When I ended things with my ex fiance he told me that he wanted me to keep the ring, that he bought it for me and that he would be insulted if I gave it back. At first I was completely against the idea but then I thought, well I do have the appraisal for it, if I ever get into a bind and need the money it would come in handy.

About a year after that my ex fiance and I started talking again. Nothing more than a quick hello, how are you if we ran into each other in public places, parties etc.

Over the course of that year we started becoming friends again. Which in a sense was very relaxing, we were able to call each other for relationship advice as we knew each other inside and out. So he starts telling me about this girl he started dating and how great she is etc etc. Come to find out through his roommates, it was my best friend since middle school Suzi. I asked her why wouldn't she tell me about them dating, she gave me the typical I thought you would get mad speech. I admit I was a little hurt because a part of me still loved him, but a bigger part of me loved the friendship I had with him at the time. I told her that I wasn't mad and that I wished them the best. A few weeks later they broke up. Fast forward about two months and I am on my way home from work and my car breaks down. Being as I couldn't afford to just go get it fixed I decided to finally sell the ring to pay for the cost. So I go to the box that I had it stored in with the paper and it was gone. The ring box, the ring and the appraisal paper.... EVERYTHING. I empty out the entire contents of the box and find a post-it note, on it was written, "Did you really think I was your friend? Thanks for the new PSP, -Will"

I call Suzi freaking out wondering how he got into my house, how this happened, after I told her what happened that's when she told me why they started "dating" in the first place. He wanted her to get into my house and get the ring back for him being as she had a copy of my house key and he didn't, if she did he would split the money with her. He got a PSP and she got a trip to the mall.

So much for friends.

What really makes me mad is when a couple walk by me who are my age and the girl turns to give me a dirty look. What's up with her?  I didn't even look at him!

Why is it that restaurants, offices, stores, theaters and schools always keep the temperature so low?   Even if it’s 80 degrees outside!  I feel like I always need to bring a sweater..  can anyone explain this to me??  

“Charm was a scheme for making strangers like and trust a person immediately, no matter what the charmer had in mind.”

-Kurt Vonnegut, breakfast of champions

Okay, this is petty but I really hate it when people get in line at Starbucks or Jimmy Johns, wait 5 minutes to place an order and THEN decide what they want. What were you just doing for the last 5 minutes? Fantasizing about the blue monsters in Avatar? Make your mind up ahead of time and then get in line. Don’t make me wait because you can’t make up your mind.

And while we’re at it, let’s get something else straight. When you’re ordering anything other than a drip coffee – tip the barista. I did that job and it isn’t fun. Baristas are not paid well, it is cramped and hot, and we have angry customers to deal with. If you can get a grande-latte-mocha-non-fat-sugar-free-heart-attack-in-a-cup for $7.50, you can afford a dollar tip. True Story. Kathie NYC

Here is a trick most people don’t learn for a long time.  When you don’t want to do something, just say “no.”  Don’t make up an excuse, don’t agree and then do a half-assed job.  Just say no. 

If your friends want you to go see a crappy movie and you don’t want to see Twilight for the 3^rd time, tell them.  If someone asks to borrow a top and you don’t want them to get it dirty – just say no.  Be nice about it, but don’t compromise if you don’t want to.

It takes getting used it.  It isn’t easy for you or for the person you’re saying it to but you know what, people like knowing where they stand. 

Brian, MN

You know what really ticks me off? When people walk five-across at the mall and block the entire aisle. Of course, when you cut between them they inevitably make some passive aggressive comment and allude to the fact that their time is worthless and something is wrong with you for for being in a hurry.  People like that should be forced to wear a big orange triangle on their butt. Who wants to print up some stickers I can carry with me next time I am in public?

Anonymous

I really don’t like it when you leave me a voicemail and just say “Call me!” I can figure that part out on my own, thank you.

I timed it. It takes about a minute to call my voicemail, listen to “One New Message From ###-###-####, Received Yesterday At HH:MM AM” then you message, then deleted it and then wait for the infernal message indicator to clear.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I introduce the concept of TEXT MESSAGING. Welcome to 1995! If you want me to call you back, text me. It is faster for both of us and it is one step above the stone age answering machine technology of voice mail.

Kirby, Minneapolis, MN

If you pick up your cell phone in the restroom, I will flush the toilet at least three times.  I will turn the sink on and off quickly to make that thud sound and I certainly will use the air hand dryer to make as much noise as possible.  If you pick up your phone in there, I will make sure the other person knows where you are. 

And you know what? I shouldn’t have to say this but damnit, people, apparently some of you didn’t get the memo.It is gross and rude.

Bitter B.

Listen up.  Everybody seems to be talking all the time but nobody seems to be listening.

Sandy, Saint Paul, Mn