Embracing Diversity: Lessons from My Pet Peeves

Name your top three pet peeves.

Over the years, I have learned an important life skill: making peace with people who have different personalities, habits, and quirks. Whether it’s someone eating loudly, chewing with their mouth open, talking on speakerphone in public, or keeping a messy office desk—these behaviours used to irritate me. But with time and patience, I realised that a small shift in my response can bring a big change in my peace of mind.

Living in a Country of Incredible Diversity

India is a country where diversity is woven into every aspect of life. Every few miles, the language changes, the dialect sounds different, food habits shift, and even the attire transforms. Instead of finding these differences annoying, I now find them fascinating. They constantly remind me how beautifully people can live so differently, yet remain united. Truly, there is unity in diversity.

When Cleanliness Turns Into a Trigger

One thing that always made me uncomfortable was a dirty house floor. Even small pieces of dust sticking to my foot would irritate me. I would often argue with my wife over this. But eventually, I realised the simplest solution—pick up a broom and clean the floor myself. That one decision brought peace not only to my home but also to my mind.

The Challenge of a Messy Office Desk

A cluttered desk still bothers me, even today. But instead of getting irritated, I now calmly inform colleagues and help them understand how to organise their workspace. This gentle approach prevents unnecessary tension and creates a more positive environment.

People Who Call Only When They Need Something

Another thing that used to bother me was when some people would call only when they needed help. And when they did talk, they acted as if they were always in touch and I was the one not calling them back. Initially, this frustrated me, but I eventually learned to ignore such pretence.

I now follow a simple rule:
If I feel like talking to someone, I call them—whether or not they ever call me.
This mindset has given me tremendous peace.

Learning to Let Go of Pet Peeves

Today, I can confidently say that I have almost no pet peeves left. I’ve learned to accept small irritants, respond calmly, and not let unnecessary triggers disturb my peace. Life becomes a lot simpler when we focus on our inner happiness instead of trying to change others.

Thank you, dear readers, for stopping by.
Stay happy and keep smiling! 😊