By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
My children have consistently thanked me for staying calm in serious situations, but they get annoyed when I let seemingly trivial irritations cause me to lose my cool.
I’ve tried to explain that the little miscues that get on our last nerve usually become pet peeves when they keep recurring. Yes, they may appear insignificant compared to the grand events shaping our lives, but they have a peculiar power to unsettle, irritate, and aggravate.
For example, I clearly recall my father roaming through our home at bedtime turning off lights and electrical appliances and counting each one in a loud voice so everyone would know how much he resented wasting electricity.
Later, with my own family, I revived that tradition, much to the chagrin of our own little darlings. But I also remember at least one of the lovable geniuses would always remind me that electricity was very cheap.
And, as a country boy, I admit that I never heard of anyone going hungry because they couldn’t afford their “light bill,” but I do know from experience that you sleep better in a dark house.
I recently made a 600-mile road trip to and from the Atlanta area and was forced to deal with my pet peeve against drivers who like to cruise in the passing lane but usually 10 or 15 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
On a truck-heavy freeway like I-75 that is dangerous driving for everyone. Several times I wanted to blow the horn or shout an expletive or make unfriendly hand gestures, but I didn’t because too many of those good ole boys in that part of the country are likely to express their road rage with a firearm.
I read somewhere that pet peeves reveal our desire for order and predictability in an unpredictable world. And that recognizing and managing them—rather than allowing them to fester—can lead to personal growth and more harmony in our lives.
That may well be true, but I’ve reached the age and stage of life where I intend to protect my right to be “P—ed Off” whenever and wherever I choose.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
