Let’s take a look at some of those obnoxious traits of people who always seem to know best. You know the ones—they’re always ready with unsolicited advice, unimpressed opinions, and a certainty about their correctness that somehow makes you question your own sanity. No matter the situation, they find a way to let you know that they have the answers, even if you didn’t ask the question.
1. They Love To Give Unsolicited Advice
Is there anything more frustrating than someone who can’t resist giving you advice, even when you didn’t ask for it? Imagine sharing a simple story about a hiccup in your day, only to have it met with a barrage of suggestions on how to fix it. It’s like they’re the self-appointed life coach whom you never hired. They don’t just offer advice; they insist on it, often prefacing with, “Well, if I were you…”—a phrase that can make even the calmest listener’s eye twitch. Psychology Today notes that giving unsolicited advice may stem from a need to feel important or knowledgeable, rather than a genuine desire to help
These people seem to believe that their advice is a gift to the world, and it’s your lucky day to receive it. Yet, while their intentions might be good, their timing and delivery could use a little work. Especially when their pearls of wisdom are based on dubious sources or entirely irrelevant experiences. It’s as if they assume their life experiences are universally applicable, never pausing to consider that different people might need different solutions. In the end, you often find yourself nodding politely, waiting for the torrent to end, all while knowing you’ll probably just continue doing things your way.
2. They Hijack Every Conversation

You know this type—the moment you start sharing a story, they swoop in and make it all about themselves. You might start by mentioning a recent vacation, and before you know it, the conversation has been hijacked by tales of their travels to places you couldn’t even dream of visiting. It’s as if your stories exist only to serve as a prelude to theirs. They often have a knack for deflating your excitement by making any experience you share seem mundane compared to their own. The Harvard Business Review suggests that chronic interrupters may be unaware of their behavior and its negative impact on others
Ironically, these conversation hijackers believe they’re simply engaging in lively discourse, sharing equally in the joy of storytelling. But instead of real conversation, it becomes a one-sided monologue with an audience of one—you. Your attempts to steer back to your original point are often thwarted as they continue to navigate the discussion toward their preferred destination. After a while, you may start avoiding sharing stories entirely, knowing the outcome will likely be the same. The sad part is, they often miss the chance to form a genuine connection because they’re too busy building their narrative.
3. They Respond To Everything With “Actually”

Enter the “actually” expert, the person who can’t resist correcting even the smallest of details. You might casually mention that Paris is a beautiful city, and in jumps the “actually” expert to inform you that technically, there are statistically more beautiful places based on subjective surveys. Their corrections often seem nitpicky, to the point where it feels like they’re not just interested in facts but in proving you wrong. It’s exhausting to interact with someone who treats every conversation like a high-stakes debate.
Despite coming across as pedantic, the “actually” expert often believes they’re contributing positively by sharing knowledge. They see it as enlightening rather than irritating, missing the frustration they cause in social settings. Their need to be right overshadows the shared joy of learning, turning what could be enlightening discussions into nerve-wracking exchanges. Eventually, you find yourself steering clear of conversations that involve facts or figures, just to avoid the inevitable corrections. A little humility could go a long way in making their interactions feel less like a game of trivia where there’s only one winner.
4. They’re Always Critical Of Others

This person finds a flaw in even the most universally praised phenomena. You rave about a movie everyone loves, but they found the plot predictable and the acting subpar. You recommend a new restaurant, but they found the service lacking and the food overhyped. It’s as if they derive satisfaction from dismissing what others find remarkable. Their constant critiques can easily bring down the mood, especially when you’re excited about something new. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that chronic criticism may be linked to perfectionism and a fear of inadequacy
While they might think they’re adding a touch of realism to overly optimistic views, their negativity can be draining. The unimpressed critic often operates under the guise of being discerning or having “high standards.” But rather than appearing sophisticated, they often come across as joyless. It becomes challenging to engage them in anything, knowing they might just rain on your parade. Instead of fostering meaningful discussions, they leave a trail of deflated enthusiasm and a group of friends or colleagues who are hesitant to share their genuine likes and interests.
5. They Talk About Themselves Constantly

There’s always that one person who seems to think they were blessed with the gift of gab, and conversations are their stage. No matter the topic, they have an opinion—often a lengthy one—and they’re not shy about sharing it. This isn’t just about talking a lot; it’s about talking so much that others can barely get a word in. It’s almost as if they fear the oxygen in the room will run out if someone else speaks.
While they might believe they are simply engaging and entertaining, the reality often feels like being trapped in a verbal marathon. It’s not that what they’re saying is necessarily uninteresting, but the sheer volume can be overwhelming. Even when they occasionally pause, it often feels less like an opportunity for a genuine exchange and more like a brief interlude. Conversations with them can leave you feeling more like a listener than a participant and make you wonder if they’re really interested in hearing from anyone else at all.
6. They’re Passive-Aggressive Often

Passive-aggressive comments can sting, and their delivery is often cloaked in faux concern or politeness. When these people offer advice, it tends to come with a side of judgment. They might say things like, “You could do it your way, but I’d probably do it this way,” leaving you to feel your choice is somehow inferior. It’s not just irritating; it’s a subtle way of undermining your confidence. Verywell Mind explains that passive-aggressive behavior often stems from difficulty expressing negative emotions directly
These advisors might think they’re offering help, yet their veiled criticism often leaves others feeling belittled. The issue isn’t the advice itself, but the way it’s presented—with an air of superiority wrapped in sugar-coated words. Instead of fostering growth, their approach often sows seeds of doubt and insecurity. Over time, their well-meaning advice becomes something you’d rather decline altogether. A more direct and empathetic approach could make their insights not only more palatable but also genuinely helpful.
7. They Always Try To One-Up You
If you climbed a hill, they conquered Everest. No matter your accomplishment, theirs is always bigger and better. It’s not enough for them to acknowledge your success; they feel compelled to surpass it. This habitual need to outdo everyone around them can quickly turn any gathering into a competitive arena.
Their behavior often stems from a deep-rooted need for validation or recognition. They seem to believe that their own value increases when they overshadow someone else’s achievements. But instead of admiration, this often breeds resentment. In reality, their constant need to one-up others can alienate them from genuine connections and make others feel like their accomplishments are trivialized. True camaraderie requires celebrating others’ successes, not just outshining them.
8. They’re Always Saying “I Told You So”

No one enjoys failing, but it’s made even worse by someone who takes pleasure in pointing out that they predicted it. The “I told you so” specialist is quick to remind you of their foresight every time something doesn’t go as planned. Rather than offering support, they relish in their moment of being right, even if it means rubbing your face in your mistakes.
While they might see this as holding others accountable, it often feels like they’re more interested in bolstering their own ego. Their lack of empathy in these moments can make them seem insensitive and uncaring. What they fail to realize is that their gloating can erode trust and discourage others from sharing challenges or seeking advice. A little compassion could transform these interactions from divisive to supportive, turning them from smug spectators to understanding allies.
9. They Overcomplicate Everything

Ever met someone who insists on turning every simple topic into a convoluted mess? The complicated explainer believes that no subject is too straightforward for an in-depth analysis. Even the simplest discussions can spiral into an elaborate lecture, filled with jargon and unnecessary details. They seem to thrive on complicating things, often leaving others more confused than when the conversation began.
In their mind, they’re being thorough and informative, providing insights others might overlook. However, their tendency to overcomplicate can stall discussions and frustrate those who simply want a straight answer. Instead of impressing others with their knowledge, they often alienate them by making easy concepts unnecessarily difficult. A bit of brevity and clarity could go a long way in making their contributions more accessible and appreciated.
10. They’re Naturally Pessimistic

Meet the eternal pessimist, the person who manages to find a cloud in every silver lining. Even the most optimistic scenarios are met with skepticism and doubt. To them, every opportunity is fraught with potential pitfalls, and every victory is just a prelude to impending doom. Their negativity can be infectious, casting a shadow over even the most positive environments.
While they might see themselves as realists, their relentless pessimism often sucks the joy out of any situation. They focus on what could go wrong rather than celebrating what went right, dampening enthusiasm and morale. Over time, their consistent negativity can become draining for those around them, leading to avoidance rather than engagement. A shift in perspective could help them see potential, not just problems, and bring a more balanced view to the table.
11. They’re A Little Too Confident
This person speaks with such certainty about future events that you almost wonder if they have a crystal ball at home. They forecast everything from economic downturns to the outcome of reality TV shows with unwavering confidence. While it’s great to have opinions, their level of certainty can often come across as arrogance. Even when proven wrong, they tend to gloss over their misstep and quickly move on to their next prediction.
In believing they possess such foresight, they often overlook the unpredictability of life. Their air of infallibility can be off-putting, giving the impression that they value their own opinions over any evidence to the contrary. This self-assured stance can lead to frustration, especially when their predictions impact group decisions. Embracing a bit of humility and acknowledging that they don’t have all the answers could foster more trust and collaboration among peers.
12. They Devalue What People Say

Whenever you share an experience, big or small, this person is quick to jump in and claim they’ve been there, done that. It’s not that shared experiences are a problem, but their dismissive attitude often downplays the uniqueness of your journey. Their goal seems less about mutual sharing and more about proving that they’ve already checked that box. It turns what could be bonding moments into instances of rivalry.
Their behavior might stem from a desire to relate or connect, but it often has the opposite effect. Instead of feeling understood, others might feel that their experiences are being trivialized. The fixation on their own past achievements can overshadow the present moment, leaving others feeling unimportant. Taking a moment to genuinely engage and listen could transform their interactions from competitive to genuinely connective.
13. They Never Let You Finish A Thought
Having a conversation with a chronic interrupter can feel like an uphill battle. They jump in mid-sentence, often derailing your train of thought with their own input. It’s as if they’re so eager to share their thoughts that they can’t wait for you to finish yours. While they might think they’re adding value or moving the conversation along, it often feels more like a struggle just to be heard.
Despite their impatience, they often believe they’re simply enthusiastic or passionate about the topic at hand. Yet, this constant interruption can be frustrating and disheartening for those on the receiving end. It leaves little room for equal exchange, turning what should be a dialogue into a monologue punctuated by interruptions. Learning to listen actively and allowing others to complete their thoughts could turn these conversations from chaotic to constructive.
14. They Shoot Down Your Dreams
Every dreamer has encountered this person—the one who finds a reason your dreams are unachievable. You might share your aspirations of starting a new business or traveling the world, only to be met with a laundry list of obstacles. While they might think they’re being realistic, their tendency to shoot down dreams can be demoralizing. Their skepticism often seems to come from a place of their own fears and insecurities.
By focusing on what could go wrong, they miss the opportunity to support and encourage. Instead of being a source of inspiration, they become a barrier to ambition. This constant negativity can dampen creativity and enthusiasm, making others hesitant to share their goals. A little faith and encouragement could turn their propensity to caution into constructive support, fostering a more nurturing environment for growth.
15. They Always Need To Have The Final Word
This person always needs to have the final say, no matter the subject or situation. Conversations, debates, and even light-hearted chats are all opportunities for them to assert the closing statement. It’s as if they believe the conversation isn’t complete until they’ve had the last word. While this might give them a temporary sense of satisfaction, it often leaves others feeling unheard or disregarded.
Their insistence on having the last word can stem from a desire to assert dominance or control. Yet, rather than showcasing their knowledge or perspective, it often highlights their insecurity or need for validation. It can make interactions feel more transactional than relational, focusing on winning rather than understanding. Embracing a more collaborative spirit and being open to leaving conversations open-ended could enhance mutual respect and understanding.