Pet Peeve List: 70 Things That Everyone Finds Annoying & The Reasons Why

Common Pet Peeve List:

Slow Drivers: Speeding below the speed limit can frustrate many motorists on the road. This frustration may arise from being in a rush, dealing with traffic, or simply feeling impatient. Slow drivers disrupt our need for control and predictability; we expect to arrive at our destination at a certain time and are reminded that some things in life we have no control over; this reminds us to be patient and persevere.
Loud Chewing: Hearing someone chew loudly can be particularly annoying to some people. This can disrupt others during meals and trigger our disgust response – the sound and sight of food being crushed and mushed by teeth can elicit an unpleasant emotion that may be difficult to control. This behavior is incredibly inconvenient during meals when the sound and sight of someone else’s eating habits ruin the appetites of those around them.
Dirty Dishes: Neglecting to clean up after yourself can be incredibly deliberating for those who must clean up after you. Maintaining an orderly and tidy living space is essential, and leaving dirty dishes behind is no exception. This disrupts our sense of order and control when specific tasks aren’t completed as expected, leading to resentment or frustration.
Roll Your Eyes: Eye rolling is a common pet peeve that can make others feel belittled or disrespected, especially in professional or social settings. This may be perceived as impolite and dismissive, especially in professional or social contexts. Rolling one’s eyes is seen as asserting dominance or superiority over another person who could seriously undermine one’s ego and self-worth. Furthermore, eye-rolling indicates an absence of respect which may elicit anger and frustration.
Talking Loud on a Phone: Talking too loud on the phone in public can be distracting to those around you. To be mindful of others and keep the volume reasonable, you must be cognizant of those around you. This disrupts our sense of privacy and personal space; when someone talks loudly on the phone in public, it seems like they are invading our personal space or exposing us to their private discussion. Furthermore, loud talking may indicate disrespect towards those around you, which could lead to feelings such as frustration.
Slow Walkers: People who walk at a slower pace can be frustrating to those in a rush or trying to maintain a consistent walking speed. Being aware of your environment and allowing others to pass when necessary is essential. This disrupts our sense of control and predictability; when walking, we expect to arrive at our destination at a particular time; slow walkers make us feel as if we are not in control of the schedule and may cause feelings of impatience or frustration.
Uncomfortable Silence: Some people find prolonged silences during conversations awkward, but it can also indicate that it has stalled or there is a lack of connection between speakers. The psychological reason this may be bothersome is that it disrupts our need for social interaction and validation; discussions provide opportunities to build connections with others and validate thoughts and feelings; when conversations stall or there is prolonged silence, it may feel like missed chances at connection and validation are lost.
Interrupting: Interrupting someone while they are speaking can be perceived as impolite and disrespectful. Let others finish their thoughts before contributing since interrupting someone disrupts our need for respect and validation. Interruptions derail conversations, disrupting flow – leading to frustration.
Being Late: Being consistently late can be a significant source of frustration and anger for many people, particularly in professional or social settings where punctuality is expected. Being always late disrupts our need for dependability and predictability; it suggests they don’t value your time or respect its importance. Furthermore, disrupting the flow of meetings or social events due to being late can cause frustration and cause anxiety.
Pen clicking: The sound of someone repeatedly clicking a pen can be annoying and disconcerting, especially in quiet environments. This disrupts our need for focus and concentration as repetitive noises disrupt focus and disrupt concentration. Furthermore, repetitive clicking may indicate nervousness or anxiety, which triggers feelings of annoyance or frustration in others.
Scraping Utensils on a Plate: For many people, the sound of utensils scraping against anything can be infuriating, especially during meals. It triggers our disgust response which may be difficult to control in some people and distracting during dining experiences. Furthermore, this sound disrupts the enjoyment of meals by interfering with concentration.
Loud Music or TV: Playing music or the TV too loud can be problematic for those around you, especially if they are trying to focus or relax. This psychological issue arises because it disrupts our need for silence and relaxation; loud noises, such as music or the TV, can be disruptive when focusing or relaxing. Furthermore, playing loudly may be perceived as showing a lack of consideration for those in your vicinity, which may cause feelings of frustration.
Leaving cupboard or drawer open: For those who must close them later, leaving cabinet or drawers open after use can be a nuisance. It’s essential to clean up after yourself and maintain an organized living space, but leaving things open disrupts our sense of order and control; we expect specific tasks to be completed correctly, so when someone fails to meet those expectations, it can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration. Leaving cabinets or drawers unlocked could also be seen as evidence of laziness or lack of consideration, which might engender anger and frustration.
Nail-biting: Nail-biting can be annoying for some people, mainly if the person biting is loud or visibly distressed. Nail-biting triggers our disgust and serves as a distraction; nail-biting may be perceived as unhygienic and cause people to react unexpectedly. Furthermore, hearing someone biting their nails may disrupt concentration.
Texting during a Discussion: Texting during a meaningful discussion can be perceived as rude and disrespectful. Giving your full attention to the person you’re speaking with is essential since this disrupts our need for social connection and validation. When someone texts during our chat, it may seem as if they are not present or don’t value the interaction with whomever we’re speaking to.
Slow internet: Slow internet can be really annoying for many people, particularly in today’s digital age, where we rely heavily on technology. This is so bothersome because it creates a psychological blockade.
Overuse of hashtags: For some people, the overuse of hashtags on social media can be a source of distraction. Hashtags are meant to categorize and organize content, but when they become overused, it disrupts our need for clarity and simplicity; when we see posts with too many hashtags, it may become difficult to comprehend their purpose or message; furthermore, it disrupts our social media experience.
Neglecting to follow the rules or guidelines: Not adhering to rules and guidelines can be a source of frustration and stress for many, especially when they are put in place for safety or efficiency. We must follow regulations to stay organized and protect ourselves and others. Not following rules disrupt our sense of order and control – leading to chaos and confusion when not adhered to.
Talking Too Much: For some people, talking too much can be bothersome, mainly if the conversation is one-sided or they refuse to allow others to speak. The psychological reason why this may be so bothersome is that it disrupts our need for balanced communication and social interaction. When someone talks too much, it may seem as if they don’t care about hearing what others say or having an interactive two-way dialogue.
Using Speakerphone in Public: Speaking too loud while being forced to listen can disturb many people, particularly if they feel compelled to listen to a discussion they don’t want or need to hear. Using headphones or having a private discussion in more appropriate settings is recommended. Using speakerphone in public disrupts our need for privacy and personal space by invading our space with intrusive noise or interrupting concentration/relaxation. It may cause stress, and disrupting daily tasks like using speakers is distracting enough that we don’t want them around us at work or home!
Non-covering Your Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing: Not covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing can be a pet peeve for many people, especially when hygiene is essential. Covering helps prevent the spread of germs and shows consideration for those around you. This disrupts our need for safety and cleanliness – when someone fails to cover their mouth, they increase the risk of spreading germs and getting others sick; moreover, it conveys an air of indifference towards others which might elicit feelings of negative feelings.
Non-use of “please” and “thank you”: For many people, not saying “please” or “thank you” can be a frustrating pet Peeve, particularly in formal settings where basic manners are expected. Expressing consideration and gratitude for others’ acts and kindness should be shown with sincerity; not doing so may imply they take our actions or kindness for granted, leading to anger and frustration.
Ignoring text messages or emails: Neglecting to respond promptly to text messages and emails can be a frustrating pet peeve for some people, particularly if they require an immediate response. It’s essential to consider others’ time and respond promptly when necessary. This conduct disrupts our need for communication and acknowledgment; when someone ignores our messages, it may seem as if they don’t value our efforts or time, leading us to experience anger or frustration.
Being too Noisy: Being too noisy can be a really annoying for some people, particularly if they are trying to focus or relax. We must respect others’ need for peace; being too loud disrupts this need and disrupts our ability to focus or relax, leading to feelings of annoyance or frustration.
Not Respecting Personal Space: Not respecting personal space can be a significant pain for many, especially if they feel threatened or violated. Respecting others’ personal space and asking permission before crossing those lines is essential. This pet peeve disrupts our need for privacy and respect; when someone doesn’t adhere to our boundaries, it may seem as if they are violating them – leading to feelings of anger and frustration.
Not Cleaning Up After Yourselves: Not cleaning up after yourself can be a pet peeve for some people, especially if they share space or the mess is particularly unsanitary. It’s essential to be responsible and clean up after yourself to maintain an organized and clean environment. This disrupts our need for cleanliness and order; when someone doesn’t do their part, we may perceive our space and environment are disorganized or messy, which in turn causes feelings of anger and frustration.
Being Indecisive: It can be a real pet peeve for many people, especially when it causes delays or requires others to make decisions for them. We must be decisive and make decisions quickly when possible. Being indecisive disrupts our need for efficiency and progress, which causes anger or frustration.
Unreliable People: It can be frustrating when someone consistently cancels plans or fails to fulfill commitments. This is especially true in personal relationships where trust and dependability are crucial. This causes us to feel disrespected and unimportant; our time and effort is not valued.
Poor Hygiene: When someone exhibits terrible body odor, dirty clothes, or fails to practice good hygiene habits, it can be a significant irritation for many. This is because poor hygiene can be physically unpleasant and lead to feelings of unease or even sickness in others.
People Who Talk Too Loud: Some individuals habitually talk too loud, whether in person or over the phone. This can be particularly annoying in public places such as libraries, restaurants, and public transportation. Psychologically speaking, loud talking may be perceived as aggressive and intrusive, making it difficult for others to focus or relax.
Slow Walkers: People who walk slowly or take up too much space on sidewalks and in hallways can be a major pet peeve for many people. This can be incredibly annoying when you’re trying to get somewhere quickly. Psychologically speaking, this might be seen as not respecting others’ time or space since the slow walker is not being mindful of others’ needs or wants.
Passive Aggressive Behaviour: It can take many forms, from sarcastic remarks to subtle putdowns. For some people, this type of attitude creates a stressful atmosphere at work or home; psychologically speaking, passive-aggressive attitudes leaves us feeling confused and powerless.
People Who Use Their Phone While Driving: Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents, and not just texting while driving can be hazardous. Many find people using their phones in any capacity while driving puts others at risk and may be perceived as reckless.
Taking up too much room on public transportation: One common pet peeve is when people take up too much space on public transportation. This can be incredibly maddening when the train or bus is packed and every inch counts. Whether someone sits with their legs spread wide or takes up multiple seats, others may feel awkward due to this violation of personal space norms, which some view as a display of selfishness.
People Who Talk During Movies: Attending the cinema should be a fun and relaxing experience, but it can quickly become annoying when people start speaking during the show. Whether it’s someone whispering to their friend or making loud comments about what’s happening on screen, it disrupts others from enjoying the film. Psychologically speaking, this disrupts the immersive experience many seek when they go to the movies – leading to frustration for all involved.
People Who Are Always On Their Phone: While technology has made it easier to stay connected with others, being constantly on your phone can be disrespectful. Whether during dinner with friends or a work conference, those around you may get the feeling they’re not being heard or valued. This may be seen as an absence of consideration for others and an interruption from the present moment.
People Who Don’t Cover Their Mouths When Coughing or Sneezing: This pet Peeve can be incredibly annoying during cold and flu season. When someone doesn’t cover their mouth, they spread germs to those around them in an unhygienic and disrespectful way. Psychologically speaking, this may trigger disgust and fear of contracting an illness.
People Who Neglect to Use Turn Signals While Driving: Neglecting to use turn signals is not only rude, but it’s also risky. Other drivers become annoyed trying to guess which way t plan to turn, which may lead to accidents. This issue stems from a desire for order and predictability while driving; it’s natural to feel uneasy when others exhibit unpredictable behavior while sharing the road with you.
People Who Take Up Too Much Space on Public Transportation: This is especially common among commuters who rely on public transportation. It can be aggravating when someone takes up more than their fair share of space, such as by spreading their legs too wide or taking up an extra seat with bags. It could stem from a desire for personal freedom and comfort; being close to strangers can be uncomfortable, and having little room only adds to that discomfort.
People Who Don’t Respect Personal Boundaries: Everyone has their own private space, and we must respect that of others. It can be infuriating when someone intrudes on your space by standing too close or touching you without permission. This often stems from a need for physical and emotional safety; feeling threatened triggers the fight or flight response, often resulting in anger and frustration.
People Who Don’t Clean Up After Their Pets: It is essential to clean up after your pets when they go potty in public areas. This is unsanitary and disrespectful toward those around you who may use the same area. This may come from a desire for order and respect toward others.
People Who Leave Their Phone Ringer on in Public: When out and about, it is essential to be mindful of both your surroundings and those around you. A loud phone ring can bother those trying to enjoy the silence, engage in a discussion, and interrupt important moments like business conferences. Psychologically speaking, this interrupts our sense of focus and attention – when out in public, we want to be able to engage with those around us; a loud ringer disrupts that experience.
Slow walkers: Finding yourself stuck behind someone who walks slowly can be an unpleasant experience. Not only does it slow you down, but it may also cause delays at appointments or meetings and create congestion in crowded places like airports and train stations. The psychological reason why slow walkers can cause people to be angry is that they disrupt our sense of flow and productivity – we all have places to go and things to do; when someone else moves slower than expected, it becomes frustratingly inconvenient.
Dominating A Conversation: While communication and socializing are essential, some people dominate conversations and do not allow others to speak. This can be incredibly annoying in group settings where everyone should have a chance to contribute. Psychologically, this may make people feel unimportant or undervalued, leading to social anxiety issues and decreased self-worth.
Being too touchy-feely: Physical touch can be a positive way to connect with others, but some people take it too far and cause discomfort. Touching without consent may be seen as intrusive, leading to feelings of unsafety and violation. Psychologically speaking, this may lead to anxiety and decreased self-esteem for the person being touched as they may feel their personal space is not being respected.
No Respecting Dietary Restrictions: Due to allergies, religious beliefs or personal preferences, many people must adhere to dietary restrictions for their health and well-being. Failing to respect these restrictions by serving or offering foods that the person cannot eat can be frustrating and even hazardous; it demonstrates a lack of consideration for another’s wellbeing, leading to physical discomfort or harm and psychological effects such as guilt.
Nails on a chalkboard: The sound of nails on a chalkboard is a pet peeve for many people. This is because the sound is high-pitched, sharp, and grating, which triggers a physical and emotional response in our brains. The sound stimulates the amygdala, which is part of the brain responsible for our emotional responses, particularly fear, and disgust. This response is amplified by the sound’s unpredictable and sudden nature, triggering our brain to act quickly in response to what it interprets as a threat. When our body perceives danger, it releases adrenaline and increases heart rate – leading us to experience feelings of anxiety and discomfort.
Cracking knuckles: It can be pretty bothersome. Crackling knuckles fall under the category of “repetitive, low-level annoying sounds,” which trigger the brain’s “orienting response.” This occurs when the brain detects something novel or unexpected and shifts attention toward it; however, if the stimulus persists long enough, the brain may start seeing it as a threat and initiate a stress response. It can be particularly jarring, as it’s repetitive and may occur multiple times within a short period. This sound also triggers an orienting response as it’s sudden and unexpected – leading to the perception by the brain as a potential threat. As such, it may trigger a stress response, leading to anger towards those cracking their knuckles.
Bad grammar: an annoying pet Peeve that many people suffer from, can include incorrect punctuation, misspelled words and incorrect sentence structure. The psychological cause for this habitual offense lies in our brains’ wiring to process language a certain way; when that pattern is disrupted, it can be challenging to decipher for us. Grammar is often linked with education and intelligence, so when we come accross misspellings and incorrect use of words, it can make us perceive the speaker or writer as less intelligent or educated than they are. This could lead to prejudice against them. Furthermore, improper grammar impedes effective communication, leading to misinterpretations and misunderstandings. All in all, it should be taken seriously by those who value clear, efficient communication.
Discovering empty containers left behind: People may feel annoyed when they use an item in the fridge only to find it’s empty. This can lead to someone becoming annoyed. First and foremost, an empty container in the refrigerator can be seen as a breach of trust in shared spaces. When living with others, everyone is expected to do their part to keep everything tidy and sanitary; an empty container may lead to frustration and annoyance.
On a plane, reclining your seat: Passengers often recline their seats without checking if the person behind them has enough room or is using a tray table before doing so. This can make the person feel cramped and uneasy, with the potential for spilling drinks or food items. Psychologically speaking, this stems from an invasion of personal space and a lack of consideration for others. The person reclining their seat may not realize their actions’ impact on others or prioritize their comfort over that of fellow passengers. This can lead to frustration among passengers, escalating into conflicts or confrontations. Ultimately, being mindful when traveling and respecting others’ personal space and comfort levels is essential.
Bothering someone when they are busy: A common pet peeve for many people is when others bother them while they are working on something, reading a book, or just trying to relax. This stems from the psychology that people only have so much attention and focus that can be dedicated to one task at a time; when someone interrupts them, it breaks their concentration and may lead to frustration or irritation.
Meeting a Rude Person: It can be the epitome of rudeness to come across an unpleasant person early in the day. This sets an unpleasant tone for the remainder of your day and makes it difficult to move past any negative emotions that arise afterward. The psychology behind this is that our emotions are contagious, and negativity has a more significant effect than positive affirmation. When we come across someone rude or unpleasant, our brain is activated into a stress response which can lead to negative emotions and physical manifestations such as increased heart rate or blood pressure. Additionally, ruminating throughout the day can lead to a negative mood and affect our interactions with others. Recognizing their effects is critical; taking steps to manage our emotions and maintain a positive outlook is also beneficial.
Someone Picking Their Nose in Public: Many people have an unpleasant pet peeve when someone picks their nose in public. This stems from disgust, a defense mechanism against potential disease and infection. When we observe someone picking their nose, our instinctive feeling of disgust sets in as we associate this behavior with germs and bacteria spreading.
Cutting someone off mid-conversation: Interrupting someone during a conversation is often seen as an annoying pet peeve. It can be particularly aggravating when they don’t let you finish your thoughts or talk over you. This often stems from the need for validation and the urge to be heard; interrupting can signal that someone is interested in the conversation or has something important to add.
Bad office etiquette: This includes being persistently late, not cleaning up after oneself in common areas, talking too loud on the phone and interrupting coworkers. The psychology behind this behavior is that it disrupts the workplace environment and makes it difficult for workers to focus and complete their work efficiently. Furthermore, it demonstrates a lack of consideration for others which may lead to resentment and conflict within the office. Moreover, people may feel disrespected when their colleagues don’t value their time and space, leading to negative emotions and reduced motivation toward productivity levels.
People who dislike their jobs: this can be common for many individuals. It can be draining to work with someone who constantly complains about their role and brings down morale in the workplace. Humans are social creatures and absorb the emotions and attitudes of those around them; if someone consistently expresses negativity about their work, it creates an unhealthy atmosphere that negatively affects everyone’s productivity and well-being at work.
Adults speaking like teenagers: This can be an irritating trait for some. Listening to someone use teenage slang, such as “like,” “um,” and “totally,” when they are no longer teenagers can be annoying. The psychology behind this is that it may be perceived as immature and unprofessional. Adults talking like teenagers demonstrates a lack of respect for the situation or those they are communicating with. It can also be seen as a failure to adjust to social norms and expectations based on age or status. Furthermore, speaking like someone from the 20s may lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. Ultimately, this stems from the importance of using appropriate language and communication styles in different social situations.
Rubbing or scratching sounds: such as when someone rubs their hands together or rubs an object against a surface – can be exceptionally irritating when done repeatedly or loudly. The psychology behind this lies in our sensitivity to certain sounds, known as misophonia, which causes strong emotional and physical responses such as anger, anxiety, or discomfort when heard.
Encountering unpleasant odors: This could include body odor, bad breath, or even strong perfume or cologne. The psychology behind this lies in the connection between smell and our emotions and memories. When we experience an unpleasant odour, it can cause feelings of disgust and unease; in some cases, it may even make us physically ill. Furthermore, if we associate that smell with some negative experience or person, revisiting that scent could bring up these same negative emotions and memories. Social situations are incredibly uncomfortable when someone with foul body odor or overpowering perfume is present, making it challenging to engage with them and creating an atmosphere of discomfort. Thus, good hygiene should always be practiced and we should be mindful of how much perfume or cologne we use – mainly in public spaces.
Proper elevator etiquette: requires not waiting for people to exit before entering, pushing all buttons, or standing too close to others. This stems from personal space and control issues; people tend to protect their personal space when strangers invade it. In an elevator, people are put into close quarters with strangers, making them feel vulnerable. Furthermore, those violating this protocol feel as if they are losing control over the situation. Ultimately though, this pet peeve could easily be avoided by following basic rules of elevator etiquette.
Messy or disorganized Kitchen: When dishes are left behind in the sink or utensils are scattered on the counter, a cluttered kitchen can be incredibly frustrating for those who enjoy cooking or spending time in there. This pet peeve may arise because an organized kitchen can make cooking or prepping food much harder. It could also be seen as an indication of disrespect for the space and those who share it.
Someone putting their feet up on a table or chair: especially in public or shared space – can be an annoying psychological pet peeve for several reasons. First and foremost, it is considered a breach of social norms and etiquette to put one’s feet up in specific settings. Doing so can cause frustration and annoyance for those who feel their personal space are being invaded.
Exaggerated or unnecessary Reactions: This can include overreacting to minor situations or creating a scene in public. The psychology behind this pet Peeve lies in the idea of emotional regulation and control of one’s emotions during social problems. People with this peeve may value composure and social norms while finding excessive reactions disruptive or attention-seeking.
Lifestyle Choices: It can be irritating if someone opts to follow a specific diet or exercise routine and others make hostile remarks or attempt to influence them otherwise. This is incredibly irritating if the lifestyle choice is essential to the individual, and they feel their decisions are being undermined or discredited. The psychology behind this pet peeve lies in autonomy and control. When someone comments about another person’s lifestyle choices, it can come of as an intrusion on their independence and control over their life. Furthermore, it could appear that the person making the comments is trying to assert control over them, which can be seen as offensive. This leads to feelings of defensiveness as one attempts to protect one’s autonomy and power over their own life.
Someone with an offensive and unpleasant odor: This could include body odor, bad breath, or overpowering perfume/cologne scents. The psychology behind this pet peeve lies in our sense of smell and how it affects our overall experience. When we encounter something strongly unpleasant in the air, our brain immediately associates it with danger or disease.
When someone acts in a “crazy” or erratic manner: this could include shouting, making sudden movements, or generally behaving unpredictably. This can be incredibly annoying in public places, where it can cause a lot of discomfort and make individuals feel unsafe. The psychology behind this pet peeve is likely related to our basic need for safety and security. When someone acts in a way that we perceive as unpredictable or dangerous, it triggers our fight-or-flight response and makes us uneasy.
People with a huge ego: Someone constantly talking about themselves can be very irritating. When someone constantly talks about their accomplishments or their greatness, it can be annoying and make others feel small or unimportant. It can also be a sign of insecurity and the need for validation from others. People with an inflated sense of self can often come off as arrogant and unapproachable, negatively impacting their relationships and interactions with others. The need for an inflated sense of self often stems from a fear of inadequacy or insecurity. People with big egos may need to talk about themselves to feel validated and important constantly.
Someone who always has a negative outlook: It can be irritating and draining to be around someone who constantly complains or sees the negative in every situation. The psychology behind this pet peeve is that negativity is contagious, and being around negative people can affect our mood and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to negativity can increase stress and anxiety levels and affect our physical health. Additionally, constant negativity can create a toxic environment and damage personal and professional relationships. Dealing with someone who always has a negative outlook can be challenging, but it’s essential to set boundaries and not let their negativity affect your mindset. Encouraging positive thinking and finding solutions to problems can also help shift.
Taking food off someone’s plate: without asking can be rude and intrusive, especially if you are not close to the person. Psychologically, people can feel violated and disrespected when someone takes food off their plate. It can be seen as a breach of personal space and can make someone feel like they are not in control. Additionally, some people may have dietary restrictions or preferences they want to adhere to. Having someone else take food from their plate can be seen as disrespectful and even harmful.

I’m Kary Walters, a couples mediator, life coach, and writer with a passion for helping couples stay together and achieve their relationship goals. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in self-improvement and have worked with individuals & couples facing challenges.