cantankerous and age study

Published

Specializes in EMT-P.

Over the last decade I have made and mentally recorded my attitudes to irritating situations and my responses. Albeit my personal observations will not merit mention in the New England Journal of Medicine or the now extinct Weekly reader. In fact, my ramblings will not even be a footnote in a desperate bloggers website. With that said, I wish to share my findings.

Abstract: As one moves forward in years there is evidence to indicate a lessening ability in the tolerance to irritation, inconvenience, and an overall inability to tolerate annoyances of any kind.

In our early years we are often confronted with the word no, and as a youngster we accept this as the way of life. No TV until homework is completed, no playing outside until chores are done. As one reaches later ages we come to expect a more autonomous role. I will stay up, party late if I want to and damned to the hangover and all that results. The following day, the car wrapped around your front lawn tree, one of your house-guest still passed out in your best chandelier, and your last slice of pizza is gone from your fridge. No problem you say, as your car still has fumes in the gas tank, you head to the local mickey dees for the 1$ breakfast meal deal.

This carefree attitude soon changes and morphs into a darker side as the sand drains from the hourglass of time.

Observations:

10 Years ago: My car was stolen. My peeve, my best music CD was in the car, damn it...

8 years ago: My neighbors were having a loud party and did not invite me :(

7 years ago: People drive to fast up my street, Damn teenagers

5 years ago: I was invited to a picnic and I was supposed to bring my own food.

3 years ago: I have to go to a party

1 year ago: My stupid cat still has not learned how to get the food out the bag.

Today : Everything annoys me so don't ask... :)

Just a side note: this bit was meant as humor, please do not take it seriously or you might annoy the older folk... :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Univ Student Clinic, Homecare.

Thanks for the morning LOLz. I can relate; except that MY cat can tear open a bag of food PLUS the bag of cat litter that he thinks is food.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

off with yer head, you young (or old?) whippersnapper!!

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I can really relate to that part about having to go to a party. Somewhere through all these years I've lived I switched from loving parties to dreading invitations, because I never want to go to them - perhaps it's too many hangovers!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You are 100% correct! But I also have found that life is more serene & happier in general as I get older. I now know enough about myself to simply avoid situations that I know are going to rile me -- and scrape off anyone that I don't really like to be around (including relatives).

Little irritations just don't bother me anymore because I can usually avoid them entirely. Life's too short - I don't wanna use up any of my heartbeats on anger. The absolute best part about becoming ancient -- although my overall behavior hasn't changed very much, it's now labeled as 'eccentric' rather than strange or anti-social. I turn the big 6-oh this year, and my dad (88 yo) still calls me a 'kid'... it's all a matter of perspective. LOL

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTAC, Critical Care.

I'm only 23 and I hate "social" gatherings. I'm a cantankerous, cynical, anti-social hermit... And I like it!

It's weird... I can sit and talk with patient's all night, but when my co-workers start jabbering, I want to plug my ears with wax.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

OutlawNurse,

Is your family tree of the Scandanavian variety? We tend to have very low 'social density' needs. I love solitude.

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Specializes in Med-Surg; Telemetry; School Nurse pk-8.
OutlawNurse,

Is your family tree of the Scandanavian variety? We tend to have very low 'social density' needs. I love solitude.

I was nodding my head in agreement while reading Outlaw's post, then I saw your follow-up. Don't know about Outlaw, but that certainly explains my need for alone-time :D

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTAC, Critical Care.
OutlawNurse,

Is your family tree of the Scandanavian variety? We tend to have very low 'social density' needs. I love solitude.

Nah... just redneck hermit with a low tolerance for drama. :D

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Specializes in ER.

I'm getting crankier as I get older, and I am less likely to accept a less than honest effort. But I've gotten more forgiving over honest mistakes. What's the point of yelling at someone who is already upset?

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