15 Behaviors That Can Make Your Close Friends Uncomfortable

15 Behaviors That Can Make Your Close Friends Uncomfortable

1. You’re Always Late.

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Consistently showing up late can give your friends the impression that you don’t value their time. It’s important to respect the schedules of others and strive to be punctual. This shows respect and consideration for the other person’s time and commitments. Keep in mind that chronic tardiness can be perceived as a sign of disregard and can negatively impact your relationships.

2. You Often Cancel Plans.

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Frequently canceling plans at the last minute is not just frustrating for your friends but also disrespectful. Everyone has emergencies, but if it becomes a pattern, it could strain your friendships. Remember, your friends have made time in their schedules for you, and frequent cancellations can make them feel like they’re not a priority to you, potentially damaging the friendship.

3. You’re Overly Critical.

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Constructive criticism can be beneficial, but constant, unsolicited criticism can make your friends feel judged and uncomfortable. It’s crucial to communicate your thoughts in a more sensitive and supportive manner. Be sure to balance your critiques with positive feedback and always respect your friends’ feelings. A good rule of thumb is to only give advice when asked.

4. You Dominate Conversations.

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A healthy conversation involves listening as much as speaking. If you’re always the one talking, your friends may feel unheard and undervalued. Remember, a conversation is a two-way street. Being a good listener shows your friends that you value their thoughts and experiences, which can help strengthen your bond. If you need some tips on active listening, here are some good ones according to Verywell Mind.

5. You Always Make The Decisions.

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Whether it’s choosing the restaurant or deciding the movie, if you’re always calling the shots without considering your friends’ preferences, they might feel disregarded. It’s important to respect everyone’s opinions and make decisions collectively. Shared decision-making not only makes everyone feel included but also leads to experiences that everyone can enjoy.

6. You’re Always On Your Phone.

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Being glued to your phone during social interactions can make your friends feel ignored. It’s important to be present and engaged when spending time with others. It’s a sign of respect and lets your friends know that you value their company. Dedicating your attention to the people you’re with can create stronger connections and more meaningful conversations.

7. You Often Gossip.

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Sharing gossip about others, particularly within your friend circle, can make your friends uncomfortable and question your trustworthiness. It’s important to respect others’ privacy and avoid engaging in gossip. It’s often more beneficial to focus on positive conversation topics that can help build your relationships, rather than potentially damaging them.

8. You Don’t Respect Boundaries.

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If you’re constantly prying into your friends’ personal lives or dismissing their boundaries, it can make them feel violated and uneasy. Respect for personal space and boundaries is fundamental in any relationship according to BetterUp. It’s essential to understand and respect the limits your friends set, as this fosters trust and respect in the friendship.

9. You’re Not Supportive.

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Whether it’s dismissing their achievements or not being there during tough times, a lack of support can make your friends feel unappreciated and alone. As a friend, it’s important to celebrate their successes and be there for support during difficult times. This balanced support can help create a stronger bond and ensure your friends feel valued.

10. You’re Often Negative.

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Constant negativity, whether it’s complaining or seeing the worst in situations, can be draining for your friends and make them uncomfortable. It’s important to strive for a balance in your outlook. While it’s alright to vent occasionally, consistent negativity can affect the mood of the whole group and strain your relationships.

11. You Often Brag.

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Regularly flaunting your achievements or possessions can come off as boastful and might make your friends feel awkward or inadequate. While it’s fine to share your successes with friends, try to do so in a humble and gracious manner. Remember, friendship is about mutual respect and understanding, not competition.

12. You Never Apologize.

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Refusing to apologize when you’re wrong can make your friends feel undervalued and can lead to resentment. Being able to admit when you’re wrong and apologize is a sign of maturity and respect. It shows your friends that you value the relationship more than your ego.

13. You Take More Than You Give.

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Friendship should be a two-way street. If you’re always on the receiving end of favors but rarely offering help, your friends might feel taken advantage of. It’s important to reciprocate the kindness and support your friends offer you, as this creates a balanced and healthy friendship.

14. You’re Not Reliable.

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If your friends can’t count on you to keep your promises or be there when you say you will, it can erode their trust in you. Being reliable and following through on your commitments is essential in maintaining strong friendships. It shows that you’re trustworthy and that your friends can depend on you.

15. You Make Insensitive Jokes.

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Humor is subjective, and what you find funny might make others uncomfortable. If your jokes often involve poking fun at your friends or their insecurities, it could hurt their feelings. It’s important to respect your friends’ boundaries when it comes to humor and ensure your jokes aren’t at the expense of others’ comfort.

Piper Ryan is a NYC-based writer and matchmaker who works to bring millennials who are sick of dating apps and the bar scene together in an organic and efficient way. To date, she's paired up more than 120 couples, many of whom have gone on to get married. Her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, Time Out New York, The Cut, and many more.

In addition to runnnig her own business, Piper is passionate about charity work, advocating for vulnerable women and children in her local area and across the country. She is currently working on her first book, a non-fiction collection of stories focusing on female empowerment.