Complaining, Teasing, and Other Annoying Behaviors

Book excerpt: Everyone has teased, nagged, betrayed, or lied to another person. Likewise, everyone has been the unfortunate object of such unpleasant behaviors. In this intriguing book, social psychologist Robin M. Kowalski examines the intricacies of six annoying interpersonal behaviors: complaining, teasing, breaches of propriety, worry and reassurance-seeking, lying, and betrayal. She considers the functions of these behaviors, the types of people who are inclined to do them, the consequences for victims and perpetrators, and the ways in which such behaviors might be curtailed.Complaining, Teasing, and Other Annoying Behaviors provides for the first time a multifaceted picture of common annoying behaviors. The book answers these questions and many others:• Why do people tease?• What are the consequences of annoying behaviors for the people involved?• Is there a positive side to irritating behaviors?• Are people more likely to lie to those close to them or to strangers?• Do excuses and apologies diminish the hurtful effect of unpleasant behaviors?• What is the relation of gender and culture to specific annoying acts?