Gob Shite

I've fallen out with at least two people fairly recently over the behaviour of their dogs.
I'm not shy when coming forward when I see a dog which is out of control, non socialised or ill treated and nothing sparks friction more than a critical word or a dirty look, when dogs are sparking and anxieties are high.
I am also intolerant of a phenomenon I refer to as " dog chatter" 
Dog chatter infuriates me.
I know it shouldn't . I understand why people do it, but it drives me batty.
Dog chatter is the often inane conversations pet owners have with their dogs.
I will give you an example of what I mean.
The other morning I was at the vets. I took Mary in as a rush job, after she started to cough unexpectedly. I feared it was kennel cough, (it actually turned out to be a plastic tooth pick lodged in the side of her throat. ) and as I stood at the reception desk I overheard the " conversation" a woman had with two morose looking basset hounds .
"Now Bertie will you stop pulling, mummy's arm is very sore.......Molly will you behave , look at that sweet dog over there being all nice and friendly........now please sit down and let me get my handbag out , it shouldn't be too long now then we can go home and get some Shopping done" 
The conversation went on like this for an age and before you tell me off for my thin skin, I know, I know" it shouldn't bother me but it does.
Similar conversations parents have with very small toddlers also drive me potty.
DOGS AND VERY SMALL BABIES DONT UNDERSTAND CONCEPTS SUCH AS " BEING NICE and FRIENDLY" AND WOULDNT KNOW WHAT A HANDBAG WAS IF THEY WERE BELTED OVER THE HEAD WITH ONE
I wanted to shriek the statement at the basset hound lady.
But that would have been inappropriate and cruel and so I didn't
...but I oh so wanted to.

Eight years ago I once took a racist woman to task over a comment she let fly in a vet's waiting room.
I must have cut an odd figure as I had a bald Indian runner duck on my knee wrapped in a tea towel
I've just been reminded of it and surprisingly found an account of the incident here
https://disasterfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2008/06/nellracism-and-red-valerian.html

What thing that shouldn't irritate you DOES.?


160 comments:

  1. ignorant arseholes on cellphones EVERYWHERE!

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  2. Plenty of things shouldn't annoy me but do, I just can't think of them now.
    I talk to the dog as though he is human and of course I know he has no idea what I'm saying. The dog trainer we had to help us with Harry also hated it but my chatter doesn't change the training so the trainer can go stick that particular rant

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    1. Tone in chatter with dogs is important as it conveys a mood. But chatter just confuses a dog

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  3. "Coochy-coo! Come on Winnie old girl, Daddy's going to take you for a little stroll up the lane and yes Mary you gorgeous little teddy bear, you can come too. Oh dear Winnie, looks like you need the fanny flannel again you naughty girl!"

    What annoys me that shouldn't? For example - council workers who spray weedkiller on the edges of well-tended grass verges and round the trunks of trees. I am also irritated by taxis, not taxes, taxis!

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    1. Tree cutting initiatives in shefffield annoy me

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  4. Anonymous10:22 am

    Vaguely connected. I am on a tram with earbuds in and some lonely old soul starts talking to me. Ahh, isn't it clear I am listening to something?

    At work, I am sitting there reading a book and some come up and interrupt me with a question and at times, sorry for bothering you. I don't mind that. What I do mind is when I am sitting there reading and a person comes along wanting a long conversation. Eff off, I think. But then I am always such a nice person, I say nothing and half engage with conversation, hoping I can deflect it to someone else nearby.

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    1. The Prof has always interrupted me listening to The Archers after supper and has done for years

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  5. Debbie10:39 am

    A lot of things annoy me that shouldn’t. The first thing that comes to mind is people who chew with their mouth open. I divorced my first husband because of it. Then, there’s trump, of course. Good thing our homes aren’t wired!

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    1. Trump is a god given with most ( though not all) here

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    2. My ex used to eat with his mouth open too - you always got to see what he was chewing - and smacking his chops like it was going out of fashion. I once did a REALLY LOUD impression of him at the table - he soon shut his mouth after that, but only briefly.

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  6. Sorry John, I talk to the cat all the time. And the chickens (usually such as 'come on, you mangy old birds, get out of my way'). I do know that they don't understand - maybe it's because I live on my own? There are lots of things that annoy me, more than ever as I get older, but I try to let it wash over me because life's too short to worry about other people.

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    1. Chickens love chatter, it allows you to blend in with them

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  7. I talk to my cats like this and explain to Thomas when he has been naughty but nobody else can hear. so nobody to get annoyed. I think Thomas knows when I am cross. Things that annoy me are people who read politics into every situation these days when it is totally unnecessary and out of place. We used to all get on nicely without knowing or caring how the other person voted.

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  8. I just looked at thatbolder post concerning the racist woman - and I'm in shock!!! Why? Because there isn't one single comment on that post. WHAT???? How things change, thankfully.
    As for what annoys me - as has been said, people with their eyes constantly on their mobile phones, especially when in my company. (I DON'T keep my trap shut!)
    People who say 'Haitch' instead of 'Aitch',
    Apostrophes in the wrong p'la'ce',
    Drivers who cling to my bumper then dash dangerously past only to find themselves stuck in front of me for miles - because THERE'S A QUEUE! Aaaarrrggghhh . . .
    So many more irritations but to prevent me getting all angry, I shall refrain from writing any more.

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  9. 'older' not 'bolder'. Me finger slipped!

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    1. I always say 'Haitch'. Haitch is for House what would 'aitch' be for ... 'Ellen', my friend Helen hated anyone who dropped her haitch!

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    2. It WAS 8 years ago when only my friend Nigel and Cassie followed me

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  10. I regularly get annoyed by people who have no idea about the basic rules of the road and don't know what to do at an intersection, so they just try to wave you through even though they have the right of way. That drives me nuts. There are two examples of bad grammar that occur regularly around here, "How are yous today?" and "I seen you yesterday." That's the short list. -Jenn

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  11. Signs in public that are spelt wrongly. Examples near where we previously lived were a sign at a bus terminal stating that 'Busses to.....stop here'. And an off licence shop sign that was spelt 'lisense'. Oh, and text speak shorthand 'his' when they actually mean 'he is'.

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  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. Vegetarians. Not the ones who just get on with eating whatever they choose to, But the ones who insist on telling you what they do and don't eat. Repeatedly. Also people who think that not liking a particular food means they're allergic to it! A real allergy can kill you ffs. Rant over.

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  14. At this point in life, I try not to sweat the small stuff, however, I have no tolerance when seeing or hearing cruelty towards anybody or any creature

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    1. I'm with you on this. 'Anybody' (humans) is usually, though not always, covered by law - and of course not always witnessed. But laws against cruelty towards animals are very inadequate - and in a lot of (or most?) countries, non-existent.

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  15. We have a big problem around here with dogs off leads that appear threatening and others that attack other dogs. My pet hate is parents who don't take control of their unruly kids and think they're doing no wrong.
    Carolx

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    1. Don't get me started again, I've got enough enemies in this village

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  16. People who talk at the cinema or spend their whole time with their phones out. Grrrrr!!

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  17. Lisa, I know what you mean ! They don't just not eat meat, they have to make an announcement every time they decide what to eat.
    I have not eaten meat in 40 years ..
    I hate talking about it because then I get the typical questions like "What do you eat ?" ...

    Lately, I am most irritated by the moron who lives about 5 doors away .. who lets his beautiful sweet little cat out .. we have a huge forest behind us .. racoons, coyotes and god knows what else live there as well as the rumored 3 alligators in our pond.
    But this moron lets a young sweet cat out at night to wander.
    Little does he know that the little sweet cat is most often my overnight guest.

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    1. Anonymous12:40 pm

      That made me laugh, glad the cat is safe with you ....

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    2. Candice, You sound like my sort of vegetarian! x

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    3. Quite right. Those Alligators wouldn't feel safe with a feral cat on the loose.

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    4. I do not understand why people let their cats out at night or even during the day. So much can go wrong at night.

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    5. As a veggie of 60 years, just turned vegan a month ago, I tried to reply to Lisa on her comment above, but it turned into what she might have dismissed as my own 'rant', so I didn't post. I'll only further observe here that, especially when 'we' are a guest of another and it includes a meal, that person will often be ultra-careful in what we are served with so as not to offend. My watchword is 'pragmatism over dogmatism' - so, even now being vegan (which I recognise is by no means easy to cater for unless by another of the same ilk) in those circumstances I'll accept anything - as long as it's not meat or fish! :-)

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    6. Hello Raybeard, I have the greatest respect for anyone who chooses to be vegetarian and hope I haven't offended you. Please accept my apologies if I have. It's the people who see it as a fashion statement rather than a thought out humane choice who irritate me. Best wishes.

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    7. No need to apologise i the least, Lisa. I'm only glad I didn't post what I'd said under your own comment as mine was an impetuous and ill-thought out reply which I would have regretted - and you'd have had every right to have written me off as a typically 'sour and humourless' veggie. However, my own experience on the subject is that when someone knows you're one (I hate mentioning it at all - and only when I have to in order to avoid difficulties down the line) the non-v tends to get curious and wants to know "Why?" - and I'd just rather not go there, least of all in the middle of a meal! It's a sensitive subject on both sides and best brought out ONLY if to avoid problems which would otherwise manifested themselves.
      All the best (and more) to you too.

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  18. Can't think of anything.

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    1. Go on, give it a go. Have a drink and a think!

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    2. Oh alright then. I am confused by the word 'hack', it's popping up everywhere. Doesn't it mean chopping up something with a knife? Wasn't it used as a slang name for a newspaper reporter? So why has it now replaced the word 'IDEA'. NO, IT'S NOT A BLOODY HACK, IT'S A BLOODY IDEA... got it. Phew, glad I got that off my chesticles. Ooops, my glass is empty.

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  19. People talking religion sets me off John... I get it.. But i have to think that maybe her voice was soothing to the 2 dogs who found themselves at the vets and it really wasn't about 'what' she said... That or she's a very lonely woman have a talk with her only companions.. I'am a little surprised it gets to you... My cat and i have great conversations.. 'Did you have a good day sweetie pie?' Meow ... Are you hungry ? Meow Meoooow.... Hows my little man? Meow.... LOL ! I hope your having a good day John. Hugs! deb

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    1. Yes I know I was being disingenuous

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  20. I was asked again the other day when someone met me, "where are you from?", We just moved from Gloucestershire. "Oh nice, but where are you from?". I grew up in Devon. "No I mean where are you people from originally" Bath, Somerset. "where do your people come from?" Mars, f'ing MARS! Seriously people need to get over themselves. I have a tan as I walk the dogs all the time and my hair and eyes are dark.

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    1. Anonymous1:41 pm

      Try being a true "foreigner". With an accent. You'll never escape the "Where are you from?" question. You answer truthfully. Say, Milton Keynes. "No, I mean, where are you FROM. Originally." From nowhere, I'd like to say. But that would be denying my origins. So I make them guess instead. As wild guesses go some are hilarious. Turkey was a good one. When I asked whether they'd had ever seen a Turkish with red blond hair it was, reasonably, pointed out to me that some Turkish women do dye their hair. Ok. Whatever.

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    2. I am just going to say Mars as soon as they start. People are super nosy down here, I prefer it in London, where no one cares or isnt so rude to ask. A better way of asking would be "that is a pretty accent" and then if the person wants to, they might fill you in.

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    3. I think most people are just curious!

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    4. I wish it was just curiosity, mostly it feels like it is coming from a racist place.

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    5. Or perhaps its just a sore spot with you . i would not be upset if someone asked me where i was from.. i wonder why it bothers you.?

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    6. I was brought up [American midwest] with the rule that it is rude to ask a person where they are from or what religion/ ethnicity they are. Tho we can often tell where most Americans are from by their accent. If asked my ethnicity I just say Melting Pot.

      lizzy

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  21. I, like jinxxxygirl am irritated as HELL with people who talk about religion, assuming that everyone in the world believes in their particular imaginary friend.
    And the thing that's irritating me most lately (and I'm not sure that this fits in your category) is the guy next door who absolutely thinks it is just fine and lovely for his f**king band to practice in the evenings with the windows open and the amps turned up. I am about to have a word with him and then I will truly be relegated to the "old fuddy duddy" section of society which is fine by me. It's not music I don't enjoy. It's what he and his band mates consider to be music which it is not. In my fuddy-duddy opinion.

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    1. Big breaths dear ms moon,.......deep breaths x

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    2. Oh i've run into that too Ms .Moon... Neighbor out in his garage just blasting his music.. Why should i have to listen to his music.. And what gets me is people don't see anything wrong with that.. Hubby says its not that its that they just don't care..

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  22. I think a lot of people here are bothered by things that are ok to be bothered by, example rude people on cell phones. You wanted things that shouldn't bother you, mine is if a car stops in front of my house, maybe they are just checking a map or checking messages, they are on a public road but I begin to boil, I feel they are in my territory and want them to move on. Of course I don't say anything but I would like to start throwing rocks at their cars, weird I know but you asked.

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    1. Anonymous1:29 pm

      That IS weird. Even cats aren't that territorial.

      Are you married? Or living with people dependent on, and in dread of, where your mood takes you? If so, please do take pity on them. May you yourself never be caught in front of the house of one of those similar to your temperament, lost, checking a map or, worse, stuck with a flat tyre or in need to borrow a battery charger.

      Good luck.

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    2. I understand the territory thing ..perhaps it's a country thing ?

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    3. It annoys me when people chat loudly outside my house for an age leaning on my railings my cat makes me laugh because he miaous loudly at them through the double glazing!

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    4. We live on a deadend road and hubby gets very upset that people come down it just joy riding..

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    5. Lol anonymous, it's just a weird quirk I have, good heavens I don't act on it. I'm actually a very nice person, if you need help I'm there. It's a territorial thing, the road runs through our land so it feels like it's my road, even though it is not, it's public.

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    6. I am here on my own a lot. A car parked would make me think burglars.

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  23. Ooer! I talk to my dogs All. The. Time. And I answer for them too. It amuses me no end. I like to think I have a rich inner life.
    What annoys me, beyond ALL reason, is face noises. Being in a quiet room with someone who sniffs, throat clears, taps, sucks, lipsmacks, breathes loudly. I could go on. My husband is a nervous wreck, he daren't blink unless there’s a brass band playing nearby...

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    1. I always answer for my dog and they have accents !

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    2. That's a bit psycho xxx

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    3. In a house of six people, five of us talk for the dog!

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    4. We used to amuse ourselves on the train either yawning or scratching, it is easy to get the whole carriage full of people going.As for the dog she answers, a turned back or eagerly wagging tail are clear answers.

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  24. Too much to name. I mean...... (that's one of them).

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  25. Incorrect grammar . .
    Example . . .”I seen . . .”
    and I correct . . .

    (Snickers knows what I am talking about.)

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    1. My dyslexic writing must drive u potty! X

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  26. Oops ... I talk to my dogs, mostly just at home but sometimes when we're walking ... if we're alone mostly. One day they'll answer, most likely just to say SHUT THE F*CK UP MUM!! If I didn't talk to the dogs I'd lose the ability to talk sometimes when I'm on my own. I've been known to answer the phone with a croak if I've not spoken to anyone for a few hours so the dogs have to listen to me whether they want to or not.

    What irritates me, I'll give you the short list.

    Being interrupted.

    People taking ages to tell me something ... just tell me the facts I'm quick on the uptake honest.

    Rudeness to anyone, I'll always make my disapproval known.

    Alan telling the dogs to 'sit down' ... it's two bloody commands ... they know them both no wonder they stand looking baffled until I silently do the hand signal they know for sit and they cotton on!!

    And finally (for now) my sons driving miles to visit us then spending half the evening tending to every bloody beep their phone makes, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, texts etc etc. After a few hours I feel like yelling "HELLO I'm here, you drove all that way to see me" ... but I usually keep quiet and get my phone out and send them a text or an appropriate meme, it works every time ;-)

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    1. Good list.. the dog command thing also gets on my tits

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  27. The thing that drives me insane at the moment is ' It is what it is'. What the flip does that mean? It isn't an answer to any question I can think of, but frequently used as an excuse for bad behavior!!!

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    1. Oh YES ..IT IS WHAT IT FRIGGIN IS?

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    2. I say that often, it’s my polite way of saying ‘suck it up, moron!’

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  28. People in public places, most especially on trains, putting their (shod) feet onto the seat opposite. Also in cinemas when they drape their legs over the empty seat in front. In both these cases I'm too wimpish to say anything but just sit and fume, blood pressure rising minute by minute.

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    1. Oh, and I talk incessantly to my cat. You should have heard me when, a year ago, I had three of them! But why not? I've got no one else to talk to - and they do listen patiently without interrupting.

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    2. I've told people off in cinemas for the foot thing but generally for being loud or for talking.

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    3. The last time I asked someone in a cinema to stop looking at her phone screen every 5 mins (complaining about anything at all is as rare as a once in a decade event for me!) it spoilt my enjoyment of the rest of the film as my heart wouldn't stop thumping at what I'd just done and I was feeling ever so guilty about it.

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  29. People who do not even nod or smile to acknowledge that I have stood to the side of the pavement with my large golden retriever to let them pass, perhaps I should just barge past oblivious like some of my friends seem to with their dogs on long leads taking up the whole pavement.

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    1. In these kind of cases Itend to chirp up with a cut " Thank you?"

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    2. Oh i have done that before too John.. one day thats gonna get me in trouble..

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    3. I do say a curt Thank You, also to cyclists on paths we have to get out of the way for who NEVER say thank you.

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  30. I am embarrassed to say that I talk to my dog all the time. I know, intellectually, that she doesn't understand me. But somehow when you're out walking the dog and she does something that demands a response it seems natural to verbalize with her. I'm not sure I verbalize as much as that woman in the vet's office, but I do find myself saying things like, "No, Olga, we're going this way. We're not going that way!"

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    1. I m practically silent on my walks ...with the occasional "" come ON George!"

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  31. The latest craze of beginning a sentence with So....
    Listening to or having to watch anyone eat with their mouth open. Constant sniffing. The list is endless.

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  32. People who think Zsa Zsa Gabor was in Green Acres when it was really Eva.

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  33. I get annoyed when people try to talk to me and their cellphone at the same time, especially during a meal! Either leave the table or leave me the hell alone!

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  34. Well, on the subject of dogs, I have lots that irritates me. Going for a walk in the park where people have their dogs running loose (Don't worry! Their friendly!!) when you know it's not their dog, but your own that is not friendly. It is rather embarrassing that our dog raises her hackles for practically every dog that comes her way. But WE know it and try to avoid encounters, but there are those that come up and insist our dogs say "hello", and don't understand when we say no and move away.

    No, we don't ever let her off the leash. I don't understand why she's so snarky, but I do wish people would ask if they can bring their dog over, and then not be offended when we decline the invite.

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    1. Whoops Winnie is always off the lead ( the terriers are always on theirs) she loves everyone though

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    2. Yep dogs off their leads get to me too.. Like the leash laws apply to everyone but them...

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  35. Also, I love my friends and I love their kids. But for gawd's sake Do Not Call Me to Chat and then spend most of the conversation yelling at your kids to behave! Perhaps it's better (and safer) to not call me but focus on your kids actions instead.

    And for the love of gawd, No, Do Not Put Your Baby On The Phone, trying to encourage the little one to say something cute or to say Hello or just to have me say something to a small child who can't even talk nor understand what a phone is! It may seem cute to you, parents, but it's annoying as hell and wasting my time, especially irritating when I hear you in the background telling the baby/small child, "Say Hi! Go on, Say Hi!"

    Some days, especially when I'm busy and short on time, I just end the conversation, and pretend the call got dropped. And I ignore the callback and pretend there was bad reception or my battery ran out. Sorry, but I have things that need to get done and deadlines to meet. We can chat when I see y'all in person or if I have time off and have time to waste.

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    1. Only time the toddler gets put on the phone is when it is one of those fraud calls wanting to get control of my computer and the like.

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    2. Baby on the phone!
      What fresh hell is this?

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    3. Anonymous2:37 am

      My mom used to put the dog on the phone! Not sure what I was suppose to hear him say, but she claimed he would respond to my voice and get very excited and start looking for me. It seems like animal cruelty when I think about it now. I do talk to my cats - they meow back at me and their physical reaction is much easier to read then to understand their verbal response. I, too, have many irritations - the list could go on and on. Ranee (MN) USA

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    4. Susan, That is hilarious and a fun way to get back at those scammers.

      John, New parents are especially guilty of putting that baby on the phone! I'm flattered they want to share the special moments with me, but they're not so special when I'm not there in person to see it for myself. And it does get annoying when they call during busy work hours, just to tell me the baby cooed the cutest sounds. Sigh. Record it, then show it to me later, please. Right now, I'm trying to stay sane in the chaos.

      Ranee, I have an acquaintance who does that with her tiny purse dog! I think it annoys the dog, because she growls every time she's got a phone shoved in her face!

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  36. People who will insist on telling you the story (sometimes in great detail) of a book you've just started reading, or a film you've yet to see!
    I talk to my dog all the time, we have some great conversations - and we never argue!

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    1. At least mostly I declare " spoilers"

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  37. Just thank you.

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  38. People who try to belittle other people.

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  39. Nothing that irritates me shouldn't... Oh,, really, I'm sure there's plenty; I just can't think of anything right now.

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  40. People saying ‘these ones’ instead of these. Drives me nuts.

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  41. Hiccups, cracking knuckles, chewing food with an open mouth and talking in a theatre.

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    1. Phones being looked at in the theatre is a articulate bug of mine

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  42. Walking through Central Park I witnessed a lap dog lose his shit over a larger dog coming near him. Both were leashed. The owner, dragging the wee one away, looked to the other owner & said, 'she has a thing against Labs'. I thought, does she? Or is she just poorly trained?

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    1. I can control all my dogs with one hand
      I too hate the ones that can't

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  43. Too many things I'm afraid....I have a short fuse.

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  44. Great post John, loved Wanda's take on "It is what it is". I use it when people are constantly irritable no matter how insignificant the subject or circumstance.

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    1. I wonder how many irritants have been posted in the comment section

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  45. For a start, all of the above.

    Added to that, in a business environment, people on the phone who don't know me say 'how are you?' I think 'what do you care?' But no, I say 'Fine, thank you' then feel obliged to ask how they are when I couldn't give a flip.

    You phoned me for a purpose, just say hello and get on with it.

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    1. I absolutely being referred to as John by these callers who don't know me

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  46. Mispronunciation of thee and the, a and an, by native English speakers. Don't get me started on asked, and axed.

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  47. I talk to Rick when no-one is around. It's better than talking to myself, I don't want people to think I'm crazy.

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  48. Bad grammar and misspelling. I have to clamp my mouth shut to keep from correcting people. My biggest pet peeve is when people say 'you's.' I have an in-law who says 'I seen you's at the WalMarts.' Six words and three blatant mistakes! Lord, I'm hyperventilating just thinking about it!

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  49. People who treat other people, animals, or our earth badly! I talk to my cats all the time and they talk to me as well!

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  50. Quite often I think I do understand them as they use different tones for different things and combine that with their actions. My son does not talk to his cat and his cat is very quiet most of the time. By contrast our cats are very vocal because we talk to them a lot. I guess much of it is a matter of knowing your own pet. I may be a crazy cat lady but I love them and I'll never change!

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  51. I know people talking to their pets sounds silly but bear in mind some people have NO-ONE to talk to so it doesn't bother me at all. On the other hand, I do park and ride to work every morning, so 45 minutes each way on the bus. I'm an avid reader so it is doable. However, lately I have had on 3 separate occasions a young person get on the bus, give me the kind of smile I reserve for family members I haven't seen for at least 10 years and then proceed to chat to me about my book. Not normally a problem as I will chat to anybody. Then they ask where I'm from, so I ask where they are from and when they say Utah and I think oh f"""k, here we go again. Then I get the whole "Jesus loves you too spiel" followed by a card thrust into my hand when they get off. Next time I will just tell them to get lost before they even start. I'm not aggressive and never rude but I can't bear the Jesus preachers!

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    1. Our newest neighbors are from Utah and have invited the entire neighborhood over to meet them. I immediately thought I shall be preached to about the wonders of Mormonism!

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  52. From the number of comments it seems LOTS of us are irritated, by lots of things.
    I do talk to the cats. And have caught myself trying to reason with them. An epic fail.
    And yes, sadly for some (and I may or may not be included) talking to the animals may form the majority of the conversation I have on any given day.

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  53. My peeve is nitpicking complainers, I was married the King of nitpickers. I do talk to my dog, I believe it adds to their awareness and intelligence; pugs have fairly good vocabularies of the doggy sort[walk, food, treat, home; he knows our names..."find Johnny!"; it also includes him in the daily activity of his home and ''pack'' and makes him more aware and awake. Might be useful, at worst it seems harmless. I'm sorry it annoys the cr@p outta you, John.

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    1. I understand your hate of nit pickers

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  54. One thing that annoys me to no end is when you are having what you believe is a good conversation with someone and they either 'glaze over' or show that they couldn't care less of what you are saying. One is left there feeling very embarrassed.

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    1. Jimbo ..I'm so exciting this has never happened to me x

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  55. I talk to my dogs as if they were human all the time. I have a few pet peeves but high on the list are bad manners, motorists that don't acknowledge your courtesy, people who don't say please or thank you. You hold open a door for someone...nothing. I usually say 'your welcome' very loudly.

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  56. My cats have started talking back to me
    We have some nice conversations:)

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  57. I am irritated by nearly everyone and everything! Perhaps I am just in a foul mood today. Topping my list of most annoying behaviors today are the following: People who completely ignore other human beings around them and thus do not hold open doors for people behind them, do not press the elevator door open for others, and generally behave as if they are the only people on the earth.
    I cannot tolerate having people practice their personal grooming habits in public (nose picking, ear digging, hair flicking, tooth picking,scratching, etc.)
    I am offended and alarmed when people sneeze without attempting to cover their mouths.
    I think it a bit odd when people have long conversations with their pets in public, but it does not irritate me too much.
    I have caught myself talking out loud when I am in the grocery store and am trying to change that!

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  58. It drives me mad to have to share the footpath with Grown Men on skateboards and those little scooters. Even just seeing them tearing around the city leads to Dark Thoughts. I also have to take a deep breath when encountering the phoney bonhomie everywhere - for instance, being greeted by a waiter with the perky, "Hi Guys!" and the exclamation of "Awesome!" which now follows everything from ordering something to dealing with a call-centre phone call.

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  59. This week, the list is too long to put into print but quietly seething with all the 'irritants' in my life at the moment, all of whom I'd gladly tell where to shove it!

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  60. Anonymous8:06 am

    Hipsters are my current source of irritation. I want to pin them down and wax their faces and flick mud at their lumberjack shirts. I talk to my dog, a rescued greyhound, a lot and he talks back - in a Ray Winston type voice... On a walk we were "discussing" dinner options for visiting friends, Archie offered his kibble. This conversation resulted in the following cyclist loosing control of his bike laughing. He hit the hedge, Archie invited him to a dinner of lamb and rice kibble and I apologised profusely. I hadn't heard him approach due to wind noise. I don't normally talk to the dog when others are around. I think I need to get out more!

    Janey x

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  61. I hate ad's on TV and the radio that has a kid telling me - an adult... to buy this car etc with My Money !!! Brats!!

    That old lady in the Vets must be super strong ... those Basset dogs are darn hard to control !
    Glad you are not around when I speak to my dog - you would hit me! LOL

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  62. Inappropriate use of ! RIP ! For example, why oh why do people tag RIP with !.......?

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  63. Watch this one, I had about five yesterday one after the other... all on different posts... I spiked them.

    LX

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  64. .Long, loud & mostly inane cell phone conversations in public places. Just got home from 2 hours on the train and the woman 2 seats over barely drew breath for the whole trip - thank God for earplugs!

    .Dog owners who don't keep their animals on the leash even though it is THE LAW!

    .Bicyclists who complain endlessly about drivers but think it's ok for them to ignore stop signs & red lights and who ride on the sidewalk beeping at pedestrians to get out of their way - even though the law here says that no one over the age of 14 is to ride on the sidewalk! There is an $80 fine in place but I never see it enforced!

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I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes