Last semester, I had a column in the Herald listing 10 things I found particularly annoying. Based on the number of e-mails I received, it hit a nerve with a lot of folks. So I decided to follow it up with 10 more things that bother me:

■ People who are always too busy. We all have a lot going on – that’s just the nature of modern life. But realize when you overextend yourself, it’s nobody’s fault but your own. Having too many irons in the fire is not a valid excuse for failing to help those who genuinely need it.

■ People who always interrupt. At the same time, occasionally I do need to get a few things accomplished. So if I look totally absorbed in something, I probably am. I’ll let you know when I’m free to have a meaningful discussion about your arrowhead collection.

■ People who think their co-workers are “family.” Listen carefully: except for a few noteworthy exceptions, the people you work with are generally not your actual relatives. Referring to them as such only demeans the relationships you should have with those closest to you.

■ People who are enamored with their own intellect. OK. So you’re smart. We get that. But chances are you haven’t been provided with any insights into reality that have somehow been spared the rest of us. If you like hearing the sound of your own voice that much, buy a karaoke machine.

■ People who have an aversion to technology. I’m sure when the wheel was invented, there were folks who said, “I know it’s easier, but we lost something when we stopped carrying these big rocks on our backs.” Yes, we did. Thank goodness.

■ People who are never on time. Woody Allen once said, “Ninety percent of life is just showing up.” He should have added “on time.” If the meeting (or your class) is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., then be there ready to go at 9 a.m. – not parking your car, texting your BFF, counting your spare change, going to the restroom, etc.

■ People who think their kids are special. Well, they are. They are wonderfully talented, creative and unique – just like everyone else’s kids. Instilling a false sense of entitlement in your progeny will only cause them huge problems down the road.

■ People who get way too excited about sports. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about the Super Bowl or your daughter’s Little League team. It’s still just a game. In the overall scheme of things, sports are not in the same category as curing cancer or solving world hunger.

■ People who only want “the facts.” We live in a fairly complex world. If you want to make sense of it, stop insisting everyone provide you with the CliffsNotes version. Some things can’t be explained in a one-page summary.

■ People who hold grudges. So you’re pretty sure the guy who sat next to you in third grade stole your favorite “Lost in Space” action figure. Now it’s your 30th class reunion and you still have an attitude toward him. Get over it. Forgive, forget and move on. Life is too short.

Again, these are just a few more things that annoy me. As before, I encourage you to develop your own list and feel free to e-mail me. Misery loves company.

Aaron Hughey

Counseling and student affairs professor

This commentary doesn’t necessarily represent the views of the Herald or the university.