Everybody has them. Things that just bug the snot out of you. Things that people do that make you wonder - what the hell are you thinking? Ever since moving to Calgary, a couple of new pet peeves have surfaced in my everyday living. This is more of a vent then anything.

The Train Ride:

I don’t usually mind when it’s busy. There’s nothing really I can do about. It’s a part of life here in Calgary. However, when it does get packed at the stations, people are literally vulchers when it comes to getting a seat. The technique that most people use is mad dash with elbows out. Some signs of a bolter are the dash for the door even before the train stops as well as the sutle glances to make sure nobody else is a bolter.

Another annoyance, but not necessary a pet peeve of mine happened to me last week. I was standing holding on to a hand loop that come down from the ceilings. As fellow train riders know, standing one position for long periods of time tends to strain, tighten and numb the muscles and joints. As we were stopped at one station on the way to work one day, I let go of the loop, put my arm down, and looked the other way for a brief seconds. As I turned back, a lady had taken my loop. What the hell? Of course, I didn’t say anything, but that’s beside the point. I had to basically train surf all the way to work with nothing else to hold on to.

My other pet peeve is with the washrooms at our work. Now before I describe the situation, there’s has always been some “unspoken rules” of men’s bathroom etiquette that should be followed. Obviously some people are not aware of the rules in our workplace. Here’s the problem:

Our bathroom consists of 2 stalls and then 2 urinals. The urinals are very close together, as in close enough to touch elbows when 2 people are using the urinals at the same time. Thus, I bring up the 2 most important rules of mens bathroom etiquette.

• Buffer Rule

Always have a buffer if you can, whether you’re using a urinal or you’re in a stall. If there are other people there, be sure there’s at least one urinal/stall between you and them if at all possible.

• Speaking Rule

Never speak from one urinal or stall to a person in another one, adjoining or otherwise. As well, in the case of a urinal, never look over to the next.

(The only exception to this is if the bathroom is empty, and you and the other person entered at the same time. For example, if it’s late at night and you and your friend are making a pit stop on your cross country drive)

The only time these 2 rules DO NOT apply is at specific events where large public consumption of alcohol is taking place. For example, sporting events, or a bar.

So if I’m using a urinal, don’t use the one beside me, use a stall. I don’t like when I’m peeing and somebody is touching my elbow.

Thank you for you time.