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Once the honeymoon phase of a relationship (sometimes literally the honeymoon) ends, people quickly discover that their partner might have questionable ideas about how to stack the dishwasher, or they might snore like a woodchipper working overtime. For some, this is just a new hurdle to overcome, but others struggle to get over it.

People online share the “harmless” and downright normal things their partners do that they find disproportionately annoying. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own stories and examples in the comments section down below.

#1

Woman adjusting black wireless earbud in her ear, illustrating common seemingly harmless things partners do driving people insane. Talks when I am listening to my audiobook - so I pause it and let him finish - hit play and then he starts to talk again

Nikkie Ellis , Caley Vanular/unsplash Report

Huddo's sister
Community Member
8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had my sister staying with me for about 6 six weeks recently. She would sleep all day, then just as my dad and I were sitting down to watch tv, she would wake up and not stop talking! (Sorry if she's reading this, but it's true!) Even worse when my mum also stopped in! We always watch the news live first, so can't pause.

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    #2

    Young woman smiling while checking her smartwatch outdoors, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive people insane. absolutely no sense of urgency

    itsbrookeeyy , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    #3

    Young woman with arms crossed and an annoyed expression, illustrating partner behaviors that drive people insane Literally zero phone volume awareness. Like why is your volume all the way up constantly

    Audrey <3 , Vitaly Gariev/unsplash Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mum does this! And it's on speaker because she says she can't hear properly otherwise. When she talks, I have to hold the phone away from my ear even though I don't have it on speaker, because she is so loud! Yet she also reckons her hearing aids were a scam and don't help her at all.

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    #4

    Man wrapped in blanket holding a mug, appearing upset and stressed by seemingly harmless things partners do. When he gets sick he refuses to take medicine and then complains about how he doesn’t feel good

    KP , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    Little Bit
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And he dismisses everything you suggest to try and help him feel better. So eventually you just give up trying and then he complains that you don’t care.

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    #5

    Close-up of a person brushing teeth, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that still drive people insane. brushes his teeth by moving his head not the brush ?!?!?!?!?!?!

    Kristi Louise Thompson , Levi Meir Clancy/unsplash Report

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    #6

    Close-up of person holding smartphone wearing casual clothes, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive others insane. I can only ask one question at a time while texting because he only responds to the most recent thing I send

    K.Jade , Valeriia Miller/unsplash Report

    #7

    Couple preparing vegetables in a kitchen, illustrating common seemingly harmless things partners do that can annoy each other. he constantly asks me questions he could easily figure out the answer to. like he’ll be holding a box of pasta and ask me how long he’s supposed to cook it for

    tor , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    Little Bit
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My hubby one phoned me to say that he couldn't access his Microsoft account. I was on the bus on the way to work at the time. Then he dismissed all the solutions I could give him at the time then got mad with me because I didn't know HIS passwords.

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    #8

    Feet wearing white socks on a rumpled bed sheet depicting seemingly harmless things partners do that drive people insane. She wears socks to bed and then in the middle of the night will take the socks off and leave them there at the end of the bed under the covers. I call it her sock graveyard.

    Emily , Livi Po/unsplash Report

    #9

    Young woman in a white turtleneck showing frustration, illustrating partners' seemingly harmless actions that drive people insane. Asking me where something is without even looking first.

    Haily , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But asking would be faster than searching? Why should someone spend half an hour of searching if the solution might just be "hey, do you happen to know where X is?" - "Yes, 3rd drawer from the top" - "thanks".?

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    #10

    63 Harmless Ways People End Up Annoying Their Partners Silent treatment after arguments

    Baelicia , Hrant Khachatryan/unsplash Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Silent treatment is actually abus ive. It goes beyond annoying.

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    #11

    Cluttered desk with papers, books, and office supplies, illustrating seemingly harmless habits partners do that drive others insane. we both will make our room messy but his mess annoys me more

    mads , Liye/unsplash Report

    #12

    63 Harmless Ways People End Up Annoying Their Partners takes the toilet roll off the holder when he uses it and NEVER puts it back on. just leaves it on the counter.

    chenice 🫶🏼 , Clay Banks/unsplash Report

    T Barth
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband does this sometimes. Why?! And then I'm half awake and reach for it, knocking it off to the floor and the dámn thing rolls away from me. Grrrrr...!

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    #13

    Woman sitting on a couch looking frustrated and thoughtful, illustrating partner behaviors that drive people insane. He gives himself noooo wiggle room. If the destination says 27 minutes he will leave 28 minutes before

    Shenae , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So leave without him. Don't get stressed because he won't plan.

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    #14

    63 Harmless Ways People End Up Annoying Their Partners He puts the toothpaste on his front teeth to then put the brush in his mouth

    Lea , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    #15

    Young man sleeping on bed, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that still drive people insane in relationships. says he slept terrible but every time I woke up in the middle of the night he was sleeping like a rock

    Johanna , Bianca Castillo/unsplash Report

    Doug Moyer
    Community Member
    38 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, if he's asleep that moment, then he must've been asleep the entire night...

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    #16

    Couple having a serious conversation on couch, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive people insane. When he says, what do you mean? When I said exactly what I meant and it couldn’t mean anything else.

    Patience Krizan , Vitaly Gariev/unsplash Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In your mind it couldn't mean anything else. My mom does this and it's ridiculous how long we had to tell her we had no idea what she meant before she started explaining.

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    #17

    Eggs placed in an egg tray with empty slots, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive others insane. Do i need to explain?

    destiny Report

    Bartlet for world domination
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this, but European eggs are in a carton and not refrigerated. Balancing the load so you know how the carton will behave without opening it.

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    #18

    Man shaving with foam in front of the mirror, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that still drive people insane. Decides to shave his face…right after I clean the bathroom.

    Ashley Madden , Levi Meir Clancy/unsplash Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like the actual problem is "doesn't clean up the bathroom sink after shaving". Slob, in other words.

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    #19

    Man pouring ingredients into a pot while cooking in kitchen, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do. When I’m cooking and he goes over and stirs something.

    a_raecarver , Le Creuset/unsplash Report

    #20

    A frustrated woman and a concerned man sitting apart, illustrating partners doing things that drive others insane. Turns the big light on in our room instead of the table lamps

    Madison Meyer , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's when you're sleeping yes annoying and rude. If at other times why are you annoyed he's using the big light for its intended purpose?

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    #21

    Watches the same shows everyday. We’ve been together 10 years. He’s watched every episode of My Wife and Kids and Everybody Hates Chris over a dozen times by now. I think he’s acoustic

    MsKerenSita Report

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    #22

    Couple in a car showing seemingly harmless things partners do that still drive people insane during a drive. Has the worst windshield wiper timing management

    Katie Peterson , Kateryna Hliznitsova/unsplash Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looking for something to gripe about.

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    #23

    Person feeling upset and holding a tissue, illustrating how seemingly harmless partner habits can drive people insane. When I say I’m sick he is also magically sick.

    CEM , A. C./unsplash Report

    Rali Meyer
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I stop telling my honey if my back hurts. My pain doesn't count

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    #24

    he poops for like 20-30mins

    essuqqa Report

    Daya
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Pooping" and "resting on the toilet, doom scrolling on the phone and thinking about nothing" are two very different things.

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    #25

    Woman wrapped in a blanket looking frustrated, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive people insane. When I say I have a headache he tells me to take paracetamol…I wasn’t looking for a solution I was looking for sympathy

    Sasha , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sympathy doesn't make a headache go away. Take your paracetamol.

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    #26

    Young woman sneezing into tissue, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that still drive these people insane. Sneezing SO LOUDLY like why are you screaming

    Jenn 🥲 , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do you think people can control their sneeze volume?

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    #27

    He wont take any medecine at all

    Tauresse Report

    Apatheist
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Maybe because there's no such thing?

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    #28

    Doesn’t always respond when I talk bc “there was no response to what you said” idc if I say I just farted at least say something anything

    Misty Fortier Report

    Starbug
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a valid thing (at least for me), sometimes I have nothing to add, or an answer, or a strong opinion, so I just nod to acknowledge I heard them.

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    #29

    He waits until I’m completely ready before he starts getting ready and will complain how long I take

    Hannah Report

    MetsFan2112
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because us men can get ready in 5 minutes.

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    #30

    Saying he is not sleeping , while he is snoring ( after I push him not to snore) . Irritating!

    Milou Neele Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, he's not now, is he? My wife used to shake me when i snored. I'd turn over away from her. My guts would rearrange themselves. Then I'd fart at her. Made me smile every time 🙂

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    #31

    Gets mad when I don’t pay attention to a movie I never said I wanted to watch

    mackenzie Report

    Nadine Debard
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Leaves the room after beginning a movie I said I didn't want to watch, not saying that he's done watching (he is) and lets the TV on. That drives me nuts.

    #32

    Gives me appropriate advice & solutions when I just wanna be irrational.

    Siobhan | TTC🤍 Report

    Doug Moyer
    Community Member
    28 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It took years before my wife learned that our (adult) children often just wanted a shoulder to cry on, not a solution.

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    #33

    he says “i dont think so” instead of no. im like “did you let the dog out?” and he says i dont think so when he knows he didnt. like just say no

    b Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That sounds like me. More and more I notice I don't give definite answers for things. Sometimes it's because my memory is that bad, sometimes I think it's just because I subconsciously don't want to be judged for being wrong.

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    #34

    Takes WAY too long to hit his alarm in the morning.

    MarshIn Report

    Doug Moyer
    Community Member
    27 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would bother me that my wife keeps hitting snooze, but I get up earlier...

    #35

    Person in yellow jacket pointing upward outdoors with partner nearby, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive people insane. Doesn’t immediately look when I say ‘look’ makes me so mad

    Jasmine , Elin Tabitha/unsplash Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Expecting their attention immediately is pretty rude. What you want to show isn't more important than what they're doing. Yes even if it's nothing. Give a minute so they can shift their attention. Can you tell expecting my immediate attention is the habit I find annoying?

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    #36

    Couple sharing a fun moment while looking at a smartphone, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do in relationships. he reads slow when I show him a meme.

    Rhi , Amir Javadzadeh/unsplash Report

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    #38

    everything he does is so slow, he takes his time with EVERYTHING. no sense of urgency

    luanne 🦋 Report

    Apatheist
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Surely, in some circumstances, that's a good thing...

    #39

    Any time he coughs, I can feel my blood boiling

    Rachy Report

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    #40

    He stops everything he’s doing when he talks

    Mamabjra Report

    #41

    He’s too calm.. why don’t you have anxiety or panic about anything? Why are you so relaxed? Why don’t you freak out about time or anything at all????

    Vanessa Lopez Report

    George Costanza
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is your life that good that you're searching for problems?

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    #42

    Person driving a car at dusk, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that still drive people insane. In the car park drives past all the good spots and parks as far as he can away from the shop that we mayswell of walked from home

    Tasha , why kei/unsplash Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    10 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for getting exercise, and less chance of dimwits dinging your car.

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    #43

    Man with a beard and a bun sitting and talking on the phone, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do irritation. When I’m telling him something and he’s on his phone. I know he’s listening, but I just want him to look at me.

    ♡ Lexi ♡ , Getty Images/unsplash Report

    #44

    Hand opening a bag of green edamame beans, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive others insane. This is how he cuts bags open

    Anna Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's almost sensible, actually. You can store the bag again without sealing it, and it won't leaki stuff. My new bag opening method!

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    #45

    Takes naps in our bed in his outside clothes

    secretyack Report

    NapQueen
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you sure they're just not his day time pjs? Because I have day ones and evening ones!

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    #46

    Falls asleep when we are watching a series together

    Shan Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They all do that sir...

    #47

    he will use a different cup everytime he has a drink. just get a waterbottle like me, whats with all the cups.

    Kimmy Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Waterbottles can harbor bacteria, especially if they're plastic. If he washes the cups or at least loads them in the dishwasher, this gripe is idiotic.

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    #48

    He licks his fingers after eating something with his hands 😭😭 like it’s harmless to use a napkin I promise

    Liz 🌙 Report

    Daya
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uhm. I use a napkin, but before that I lick my fingers. I have washed them before the meal and I don't want to waste something delicious.

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    #49

    Falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow leaving me to deal with my brain myself

    Gwen Debly Report

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    #50

    Sighs really loud and I ask what’s wrong and he’s say “nothing I just took a breath”

    victoriafarmdiaries Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do that when my brain forgets to breathe. I don't realise I was holding my breath until I start breathing again.

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    #51

    Using the biggest cutting board for cutting one small tomato

    Hanna_novotny Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some reason we never have a small cutting board clean when I only need to cut something small, it's really annoying!

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    #52

    He doesn’t push the kettle back against the wall once he’s done so it’s left halfway across the counter. Fries my brain!!

    jxsminc18_x Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get it if you have limited bench space, but I would find it hard to get in that habit. Kettle and toaster have always been the two things I never move on my bench, even now I have little space to spare- thankfully we got a dishwasher so don't need the dish drainer and put them on there.

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    #53

    Gulps when drinking something

    Karina Rios646 Report

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    #54

    Various shoes scattered messily on the floor and inside an open wooden drawer, illustrating partners driving each other insane. we both leave our shoes lying around but his are bigger and that's annoying

    amanda dodson , A. C./unsplash Report

    #55

    Couple having a tense conversation in a cafe, illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that drive people insane. Has all the juicy tea but is missing details

    Britt , Curated Lifestyle/unsplash Report

    #56

    Man vacuuming living room floor barefoot near armchair and plants illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do. he does the house chores but not in the exact order I had imagined

    gloriasprojects , Sandra Seitamaa/unsplash Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He does chores. Leave out the rest and be satisfied!

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    #57

    Tells me he’s not sleeping when I SEE HIM SLEEEPING

    Onica 🌺 Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    10 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How can he tell you if he's sleeping? I'm confused.

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    #58

    Noises, I just can’t with unnecessary noises

    Manon Olv Report

    #59

    parks backwards everywhere for no reason

    maleyyleyyy Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Easier than exiting backwards, trust me (except with SENSIBLE 45° parking).

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    #60

    He lets the rain collect on his windshield twice as long as I would before it wipes

    fry Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But does he use the windshield wipers.....?

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    #61

    Not immediately running to the table when I say dinner is ready

    Christina Report

    Starbug
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aw diddums! Get a dog!

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    #62

    Person holding smartphone browsing content related to partners and things that drive people insane. Doesn’t have tik tok, so I have to screen record like a cave man

    Melissa L , Swello/unsplash Report

    #63

    Shopping cart filled with groceries illustrating seemingly harmless things partners do that still drive some people insane. goes to the shop and gets exactly what we need, no this looked nice or a surprise item

    TardisGod18 📚📖🇬🇧 , Karsten Winegeart/unsplash Report

    Colt Winkler
    Community Member
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why does this bother you? He's doing his job man...

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