What grinds your gears? Part two

There's always something to bitch about... let's share our grievances!

Hey guys! I MESSED UP…if you received an email from me earlier, ignore it! I accidentally deleted the essay and with the help of Jena Ball, I was able to retrieve it. Here we go!

WELCOME new subscribers! You’re part of an ever growing group of very interesting and fun people who always have something to say! THANKS for being part of Susan Speaks!

Peter Griffin, from the brilliant mind of Seth McFarland.

My juvenile humor is satisfied with Family Guy. The segment with Peter Griffin, “Ya know what really grinds my gears?” is funny and accurate. I did a piece about gear grinding here… take a look and then, consider this your safe space to talk about all the things that really irritate you. I’ll go first:

1. Plastic wrap. It’s unruly. It clings where I don’t want it to cling (like some of my clothes 🙄). And it starts to tear on the corners. It’s bad for my blood pressure. ARRRGGHHHH!!!

   

2. One-upsmanship. We all know someone who practices the dark art of one-upmanship. These people attempt to outdo you and can’t share your happiness. Is it jealousy? Insecurity? A desperate attempt to be part of your life? Or just fucking RUDE??

   

   EXAMPLE:
   Me: “I’m so excited… I’m finally taking a trip to Italy!

   Them: “Oh. I’ve been there twice. Let me tell you about it”

   OR

   Me: “I have over 2028 subscribers on Substack now!!”

   Them: “Hmmm…. I’m not much of a reader”

   How insecure/rude/unaware/doltish can you be?

3. Women. Women who don’t support other women. Examples: Backstabbing in the office? Check. ✅

   Not being happy for your success? Check. ✅

   Unsolicited advice? Check ✅

   If she’s doing well at her job, achieved a goal, wins an award… anything. Give her a pat on the back and don’t ignore her efforts. It’s bitchy and it happens way too often. Sisters need to stop bringing each other down.

   

4. The Know It All. Everyone is a bloody expert, usually at something they know nothing about. Google doesn’t make you a scientist, OK? And, man when it comes to politics, these people have all the answers, don’t they? If you’re such a foreign policy expert, please call the White House and give them some advice. I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear from you. 🙄

   

5. Sidewalk hogs. It’s a game of chicken. Who will move over first? This shouldn’t be hard, but there are entitled jerks who won’t move over. I’ve tried that game of chicken to see who will move over first, and invariably, I give in. How about we BOTH give each other room to pass? We’re just an uncivilized society.

   

6. Hotels. Why in the name of Holiday Inn does the front desk insist on putting me in the last room at the end of a long hall? Can’t you see I’m traveling alone, with luggage AND a cooler of Pale Ale??

   

7. Being cryptic. Say what you mean. Give me some context with your statement so I can understand what you’re talking about. Don’t make me look dumb and have to ask what you mean. (Especially on a Substack thread or in an email.)

8. Sticky menus. Wait. Why am I even eating in a restaurant like this?

OK. Your turn. Tell us, What grinds YOUR gears? And thanks for being here!

I used to be an advertising copywriter, and still freelance. But Substack is way more interesting, challenging, and I get to meet wonderful people. Since September is my birthday month, I’m offering a yearly subscription at a discounted rate of only $35 a year. Appreciate the consideration!