My brothers learned early that scratching on certain surfaces (walls, sand paper, some cloth etc) and making a squeaky sound managed to set my teeth on edge. I would cover my ears and beg them to stop when they did that.
There are certain behaviors in people that set my teeth on edge. I’m certain that we can’t stand certain people not because they are intrinsically bad, but it’s their behavior that makes them intolerable to us.
“We feel safer when we can label someone and figure them out, but it’s hardly foolproof. ‘Good people’ are capable of bad behavior. ‘Bad people’ are capable of good behavior.”
― Elaina Marie, Happiness is Overrated – Live the Inspired Life Instead
So please note, it’s the behaviour, I’m talking about!
Setting My Teeth On Edge
Here’s my list of top ten behaviors that set my teeth on edge (in no order of priority):
- attention seeking – loud talk and doing things for effect.
- snobbery – there are various kinds of snobs who think they’ve got it all together like no one else. However, I think the spiritual snobs are the worst.
- nosiness – minding other people’s business and giving uncalled for advice.
- rudeness – pushing in queues, not thanking people…
- poor listening – what you say is not important…
- self-absorption – It’s all about me and mine…
- whinging and wailing
- acting entitled – as if the world owes them for being alive.
- sponging – always on the look out for handouts.
- manipulating – making sure in a very subtle manner that people do what you want them to.
I’m well aware that my behavior must set some people’s teeth on edge too!
What behaviors in people set your teeth on edge?
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I hate opportunists. People who are always looking for opportunities. I hate those who are competitive and always looking to push others aside for their own benefits. And I hate people who like to put down others. Phew!! Long list
Know it alls set my teeth on edge. They think they are the only ones with the right answer, the right knowledge and the right to judge others
I hate hypocrites. I hate people who smile on the surface, be friends and talk negative behind.
I certainly dislike people who are always complaining. I also keep distance from those with negative outlook for everything happening or likely to happen. For rest all, I go by ‘live and let live’ policy!
Corinne, your article gave me an idea for a post on “No Entry”! Will pen it soon. Thanks for inspiring.
Thought provoking post. People being unfairly treated usually sets my teeth on edge. I’ve also found that a behaviour that grates at one time, may not at another. I guess it depends on my tolerance level at the time.
I find it difficult to tolerate people with double standards. I have this habit of voicing that out and often than not, I’m labeled as a snob for that.
I hate insensitive people who don’t care about how others would feel by their actions.
We are alike here too. Corinne. Talking about ‘me and mine’, failing to listen, snobs and the list goes on. This was a good post and I got to know a bit more about you.
Recently at work, we were trying to guess what is a behavior and what is an inference. I learnt that what can be recorded on a camera is behavior so not arrogance but showing arrogance by speaking harsh words etc is a behavior that’s not good.
Interesting post and I loved the way you describe your point of view. for me, I hate those people who always had selfish motive and never pay attention to other people’s need and desires.
And we have written on similar topics this week. I was nodding my head on all the 10 ‘bad behaviours’ that get my goat. I-Me-Myself syndrome, holier than thou attitude, drama queens/kings truly annoy me!
Complaining is problematic. We need to be the change! Too positive for complaining! #mondaymusings I hat to be told to ‘hold on” when I am not on a phone, but someone else is on theirs!
Couldn’t agree more! We all come across people who have that one annoying habit that will make it impossible to be in their company for long. A friend once told me that my voice was like an alarm bell to her…hahahahaha! I guess I was that annoying person to her 😀