I have a few complaints.
Technology Is Trying Too Hard
It seems like every app has a pop-up asking if I want a summary, a review, a hint, a draft, or a contact. I do not. Rest assured, tech world, that I will ask if I ever need, or want, your help.
I-35E May Never End
Construction on I-35E will never end. I refuse to fix the ding on my windshield that was made 3 years ago from flying construction debris because why bother; the windshield will just get dinged again by more construction debris. Don’t get me started on the constantly shifting construction traffic patterns that make driving that highway a crapshoot.
The Endless Referral Loop
I think the first word physicians are taught is “referral.” It is impossible to have only one doctor, because he or she will inevitably refer you to two specialists, who will each refer you to another specialist, and none of them will be in the same office building or use the same patient software.
Irritations Small and Large
More people my age are dying young and it is beyond irritating.
Speaking of which, to the person in front of me who just crossed three lanes of traffic to make an exit that had been clearly listed on the overhead sign two miles back, I hope you get the day you deserve.
Not Everyone Is as Clever as They Think
Most people are interesting, but a few think talking to an attorney is a personal invitation to match wits. I find them boring. You lose.
Best, Worst, and Other Overused Words
I do not understand why people use superlatives like best and worst. If you look far enough back then you can always find a dirtier politician, a hotter summer, a bigger thief, or a more ungrateful child. I once heard a judge give a speech at a continuing legal education class imploring the lawyers not to argue that they had never, in all their years of practicing law, seen a more egregious case of [whatever].
Sympathy, Empathy and Projection
People who opine other people’s opinions are just perpetuating the problem.
Empathy is not a good look. It is delusional to believe that you can vicariously experience someone else’s emotions. You and the other person are separate people, with different backgrounds, bodies, and brains. You can be sympathetic, but anything more is just a projection.
Gaslighting Has Lost Its Meaning
The word “gaslighting” has become another meaningless, lazy label. You can disagree, question a premise, call someone out for misstating a fact, or rebut. Those are thoughtful responses that pinpoint the other person’s error. Accusing the other person of gaslighting is like shouting down that person – just another bullying tactic.
Audiobooks Are Not the Same as Reading
No, listening to an audiobook is not better than reading the book. The audiobook orator shapes your experience by his or her pacing, pronunciation and emphasis. Reading, on the other hand, allows you to make the story your own. It engages your full imagination, with the bonus that you see the spelling of words and the use of punctuation. Reading a paper book does not require batteries or an internet connection. I will, however, concede that audiobooks are better when you are driving.
Food Guidelines Are Not Always Helpful
Enough with the food guidelines. After the government told us for 40 years that eggs would kill us, and then in 2016 did a complete about-face, I think I am safer making my own dietary decisions.
Your Social Media Posts Are Not Secret
Why do people think their social media posts are secret? I want you to take every social media post you have ever made and stick an Exhibit “A” on it. That will make it so much easier for the judge and jury when it comes time for your trial.
There – I feel better. Thanks for listening (or reading).
Hammerle Morris Is Here to Help
Life is full of annoyances, but legal issues do not have to become one of them. If you have questions about estate planning, probate, guardianship, business matters, litigation, or how your online activity could affect a legal dispute, contact the Hammerle Morris team for guidance.
Virginia Hammerle is a licensed Texas attorney whose practice includes estate planning, probate, guardianship, and litigation.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
