What REALLY bugs you?

My 8-year-old was reading the other day and asked me the meaning of “pet peeve.”

“Something that annoys you,” I answered.

She thought for a moment. “Like a big brother?”

Exactly.

 It’s got me thinking — what are some of your pet peeves? Do you want to know how to really annoy me? Here are five ways… in no paticular order.

1. Toys that market PG-13 (and above) movies. Especially fast-food places that include these toys free with kids meals. If the child shouldn’t see the movie, should we be giving them toys for it? It’s a bit of a cruel tease, don’t you think? It also misleads parents into thinking that the movies are suitable for young kids. I couldn’t believe it today when I saw that Burger King was including toys from the newest Twilight movie with their kids meals. I haven’t read the books or seen the movies, but I was under the impression that these were vampire/werewolf romances. Is this really appropriate for young kids?

2. “Let’s open with a quick word of prayer.” Why do people have to announce that it’s going to be quick? It makes it sound like an apology. Prayer is a unbelievable privelege. You can make it brief and too the point, but please drop the word “quick.”

3. This new trend of recorded solicitation calls. You’re trying to convince me to buy something and you don’t even bother to call in person? Of course, then I less guilty hanging up on them, I suppose.

4. People who let their toddlers wander around unchecked in movie theaters. I must be getting old — but is it too much to ask a child to sit in their seat? If it is — should they really be at a movie at all?

5. Books or movies that end with no resolution. I recently read a book that was the first in a series. The main story question was posed early in the book and kept me turning pages throughout. It was a dense, detail-laden historical that was difficult reading. I just about cried when I turned the last page and realized that the author wasn’t going to “resolve” the story. You had to read the next in the series to learn more. I have no desire to read another book by that author! Don’t worry, that title will NOT show up as a Friday Book Pick. I generally like books in a series, but it’s important that each book can also stand alone.

Okay, I’m done ranting. Do any of these items bug you? What does?