For instance, I have a white shirt that I just don't wear very often. Since it is my only casual, cotton white button-down shirt, I end up wanting to use it a lot. Then I put it on (again) and realize (again) that it just doesn't feel right. So back in the closet it goes.
What's wrong with it? Yep, the second button! If I button it I look like someone from the Geek Squad. If I don't button it, it looks like I never left the 70's and 80's when the unbuttoned shirt was "in" for men. So, the white shirt only comes out a couple of times a year when I am in some type of dire need for a casual white shirt.
How could such a small thing have such a big effect?
Have you ever gotten irritated at the person in your office who always takes you up on your offer to buy coffee or lunch to give him or her a ride, but never seems to do the same. Do you have someone that you work with who is a really nice guy, but always just seems to talk longer than he should? Don't we all know "that guy" who always seems to forget to say "thank you", chats on his cell phone in the middle of church, or takes the last two donuts when there is someone else behind him waiting to grab one?
Conencting with many different types of people isn't always easy. After all some people don't make it easy. But if you remember that it's the little things that matter...like saying "thank you", like not entering an office when the door is closed, like making sure someone is able to talk before you verbally throw up all over them, perhaps you'll make it a little easier on yourself and the people around you.
The second button may seem little, but it does make or break the shirt. The little things in your relationships can make or break them as well.
Now it's your turn! Do you have any relationship pet peeves? Do you violate your own pet peeves?