Put a Leash on Your Pet Peeve!

We may have different reasons for wanting to manage our pet peeves, but there is no doubt that our need for managing our pet peeves is very real. For some having a pet peeve is no issue at all. But for others it can mean the difference between having a pleasant day and one that is ruined be it at work, at home or at a social garthering etc.

By following these seven steps you are sure to keep that pet peeve on a leash and train it so that it will not cause undue stress, frustration, anger, and annoyance. Instead, you will find some humor to add to your day.

1. Acknowledge Your Pet Peeve.

Recognizing that your pet peeve exist rather than denying it is the first step to training your pet peeve. You will be better able to predict when it will happen, and you will be more capable of handling the situation by finding a solution. The benefits from this will lead to less stress in your life and less frustration too.

2. The Problem Is No One But You.

Funny isn’t it? Yet so true. Pet peeves are something personal which accounts for any minor occurences in your life and why it runs so deep. But who says it have to right? Own that pet peeve by trying to identify why you feel the way you do and be honest with yourself about it too. You can control how you react to situations and let others deal with their own problem – because that is theirs to deal with.

3. Trade Any Negative For A Postive.

If we keep our focus on the negative can we ever appreciate the positive? I know its not always easy to replace a negative with a positive but with practice it will get easier. If I have done it so can you. Why not make a list now of your pet peeves and how you can replace these with a positive. Example..”my peeve is spiders, just can’t stand them, but when I think of how they help keep the flies away, I gain a greater appreciation for them and I leave them alone instead of trying to kill them”.

4. Speak At The Right Moment!

When is the right moment to speak? When you are calm and in control of your pet peeve. It is never wise to vent your feelings about your pet peeve. Venting will only fuel any negative feelings you are already having about your peeve and will more than likely cause undue stress and frustration that will lead to an unresolved situation. Wait for an occasion when you are not experiencing the peeve and discuss the issue with the offender.

5. May I Have Some Humor Please?

The ability to laugh at oneself is a gift that is so rare. Rarer still is the ability to laugh and find humor in something that annoys and frustrates you. Is that even possible? Yes I believe it is and you should too. By trying to look at your pet peeve from a different perspective…you’ll be able to actually laugh at yourself, at your peeve, and at the offender. Try replacing all of the expecting with accepting and seeing it from a fresh pair of eyes. You’ll be surprised at the changes it will bring.

6. Is Love The Answer?

What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? A pet peeve is something at most times innocently done by the offender. It is also triggered by the people closest to us. So the next time you are faced with the challenge of dealing with a pet peeve remember your love for the person. This will help you better deal with the peeve. And if your peeve is triggered by a total stranger then at least you can find comfort in knowing that you do not have to deal with this annoyance everyday.

7. Remember this old teaching: No One Is Perfect!

Oftentimes in life it is best to know what to overlook and what not to underlook. The most effective method in dealing with your pet peeve would be to remember no one is perfect. Focus on your own faults rather than those of others. This will help you have some patience in dealing with others.

Best of luck in your managing your pet peeve!