Happy Vs. Annoyed

Photo by Nicole Pierick

When someone asks you, “What makes you annoyed?,” I’m sure there is at least one thing that comes to mind instantly. For me, it’s liars. I cannot stand someone who goes through their lives spreading lie after lie; it drives me crazy. However, that is not the same for everyone. Some people get annoyed with cold weather, bugs, kids and other odd things. This brought me to the question of what exactly are the most common things that make college students annoyed?

Now, you know me and know that I like to look at a positive side to things. I decided to compare what makes people the most annoyed to what makes people the most happy. I conducted a survey monkey and received about 50 responses. I allowed people to choose multiple answers as to what made them happy and annoyed, then I had them fill in their own ideas at the end.

Top things that make people annoyed:

1. Lying - 83% of students who voted said that lying makes them annoyed. So quit being a POS and tell the truth!

2. People who chew loudly with their mouth open - 66% of people said this annoys them. I mean, who wouldn’t? I like “seafood” not “see food.”

3. People being loud when you’re trying to sleep - 61% of people said this irks them. I don’t blame them though -- nothing worse than having morning practice and your neighbors are outside revving their bike engines (yes, this is a real thing).

4. Smoking - 46% of people said that someone who smokes near them bugs them. I’d have to agree on this one: I’m constantly coughing near those smokers to let them know, too.

5. People who talk loudly on their phones - 46% of people admitted to this bothering them. Nobody cares about your phone conversation, so please be quiet. Thank you, next.

6. Light weights - 16% of people said that those who can’t handle their liquor bother them.

Top things that make people happy:

1. Sports / exercise - 86% of people said athletics or exercise makes them happy. Since most of the students that go here are athletes, I would hope they are enjoying their sports.

2. Being with your family - 76% of people said being with their family makes them happy. Who doesn’t love going home for the weekend, or break, to have a good home-cooked meal from your mom and to spend much needed time with them?

3. Animals - 76% of people said animals makes them happy. The other 24% is either lying or they’re psychopaths, because animals are the best …

4. Food - 74% of people said that food makes them happy. Food is often looked at as a celebratory or fix-something thing. Good grades? Ice cream. Bad day? Also ice cream. It’s a trap, but a delicious trap.

5. Being with your S/O - 71% of people said being with their significant other makes them happy. I’m going to make a guess that the only reason this is the lowest one is because not everyone has a S/O, because your S/O should make you happy and you should make them happy.

6. Music - 69% of people said that music makes them happy. After a long day, that certain song can change your mood and bring back memories of when times were happier, which then changes your mood to happy.

Now that we have discussed the most popular things that make people happy and annoyed, I would like to recognize the ones that weren’t so obvious and might give you a laugh while you’re here.

Annoying:

1. Slow drivers in the fast lane

2. Stupid people

3. Peeing…..?

4. My girl

5. People who make you feel stupid

6. When I worry too much when people don’t do what they say they’ll do.

7. Getting interrupted

Happy:

1. Sunshine

2. Succeeding

3. Sleep

4. Sunflowers

5. Actually taking time to appreciate the small tiny details

6. Money

7. Tequila

8. My boyfriend

9. When I see others happy

Do what you want with this information. Maybe go out of your way and get someone some sunflowers or a puppy, or just stop being an annoying person and drive the speed limit. Whatever works for you is what you should do.