In the film Amelie, each character is introduced with a list of what they hate and what they like. As I reversed the car up the drive today it occurred to me that the things we hate remain pretty much the same throughout our lives. For instance, ever since I could drive I have hated reversing and I have hated parking. This is now as likely to change as my ability to do either is.

Other pet hates include:

Letters from the bank (even if I have some money in my account they make me nervous)

Peeling tomatoes

Anything under my nails

Trousers that are too tight

Sore feet

Policemen looking at me (99.9% of the time I am totally innocent, but I feel guilty as hell)

Being late

Missing the beginning of a film or a play

Discussing commuting options at dinner parties

AnchoviesAnchovies

People opening my newspaper before I’ve had a chance to read it

Doors slamming

Hair in the wrong places

Broken nails

Being too cold

Being woken up

And last, but not least, lice. (I am pleased to report that the situation is now under control. I feel rather like Maggie during the Falkland’s War, although my enemy is possibly more dangerous and certainly closer to home. Thank you all for your suggestions.)

I will work on a list of likes for the near future. Starting with driving forwards.

Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2007