Journal Jar #4-3 Pet Peeves

1-Lateness. I’m one of those people who have difficulty understanding how some people can be late to every single event ever in their whole entire lives. You would think that they would clue in and maybe plan a little in advance so they can arrive on time. Because as one of the usually on-timers, it can be very frustrating and a huge waste of my own time (which, contrary to their beliefs, is just as valuable as their time) to sit around waiting on the perpetually late. I feel like I’m late if I’m not on schedule to arrive ten minutes early, so I know that being on time can happen on a regular basis. Yes, there are times when life just craps all over my plans and I end up being late, but it is the exception not the rule.

2-Rudeness. No, you really don't own the road. And no, I'm not to blame just because you are either 1)having a crappy day or 2)just a total jerk.

A fine example of rudeness happened five or six years ago. I was shopping with several children in tow, I think I had Matthew in the cart and Nathan trailing along behind. I turned around the corner of an aisle, peeking back to make sure Nathan was behind me at the same time, and accidentally bumped into the back of a woman with my shopping cart. I felt terrible and apologized profusely. However, she didn’t even take time to listen to my apology. She just lit into me, hollering that it was the third time that I’d hit her. Ummm, no. It was the first time. It had been an honest accident and I had apologized sincerely. Nevertheless, she felt she had the right to yell at me in the middle of the store in front of my kids.

I’m not perfect, but I do try my best to be polite. I say please and thank you. When I am driving I let people in when they are trying to merge. I don’t butt in line. I don’t assume that I’m more important than everyone else. And when I’m in the wrong, I apologize.

Seriously, if everyone would just treat others with the kindness and concern that they feel they personally deserve, the world would be a much nicer place. Remember that famous little golden rule? There's a reason it is so famous. Unfortunately, it seems to be less and less popular as time goes by... (And when people sincerely apologize, accept it for crying out loud!)

3-Saving seats at church with scriptures, lesson manuals, etc. when there is no warm body in sight! If at least one person is there I don't mind, but rows and rows of printed materials preventing people who arrive on time from finding someplace to sit really bugs me. And it bugs me even more when the people saving the rows are then late for church! Seriously, if having a great seat is that important to you, get there early…like I do!