What are the worst pet peeves? I have found that the worst pet peeves are my own. My quirky little habits that my mate found so cute in the early stages of our relationship have become his worst pet peeves. Of course, I could name a few of his habits that I used to find so endearing which have now become so annoying, but we will just focus on mine.

When I first started dating, for real, not in high school, I decided to read some books. I read books such as "The Rules" and "How to Marry the Man of Your Choice." Although each of those books were insightful and somewhat helpful, I later found myself reading such books as "Ten Stupid Things Women Do", and "He's Just Not That Into You." What do these books have in common? Well the dating books taught me how to land the man, but never told me how to keep the man. The later books gave me insight into what I was doing wrong. What was I doing wrong? I was not myself. I would wear make up, but I hated it. So after I was married the first time and hopefully the last time, I stopped wearing makeup. My sexy nightgowns were turned into sweats and my polite manners were turned into belching out loud and frequently giving my husband dutch ovens.

My spotless apartment was now a cluttered mess. Of course over half the mess was not mine. I was such a great housekeeper and such a good cook that I sold my husband on the idea that I could do it all for the both of us. When I started to complain, well you can figure it out.

My marriage was a very short 3 years. Of course the divorce did not mean it was over, we tried dating off and on for another year. My once husband who complained all the time about my house having to be "spotless" and "not everything has to have a spot" was now telling me that housework was considered exercise. I was so confused, what did this man want? It took me over 2 years to turn that question around and ask what do I want? I finally realized that I was false advertising to my husband and to every other man that I tried to date.

Now, in my current and hopefully longest relationship, I have grown up to the close age of 40. I have figured out that what my partner finds as my worst pet peeves should be what attracted him to me in the first place. No more false advertising. Now my mate and I have flagellating contests and I am more than likely the one under the dutch oven. I find myself free to belch. Now when I put on makeup it is a shock to my mate and not an expectation. I sleep in whatever I want and lounge in my favorite football jersey. I clean the house once a week and do my best to keep things organized. I still cook but now I am not afraid to say that tonight you are taking me out.

So you see, sometimes the worst pet peeves are what really defines the person you are with. Instead of complaining about the pet peeves, love the person and try to understand that maybe it is not the pet peeve that bothers you but rather you bother the pet peeve.

Learn more about this author, Marcie Contos.
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