THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY DISCLOSURES. FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Have you ever noticed how certain things just seem to get under people’s skin?
No matter who you are or where you come from, there are certain pet peeves that everyone seems to share.
These annoyances can range from minor, such as someone chewing with their mouth open, to major, such as dealing with rude drivers on the road.
If you’re curious about what really gets on people’s nerves, read on to discover 15 universal pet peeves that never fail to drive people up the wall.
#1. Child Beauty Pageants
Child beauty pageant judges have long been the target of public scrutiny and disdain.
These individuals sit in judgment of young girls and boys, rating their looks and performances with little regard for their well-being.
It’s no wonder that so many people revile them.
The judges’ behavior encourages unhealthy competition and reinforces unrealistic beauty standards, often negatively affecting the contestants’ mental and emotional health.
Whether it’s the over-sexualization of young children or the unnecessary pressure placed on them to perform flawlessly, it’s clear that the entire industry needs serious reform.
#2. Unsolicited Lawn Care
Chances are you’ve had a knock at your door, and it’s a salesman telling you how bad the ant, tick, grub worm, or other lawn issue is in your area.
Not only can this company solve your issue that you didn’t know you had, you can trust them because they just signed your neighbor up.
The beauty in their offer for them is you would be hard-pressed to prove what they did didn’t work. For all we know, they are simply spraying water on the lawn.
#3. Car Extended Warranties
If your phone rings from an unknown caller, odds are it’s a car extended warranty salesman trying to sell you a deal.
These calls have become so pronounced that many people receive multiple calls, texts, and emails a day.
Some people even get offers in the mail.
If that isn’t bad enough, most people who take on a warranty quickly discover that there are all sorts of exceptions that allow the company not to pay for repairs.
#4. Patent Trolls
In the world of technology and innovation, a term has emerged that strikes fear and loathing in the hearts of inventors and entrepreneurs alike: patent trolls.
These entities exist solely to acquire patents to sue other companies for infringement, often with no intention of using the patent to create a product or service.
A better use of time would be to go after people genuinely copying someone else’s work instead of everyone.
#5. Debt Relief
Debt relief companies have become notorious for their shady practices in recent years as more and more people fall victim to their deceptive marketing tactics.
These companies often promise to help struggling individuals get out of debt, only to charge excessive fees and leave them in a worse financial situation than before.
It’s no wonder why everyone hates debt relief companies, as they have essentially become a symbol of greed and deceit in the financial industry.
#6. Self Check Out Lines
Whenever you are in a rush, three types of people are ahead of you in the self-checkout line.
The first is the person with a cart full of produce, who has no idea what the four-digit code is, so it takes them an hour to check out.
The second type of person is the one who is horrible with technology.
They either can’t get their loyalty card to scan, don’t know where to insert cash, or where their receipt is.
The final person is the slow person.
They decide at the moment how to scan items so they fit right in the shopping bag.
Then they inspect every item before scanning, followed by them confirming the price.
You age ten years waiting for them to pay for the three things they have.
#7. Trying to Click the X on an Ad
Pop-up ads are frustrating enough.
But many times, they aren’t sized correctly for mobile devices, so there is no X to click on to get rid of the pop-up.
Or, the advertiser thinks they are clever by making the X the same color as the background to try to hide it.
Either way, it drives users mad.
#8. Politicians Getting Away with Things
Nothing angers people more than seeing others get away with things out in the open.
This is one reason why politicians are loathed.
It doesn’t take a math major to realize something fishy is happening when career politicians retire with multi-million dollar net worths when they were only making a few hundred thousand a year.
#9. Recipes Buried at the Bottom
You know this one if you have ever searched online for a recipe.
They bury the recipe at the end of the post to keep you on the page longer so the website owner makes more money.
You first have to learn about their great-great grandmother Mabel, how she came up with the recipe, and how it was a staple on the first cold night in the Fall.
Then you have to read about where to buy the ingredients even though you know all you need to do is go to a grocery store.
#10. Told ‘We Need to Talk’
If you are a woman, telling a man, “We need to talk,” is arguably the worst four words possible he wants to hear.
He immediately assumes the relationship is over or he did something wrong and will now get into trouble for it.
In the future, don’t say this. Just talk about the issue instead.
Otherwise, he spends his entire day uneasy until you feel ready to talk.
#11. Wet Socks
Could there be anything worse than wet socks?
That squishy feeling every time you take a step.
The blisters that sometimes form.
It could be the worst torture any person has to endure.
#12. Family Vloggers
Family vloggers have been a recent trend on social media platforms, but unfortunately, not everyone is a fan.
Many people have expressed their distaste for these types of videos, arguing that they are invasive and exploit the privacy of young children.
Critics claim that filming and exploiting a child’s every moment for the sake of views and likes is unhealthy for their development.
Besides, some viewers believe that people are becoming too obsessed with the ideal appearance and lifestyles presented in these videos, which are often unrealistic.
#13. Payday Loans
Payday loans are notorious for their high-interest rates and strong-arm collection tactics, so it’s not unusual for people to despise them.
These types of loans are marketed to people who need quick cash, but they often trap those already struggling to make ends meet into cycles of debt.
Many see payday loans as a last resort option when all other avenues have been exhausted.
It’s not hard to see why everyone hates payday loans.
They prey on vulnerable communities and perpetuate a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break.
#14. Tow Truck Drivers
It’s no secret that tow truck drivers often get a bad rap.
Sometimes seen as opportunistic vultures swooping in to take advantage of someone’s misfortune, these drivers are often met with scowls and angry gestures.
Some angry car owners try to jump in their cars to stop their vehicles from being towed.
And for good reason.
Tracking down and paying the crazy fees are a hassle no one enjoys.
#15. Conversion Therapists
Conversion therapy has no winners.
First, it was known as “pray the gay away” therapy, a harmful and controversial practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Not only is it pseudoscientific, but it has been shown to cause immense harm to those who undergo it, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Today, the script has flipped, and if you even mention you are unhappy, you are put on hormone blockers, and in some cases, the state can take away your minor child if you don’t support their wishes.
Get Free PayPal Money
If you have a PayPal account, there are countless ways you can get free money.
Here is a look at the easiest ways to put some cash in your PayPal account today.
Best Retirement Calculators
Are you confused trying to understand how much money you need for retirement?
You’re not alone. It can be a complicated process. The good news is there are some simple calculators to use to make figuring out your number easy.
THE BEST RETIREMENT CALCULATORS
How Much Money Do You Need For Retirement
Do you know the right amount of money you need to enjoy retirement?
Headlines tell you that you need $1 million dollars or more. But this might not be the case. Find out exactly how much money you need.
HOW MUCH MONEY YOU NEED FOR RETIREMENT
Learn How To Save $100K
Saving money can be hard, especially if you are looking to have $100K in the bank.
But while it feels difficult, don’t let this stop you. Here is how you can save $100,000 in nine steps.
How To Start Over Financially At 50
It can be difficult to start over financially at any age. But when you are 50, there is added pressure.
Not only do you have a limited number of working years left, but you also see how well others in your peer group are doing.
If you are starting over at 50, don’t give up hope. Here is how to drastically improve your finances.
HOW TO START OVER FINANCIALLY AT 50
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.