If there's one thing I can't abide it's bad manners.
There really is nothing that annoys me more than rude people.
I simply cannot stand people who don't say please and thank you, queue-jumpers, or drivers who don't offer an acknowledgement when you let them out in traffic.
And, I definitely have no time whatsoever for those who think it's ok not to respect others, especially on our roads.
At the risk of starting a sexist showdown, I'd have to say that in my own experience, I find it is usually men who think they own the road.
Anyone else agree?
I only mention it because I had a bit of a run in with a male driver the other day.
Ok, so I'll set the scene.
It was around 6.30pm and I was driving along the Milltown Road in Belfast, on my way to visit a friend.
Anyway, I was driving towards Hospital Road and I was in the inside lane as I knew I would be turning left at the junction.
The problem along this stretch of road is that some drivers do not move into the left lane, even though they know they will be turning left and so, as they near the lights at the junction they put on their indicator to get into the left lane, this is so they can queue jump.
Well, I drive this way quite a lot and I admit, I always get in the left lane and on many, many occasions, I let drivers cut in.
However, the other day, there was quite a long line of traffic in the left lane so I found myself not moving for a while.
Suddenly, a car came roaring up the outside lane and attempted to get into the left lane in front of me. However, instead of putting on his indicator and waiting for a space, he tried to force his way in, almost hitting my car in the process.
He then started to roar his engine and stare out the window.
Oh no, I don't think so. I can't abide ignorant people so the battle commenced.
I decided that as I did not have to let him in and as there was no legal requirement for me to do so, and given his appalling manners, I wasn't going to let him in.
So, as the traffic moved in my lane, I also moved.
Now, some will say I inflamed the situation by doing this but nope, I won't be bullied on the road.
The other driver then decided he would roar his engine even louder while throwing his hands in the air and shouting expletives out the window about how I should let him in NOW. But no, no way was I going to response kindly to someone who speaks to me like that.
So, I told him he should have been in the proper lane and no, I wasn't letting him in.
He continued to roar and shout and drive extremely close to me but off I went.
I would hazard a guess that many women have had a similar experience on the roads while driving but there was no way I was going to let him behave in such a foul way towards me and get away with it. Why should I put up with it?
No one has the right to bully others on our roads, no matter what kind of car they drive or how much they paid for it.
I hope this driver learned a lesson from this experience.
I hope he realises he doesn't own the road and must treat all road users with respect - even women.
Maybe if we all took a little extra time on the roads and respected each other, driving would be a lot less stressful.
Hope you're listening Mr Peugeot.
Competition
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than settling down with a good book, so how do you fancy winning a gripping and compelling thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat?
Written by Megan Miranda, All The Missing Girls has been described as a “smart, suspenseful and emotionally complex thriller’.
The book tells the story of Nicolette Farrell, who left her rural home town 10 years ago after her best friend, Corinne, disappeared without trace.
Then a letter from her father arrives - 'I need to talk to you. That girl. I saw that girl.'
Has her father's dementia worsened, or has he really seen Corinne?
Returning home, Nicolette must finally face what happened on that terrible night all those years ago.
Then, another young woman goes missing and like ten years earlier, the whole town is a suspect.
Told backwards - Day 15 to Day 1 - Nicolette works to unravel the truth, revealing shocking secrets about her friends, her family, and what really happened to Corinne.
I have three copies of All The Missing Girls to give away to three lucky readers.
If you fancy winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, March 3, 2017.
(Q) Who wrote All The Missing Girls?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
The winners of the ALFAPARF MILANO competition are Aideen Kinch-O'Kane, from Lurgan, Cora O'Hare, from Castlewellan, Teresa McGarry, from Belfast, Eileen Stevenson, from Belfast, Niamh Kelly, from Maghera, and Eileen Finch, from Belfast
What's Hot?
TV Gold - Broadchurch returns to our screen on Monday night and I can't wait. Once again, we will be joining DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Coleman) as they tackle a case. ITV at 9pm.
Reunion - Fans of the 2003 movie hit, Love Actually are rejoicing after it emerged that the cast, including Liam Neeson, are to reunite to make a short sequel for Red Nose Day. Tune in on March 24 to see it.
Foodie - If you adore comfort food, check out this mouth watering new Mac ‘n’ Cheese & Bacon Pie from M&S. The deliciously gooey mac ‘n’ cheese is made especially moreish thanks to its smoked bacon crumble. Yum.
So Not!
Axed - Fans have been left disappointed after I'm A Celebrity star Scarlett Moffatt revealed her family had been axed from the Gogglebox line-up. The 26-year-old said she was gutted that her parents would no longer appear on the show.
New Face - Blue band member, Lee Ryan has been cast in EastEnders as a character called Woody Woodward. Due to arrive on The Square in the Spring, we're told he is set to break a few hearts during his acting stint. I'm not overjoyed by this, I am this guy's biggest fan.
Shock - Former teen heart-throb, David Cassidy has revealed he is battling dementia at the age of 66. Fans were left shocked in the US when the popular singer struggled his way through a concert in the greater Los Angeles area. Messages of support have been sent to the star.
Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Banana & Oat Pancakes, courtesy of Lidl, ahead of Pancake Tuesday
You will need:
2 Connell Farm Eggs, beaten
2 very ripe Bananas
1/2 cup Just Free Gluten Free Porridge Oats
1/2 tsp Belbake Baking Powder
Small pinch of Kania Salt
To Make:
Blend the bananas with the eggs, oats, baking powder and salt. Leave the batter to thicken for 20 minutes.
Heat a non-stick frying pan and grease lightly with butter or coconut oil.
Fry spoonfuls of the batter over a medium high heat. After a minute of cooking, flip each pancake and cook for a further minute or so, greasing the pan lightly with a buttered piece of kitchen paper between batches.
Serve with fresh fruit and maple syrup or honey.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
