Being the very reasonable person that I am, you may be surprised to learn that I have some pet peeves. Yes, it's true. They're not anything major. Some examples include:
- People saying "I could care less" instead of "I couldn't care less"
- Doors and drawers not getting closed all the way on cabinets and cupboards
- Pants being worn so low they could practically be legwarmers
I have recently discovered a new pet peeve to add to this list. A couple of months ago, my employer moved offices. Our new building has a feature that many buildings have in place. It's a button you can push, either inside or outside, that will automatically open the door for you. This button is in place for those who might not be able to open the door for themselves, such as people in wheelchairs, on crutches or carrying a load that requires both hands. It could also be used for those bringing in items on a trolley or handtruck.
Now, I realize that these are not the only people who can use this button. And I understand that anyone who can reach the button can use it. But it bothers me to no end that so many people use the button. I don't know that I can fully express how irritated I get when I see someone who, in my opinion, does not need extra help opening a door push the button. I don't see why any able-bodied person would use the button. The doors are not very heavy. It takes longer to walk over to the button and push it than it does to just walk up to the door and open it. Sheesh.
And, yes, I realize that this is a totally silly and pointless thing to be bugged about.
But I am.
Pet peeves of yours?
9 comments:
Marie,
I love that you posted this. I have a pet peeve that is a version of this one. I have a double stroller filled with children, merchandise, diaper bag, etc. and I reach for the said button...nothing happens. I push again, and again, and again. Still nothing. So now I have to inch my way in the doorway holding the door with one hand and trying to push the stroller with the other without knocking my children out in the process. AARRR. Don't worried able-bodied passers-by; I got this.
-Kristin
I have to speak a bit for those button-pushers (depending on how they push it). In the hospitals, they frequently have those for doors between wards, etc. (Obviously...it's a hospital!) In any case, hospitals are the best place to get sick and so the cleaner you can keep your hands the better. While working in hospitals, I press those buttons with my elbow so that I don't contaminate my hands. Maybe the folks are using the button for a more sanitary exit but they may just be lazy bums.
I'd like to see your facial expression if a date decided to use the button to open the door for you!
I go bonkers when people say, "I don't got no..." Really? Did you have any elementary schooling at all? Another one that I don't hear nearly as much as I did when I lived in utah is, "I seen (this guy, a movie, my backpack)" Is it too hard to say, "I've seen", or "I saw"? Really? Maybe my mom pushed too much grammar down my throat, but it drives me NUTS!! I'm all for pet peeves, otherwise, we'd all be way too nice of people just walking around. Where's the spice without the peeves?
I better make sure I never say "I could care less!" I don't think that I do. And, I have to admit that I do use the button, but mostly at work and when I either have my hands full of work crap or I am holding onto children.
My pet peeve?? People that run before the actual race starts and people that swing dance to music that is clearly NOT swing dance music.
Megs
You know, I use that button when I have free hands because I can usually bump it with my arm or hip and I don't have to touch the door handle. I do this especially at the library because I've seen where some of those hands have been.
I'm with you on your pet peeves, especially the handicapped door thing since I get to sit all day at work and watch empty-handed, able-bodied people use it over and over. (My personal favorite is when they kick the button with their foot--that won't wear it out faster for the people who really need it.)
I also nominate gum chewing. Gross.
The mechanic in me sees all those lazy folks and germophiles (get over it alijoy313) wearing out the weak link in the system so it will break prematurely and won't be usable for folks that really need it. And Kristin, too.
They remind me of the people that circle the parking lot at the gym looking for a closer spot. Think about it.
Yesterday at lunch with Miss M, I saw something else that peeves me - people in a crowded restaurant that insist in sitting at a big table all by their onsies when there's a smaller table available. (And YES the small table was available when he sat down, I saw the whole thing.)
My sister in law is a germaphobe and everytime we approach one she swings her foot out and kicks the button...please lady! Just let me open it for you!
PS---my pet peeve...people who hover over a toilet seat and leave a germy mess for the next guy...JUST SIT AND RELAX!
I am totally with you on the cupboard/drawer not fully closed thing. The problem is that there is a conspiracy in my house and all of my boys (including my husband) seem to be incapable of fully closing anything. Will you visit me in the looney bin?
By the way, we normally push the buttons for the door, but it is because my children cannot resist pushing any buttons- including mine ;0).
Post a Comment