Annoyance

What annoys some people and not others? What annoys you? What does not annoy you? What repeated acts irritate, disturb or bother you? What or who is a source of vexation or irritation…a nuisance? Do you think you could be a source of annoyance or irritation to others?

The terms annoy, vex, irk, irritate and bother are words that have been used to convey when a person’s composure has been upset or disturbed. “Annoy” implies that one’s patience is being worn thin by persistent petty unpleasantness. “Irritate” or “irk” is an interference or disturbance with a person’s comfort or harmony.

The interesting thing about annoyances, it is like treasures and trash. One person’s trash is another’s treasure. Put in another way, what may annoy one person, may be a source of value or joy to another. Tolerance and respect starts with people learning what each person in their lives value. It helps us to understand and be compassionate to those things that annoy us.

I have discovered over the years that there are 4 core groups of people with distinct characteristics, social styles and values. There are many labels for these 4 styles; however to keep this article simple let us call them Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta.

The Alphas:
React slowly after critically thinking and analyzing the facts.
Value organizing and organization.
Not concerned with involvement or relationships.
Concerned with precision, works carefully in solitude.
Are knowledgeable and cautious.
Good problem-solvers.
Avoid risks. Decisions are based on facts.
Use time deliberately, slowly.
They are disciplined.
“Slow and steady wins the race.”
“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

The Betas:
React swiftly and are action and goal-oriented.
Likes to be in charge and in control.
Dislikes inaction.
Little concern about relationships.
Works quickly and independently.
Decisive. Good administrators.
Take risks based on intuition.
Efficient, fast and impatient.
“I went with my gut and got it done.”
“The buck stops here.”
“If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.”

The Gammas:
Appreciate leisure.
Value close relationships and peace.
Dislikes conflict.
Wish to relate. Heart-centered.
Value tradition and teamwork.
Not concerned with change.
A great team-player.
Slow to act/react.
Great listeners and counselors.
Avoid risks.
Values people’s opinions.
Calm and steady.
“Let’s all listen and try to get along.”
“It’s a small world after all.”

The Deltas
Rapid and impulsive.
Value involvement and intuition.
Appreciates interaction.
Dislikes solitude.
Not concerned about routine.
Works quickly with others.
Energetic team-player.
Takes risks based on hunches.
Quick and somewhat careless.
“There is no ‘I’ in teamwork.”
“Better together.”
“2 heads are better than one.”

At first glance, you can see where annoyances and conflict could arise between each of these groups. However, with understanding and respect, it is easy to see how each of the personalities can really complement each other. With a bit of knowledge and more love and kindness, annoyances will no longer annoy.

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• Should you be annoyed with me? (davidmbrowndotcom.wordpress.com)
• May 10 (newstrength.wordpress.com)
• The Accidental Asshole: Pinpoint How You’re Annoying People and Do Something About It [Annoyances] (libgrl.wordpress.com)
• My Kids Annoy Me…Sometimes (By Tammy Bolt Werthem) (iwokeupyesterday.com)