politely smile and respond only to discover that they are talking to someone on their headset. Bygone are the days when I could tell someone was on the phone because they would be physically holding a phone on their ear. Instead, I get to be embarrassed and feel like an idiot. Wonderful.

2. Slow Walkers

Perhaps it is because I am a fairly tall (6'3") human being, and thus walk quickly in long strides, but people who travel slowly on foot bother me. Especially in situations like sidewalks and church aisles and others where there is less room to simply maneuver around them, slow walkers can be remarkably irritating! It is as though they are intentionally trying to bother me, by impeding my forward progress as much as possible. Even worse, if I walk too closely behind them, I risk running into them when they suddenly stop without warning. Perhaps people should be equipped with brake lights.

3. Packing Peanuts

First of all, they are misleading you cannot eat them, as you can normal peanuts. But besides that, they are just plain obnoxious. Thousands of them keep your precious package safe, then offer no other discernible use. Made of ubiquitous Styrofoam, the most compelling case for their uselessness is the undeniable superiority of bubble wrap.

4. Automated On-Hold Tracks

You call a company, and are placed on hold. Then, to your delight, terrible 80's-style instrumental pop plays in the background. Every few seconds, to your absolute joy, this terrible music is punctuated by an overly happy male voice exclaiming "Your call is important to us! Please remain on the line! A customer service representative will be with you shortly! Have a wonderful day!" Even better is when the track does nothing but pimp their products. "OmniCorp is the proud provider of quality gidgets. Our corporate office is located on 300 acres of gorgeous overpriced property, featuring our own angelic choir..."

5. Whiny Pro Athletes

This one does not require an extensive explanation. The case is this:

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