Everyone has worked with someone who annoys them.

Looking in the mirror, I guess I'm "that guy" who tells everyone his life's story, occasionally repeating myself (once or twice). I blame it on genetics. My grandfather was the master. He could repeat a story 20 times and not miss a word. Like my grandfather, I go on and on. I know it, but I can't stop myself. I see it this way: I spend more time with my coworkers than I do my own family... is it so wrong to share an occasional personal story? I think not, but my coworkers may think otherwise.

In the course of an average day, many things can potentially annoy our coworkers. You know, the woman who talks about her politics while pointing out faults with yours. (Politics in the office usually don't work.) The accountant who never fills the copier paper drawer. The sales rep who sings (off key) when she walks through the office. Then there's perfume lady, no shower guy, and the marketing whiz who plays her stereo too loud.

It's enough to make you call in sick. We've taken the liberty of examining our own pet peeves about office behavior, and we're happy to offer a little advice.

Cell phone theme songs

It was pretty cool to listen to the theme from the Indiana Jones movies, in the theater, in the '80s. But not in a meeting, blaring from somebody's cell phone, during your presentation. Ringtones have their place... outside the office... but we're pretty sure the CEO doesn't quite appreciate Ozzy Osbourne screaming "All aboard! Ha! Ha! Ha!" as someone's cell phone rings at the other end of the building. Music is a personal thing -- that's why they make mp3 players and headphones. Do your coworkers, and yourself, a favor: Turn off your ringtones when you work.

Office kitchen etiquette, pt. 1

Is there any place more unsanitary than the office refrigerator? Who hasn't reached inside for their lunch only to gag from the stench of something rotten? Refrigerators store food, not toxic waste. Be friendly to your work environment: If you don't eat your food, take it home or throw it away. Don't invite things to grow on top of it.

Speaking of the office kitchen, when you throw your food away, make sure you don't leave your dishes in the sink. If you dirtied 'em, you should clean 'em.

Office kitchen etiquette, pt. 2

Leftovers can make great lunches. But when the smell of what you warmed in the microwave lingers for hours, you're not making many friends. Consider keeping leftover fish at home. Instead of nuking popcorn smothered in chemical butter every day, occasionally bring a jar of nuts to work for a snack (they're better for you anyway).

Email etiquette

This one's a no-brainer... and a big time abuse. We're sorry to say, but chain-letter emails aren't good for the workplace. First off, they just don't work. You won't be struck by lightning if you fail to forward something to 10 of your dearest friends, and, no, Bill Gates is not going to send you a check for spamming your coworkers. It's bad enough that everyone gets cced on every email under the sun. Your work email is not YOUR email. Wasting company time by abusing email is only asking for trouble.

Speakerphones

The speakerphone was invented for people with offices. It was NOT meant to be a loudspeaker for your phone conversations. When you call your client, pick up the handset (when possible). If you and your coworkers need to call the satellite office, use the conference room. Simply put, the rest of the office doesn't need to hear your conversation, and why would you want them to?

Meetings

Meetings are important for building consensus, moving projects forward, and forming workplace relationships. But they shouldn't be held for just for the sake of meeting. Don't call one meeting to plan another. Instead, circulate a draft agenda to those attending the upcoming meeting. Invite commentary, edit your agenda, and then re-circulate a final copy. And holding meetings to rehash the same topics from another meeting? Don't even go there. That's what minutes are for.

Deadline etiquette

You don't want to be the coworker who stands in someone's doorway to chat while they're on deadline. It's a quick way to be labeled an annoying coworker. If your colleague looks away when you're in their office, it's a signal they want to work. If they start typing while you keep talking, you can bet they're tuning you out. Be aware of another person's time. If you really have a lot to tell them, invite them to lunch. When they're not on deadline.

Editor's Note: We want to know your own stories about annoying coworkers. (No names, places, or identifying facts, of course.) Click on this month's contest and send us your story. The person with best story wins an iPod touch!

Kyle A. McNeir, the VP of Product & Internet Design for A.D.A.M., Inc. was recently diagnosed with PSS, or Personal Story Syndrome. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from PSS, you should contact your health care provider. Kyle can be reached at featuredstories@adamcorp.com and he will be more than happy to respond.