“Yes, thank you for making sure the bell works…”
-Men In Black

I have a major pet peeve, only discovered since working full time.  In my office there is a large counter that separates the working space from the patron area, both for a space to keep equipment and computers and because there are some genuinely nutty people that we get to deal with every day and need a barrier for security.  My desk is behind this counter.  On this counter, is a sign that says “Please ring for assistance” and a little silver bell.  I hate this bell.  Mostly because, while it does serve a purpose when I am away from my desk, most people who ring it first make eye contact with me, smile (sometimes nicely, sometimes maliciously) and pointedly, cheerfully push its little button on top.  And everyone who does this seems to think themselves so clever and humorous, as if no one has ever thought to do the same thing before.  I try to head people off at the pass but lots of people refuse to talk to me unless they have run the bell first.  I find this particularly irksome on Fridays: the clock taunts me with its slowness while the perky Ding! reminds me how many more people are coming in with problems before I can go home.  I hate this bell.