NOTE: Each quarter, students in the eighth grade yearbook class post an article one the Hilltopper Online. Sitting in class during a big test, and all that can be heard is the person next to the student smacking on a piece of gum. They are so loud that thinking is nearly impossible. The constant slobber and mouth noises.
Slap-slap-slap.
It is so repetitive and irritating that no one can take it.
CHOMP! SQUISH! SMACK! SPLAT!
Pet peeves are annoying. But, what makes a pet peeve annoying? Is it the fact that they are too small to say anything? Or is it the fact that they violate personal expectations and norms? While they seem small, they can affect students and teachers’ day. The most common and often sought pet peeves need to be talked about.
A new pet peeve that has been emerging recently is 6-7. The saying 6-7 originally sprouted from a video of Maverick Trevillian, known as “The 6-7 Kid”, shouting 6-7 while gesturing his hands palm up and moving up and down. This has now become an extremely viral and controversial meme. Some may find it funny but some people can find it disruptive and annoying due to the fact that it is constantly being repeated during classes or conversations. It went from completely entertaining to a distraction.
“I think 6-7 is annoying,” Raquel McVicker (7) said.
One of the biggest pet peeves that are often seen by students and teachers is when students will neglect and ignore teachers’ instructions.
“I have to explain myself multiple times and it takes over class time,” middle school science teacher Kimberly Klein said.
Not only does this take over class time but it is disrespectful, it can break students’ work flow, and create unnecessary stress.
“Yes, every year students will neglect your teaching and it always becomes a pet peeve,” Social Studies teacher Jason Harnish said.
Some may argue that this does have a silver lining and students can be kind and help each other figure out the instructions. But, this takes even more class time.
“Being kind and nice to other people,”is what Klein believes makes class run smoother.
Students could be listening to the lesson and learning instead of disrespecting the teacher and those around them. While helping each other is positive, it’s more efficient to listen productively. This can help students and teachers so everyone can stay on task and learn productively to benefit themselves and those around them. “People irritate me when they ask me what to do when the teacher just explained it,” Ebba Lami(8) said.
Another pet peeve that is often heard about is obnoxious chewing or smacking.
“Something small that annoys me way more than it should is, obnoxious chewing or smacking your lips,” Alison Winburn (8) said.
Chewing loudly and smacking can be extremely distracting and disrespectful, whether it is a teacher or a student doing it. Loud noises can be distracting especially in quiet environments such as a classroom where students and teachers try their best to fulfill their work. While eating is very normal it is always seen as respectful to be aware of the volume. Pet peeves can eventually be conquered.
“Professional help for managing pet peeves involves developing emotional resilience, setting boundaries, and employing cognitive reframing techniques to reduce irritation.” Jon Spayde, award-winning writer, skilled, experienced editor, and Harvard student, said in his article “Tips and Tricks to Deal With Common Pet Peeves.”
In the end, all individuals have pet peeves. While they can seem small, they can impact everyone’s emotions by interacting with others daily. Being aware of surroundings and actions is always respectful. This can help reduce these little annoyances and create a more positive environment for everyone.
