Just-a-Fan.com

I know, most people only have one pet peeve, but I have five.

• Misuse of the word “literally.” – If you say something like “she/he literally ripped my heart out and stomped on it,” you are using it wrong. You would not be alive if that literally happened. Unless, of course, you received immediate medical attention from the most gifted physician in the world.
• Confusing Your and You’re. – If you’re describing something belonging to someone, such as “your shirt,” then that is right. If you want to say “you are” in a shorter way, then it’s you’re. “Can I borrow you are shirt?” wouldn’t make sense, would it? Of course, I do take into account a person’s age or familiarity with the language before letting this one get to me.
• Physical beauty and talent being mashed together, or confused. – I would say about half the people in the entertainment industry are only there because they are considered attractive. Actually, half is probably a very conservative estimate.

On the other side of the same coin, people with significant talent are often overlooked because they are considered unattractive, or they fail to project a certain image. Also, if someone famous “loses their looks” (or, you know, dares to age), their career often suffers. It’s disturbing, to say the least.

An example of this that probably bothers me most: when an incredibly talented singer or actor gains weight. Every article, entertainment blog, etc. mentioning that person will comment on their weight above all else. My favorite actor, Marlon Brando, did some of his finest work after the time he was considered a “sex symbol” had passed. I’m just sayin.

• Unsolicited “advice.” – Telling me my child should have a coat on when I know she’s already overheated? Passive/aggressively recommending your gardener’s services, because you don’t like the way my yard looks? Pretty much any sentence that begins with “you should…?” Please, save it! Especially if you don’t even know me!
• A television show or film franchise forgetting its own history. – One of my favorite shows, “Friends,” is quite guilty of this.

  For instance, in an episode called “The One With the Prom Video,” Chandler is surprised to see a heavyset young Monica in an old home movie. However, in later episodes (such as “The One With the Thanksgiving Flashbacks”), it’s made clear Chandler not only knew Monica had been heavy, but that he actually knew her back then.

  Yeah. It’s a weird thing to be bothered by, but it just irks me. Plan ahead, people; either part of Chandler’s backstory is that he and Ross have been friends since college, or it’s not.