(The Root) — 2012 has been a year of terrible trends, tragedies, trying policies and downright trifling behavior. With gritted teeth, we watched a relationship muddied by unforgettable acts of violence rekindled, witnessed videos of real-life violence against women go viral and allowed the ridiculous slang word "ratchet" to become a household term. These developments share one commonality: They've reached their apex and maxed out and need never be seen or heard of again. Here are 12 things to which we'd like to bid adieu before toasting the new year.