In the past few days, a few things have happened that I find annoying. Most of these things are stuff that almost everyone is guilty of doing at some point. Others are things that are more specific to my personal pet peeves. Either way, here they are….

Children are not an excuse to use the handicapped restroom stall. That’s why most places have family restrooms. Take the time to find them.

Changing your baby’s diaper at the restaurant table is just gross. No further explanation.

Encouraging your child to approach me and ask to pet my service dog, who has a big patch that says do not pet clearly visible, is rude. And stupid.

Not all disabilities are visible. Nor do they need to be. Mind your own business.

Autistic does not mean stupid.

Autistic does not mean I don’t care.

Autistic does not mean I lack feelings or emotions.

Taking credit for someone else’s work is plagiarism.

Stepping on other people so you can be seen as #1 is childish, rude and uncalled for.

Assuming you know “all about” something because you read about it on the Internet makes you look silly.

Claiming you are something you are not makes you look silly.

Talking about something you have very little knowledge about is annoying, especially when the person you are talking to knows much more about the topic.

You can never have too much bacon.

It is better to ask questions than to ass-u-me.

Respect for diversity goes a long way.

We don’t have to agree. We do need to respect each other.

Every person has something to contribute. Never underestimate another person.

Remember, the “m” in masses is sometimes silent.

I prefer rainbows over blue lights any day of the week. Ask me why.

I am not “broken.” I do not need to be fixed or cured.

Blindly throwing money at things solves nothing. Do your research.

Ask. Respectfully. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.

You didn’t get to where you are in life without help from others.

There is no shame in ask for or needing help.