The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

We all have our quirks and irritations—those little things that make our blood simmer. For me, there are three particular habits that never fail to ruffle my feathers. They’re not just annoying; they reveal something deeper about the way we treat each other and the respect we show to those around us.

1. Swear Words as a Daily Vocabulary

Now, don’t get me wrong—an occasional expletive can be forgiven. Sometimes, life throws something at you that a simple “Oh dear!” just can’t quite capture. But when every sentence is littered with swear words, it stops being expressive and starts being grating. It’s like they’ve run out of adjectives and nouns and have resorted to filling every gap with a lazy filler. Swearing isn’t the issue; it’s the overuse, the thoughtlessness, and the lack of effort to speak meaningfully. A sentence or conversation becomes a garbled mess, and for me, it’s like nails on a chalkboard.

2. Rudeness and Bullying Behaviour

There’s something particularly jarring about people who speak without considering how their words might land. Whether it’s condescending tones, or just plain rudeness, it’s a trait that makes my stomach turn. Worse still, when it crosses into outright bullying—where people intentionally try to belittle or demean others—it becomes more than a pet peeve. It’s a character flaw that reveals their own insecurity and lack of empathy. Life is hard enough without someone speaking down to others as though they’re somehow superior. A little kindness and humility go a long way.

3. Laughing at Someone to Make Them Feel Small

We all love a good laugh, but at someone’s expense? That’s where I draw the line. There’s a sharp difference between laughing with someone and laughing at them. The former builds connection; the latter tears it down. I’ve seen people shrink in the face of cruel jokes and mocking laughter, and it’s heartbreaking. It’s a behaviour that reminds me of schoolyard bullies, except the perpetrators are often adults who should know better. A laugh shouldn’t come at the cost of someone else’s dignity—it’s not worth it.

Pet peeves might seem trivial, but they’re rooted in values—kindness, respect, and thoughtfulness. When people swear incessantly, behave rudely, or laugh at others, they show a lack of consideration for those around them. If we all took a moment to think before speaking or acting, the world might just feel a little kinder.

So, those are my top three. What about you?