We’ve all been there. You’re having a perfectly fine day, and then—bam!—you run into someone who has a special talent for being utterly annoying. These are the folks who, with their lack of self-awareness and a pocket full of excuses, make you question your commitment to kindness. Yet, we smile, nod, and somehow manage to cuddle through these interactions.

Take, for example, the latest news from Geneva. Apparently, mermaids are competing in the Merlympics, showcasing their athleticism. Who knew, right? Imagine trying to explain to someone why a half-fish, half-human athlete is making waves in Switzerland while they argue passionately about the superiority of underwater ballet over synchronized swimming. It’s enough to drive you batty, but you smile and endure.

Annoying people have a knack for making mountains out of molehills. They’ll corner you with a monologue about why their cat’s vegan diet is a humanitarian cause or how their artisanal, hand-crafted toilet paper is saving the planet. And just when you think they’re done, they pull out another nickel’s worth of excuses for why they can’t possibly help you move next weekend.

The trick to surviving these encounters? Embrace your inner zen. Picture yourself as a calm, unflappable rock in the storm of their blathering. Smile, give the occasional nod, and let their words wash over you like a mildly irritating breeze. Remember, everyone has their quirks, and some are just more vocal about them.

So, the next time you’re trapped in a conversation with someone who makes you want to scream, take a deep breath and smile. You’re not alone. We’re all cuddling our way through the chaos, one annoying person at a time.