16 Tell-Tale Signs Someone Is A Shallow Person

16 Tell-Tale Signs Someone Is A Shallow Person

Human beings are complex and nuanced, but not everyone appreciates that. Shallow people judge everyone by what’s on the surface and never take into consideration what’s lurking underneath. How do you know if you’re dealing with someone like this? These behaviors are hallmarks of shallow people — beware!

1. They’re Obsessed with Appearances.

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Shallow people are often overly concerned with how things look rather than how things are. They place a high value on physical appearance, both in themselves and in others. Their conversations often revolve around commenting on looks, fashion, and material possessions. They might dismiss someone based on their style choices or praise someone solely for their attractiveness.

2. They Lack Depth in Conversations.

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Trying to have a deep conversation with a shallow person? Good luck. Their discussions rarely go beyond surface-level topics like celebrities, gossip, or their own superficial experiences. They show little interest in engaging with complex ideas or emotions. It’s not that they’re incapable of deeper thought; they just seem uninterested in exploring anything beneath the surface.

3. They Rarely Go Beyond First Impressions.

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Shallow people often don’t bother to look beyond first impressions. They form quick opinions about people and situations based on superficial ideas and stick to them stubbornly. This shallow judgment means they miss out on the richness and complexity that lies beneath the surface. They’re quick to label someone as boring, difficult, or uninteresting without really getting to know them.

4. They’re Not Great at Empathy.

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Shallow people tend to struggle with empathy. They find it hard to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, especially if the situation doesn’t directly affect them, according to Psych Central. Their lack of depth can make them seem uncaring or dismissive of others’ problems, especially if they can’t see an immediate benefit to themselves.

5. Their Friendships Are Often Superficial.

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Take a look at their friendships. Are they based on convenience, status, or shared interests in only superficial matters? Shallow people tend to form relationships that aren’t based on deep connection or mutual support. Their friendships might look good on the surface, but they lack the substance of true companionship.

6. They’re Materialistic.

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Materialism is a common trait among shallow people. They measure success and self-worth by what they own rather than who they are as a person. Their conversations often revolve around their latest purchases or what they want to buy next. They see material possessions as a way to gain status and approval, and according to the Huffington Post, it’s making them unhappy.

7. They’re Often Self-Centered.

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It’s all about them. Shallow people usually focus on their own needs and desires, often at the expense of others. They’re more concerned with how situations affect them personally, rather than considering the bigger picture. Their self-centered nature can make them seem insensitive or uncaring about others’ feelings or problems.

8. They Have a Hard Time with Commitment.

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Whether it’s relationships, jobs, or hobbies, shallow people often have a hard time sticking with anything that requires depth and ongoing commitment. They prefer to flit from one thing to another, never really investing themselves deeply in anything. This lack of commitment can make their lives seem fragmented and without a solid foundation.

9. They Crave Constant Validation and Attention.

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Shallow people always need validation from other people for everything they do in life. They want to be seen and admired, and they often go to great lengths to ensure they’re in the spotlight. This need for validation can make them appear needy or attention-seeking (and that’s because they often are).

10. They Struggle with Genuine Self-Reflection.

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Self-reflection requires depth, something shallow people often lack. They might avoid self-examination, preferring to keep things light and easy. This aversion to introspection can keep them from truly understanding themselves or growing as people. No wonder they never seem to look beyond the surface!

12. Their emotional responses often seem fake.

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When it comes to emotional responses, shallow people tend to react in ways that society expects of them, but it’s clear they’re not being authentic. Their reactions might seem rehearsed or insincere, and that’s because they lack the genuine depth of someone truly connected to their feelings.

13. They Have a Low Tolerance for Boredom.

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Shallow people really hate being bored. They need constant stimulation and excitement because they find it difficult to sit with their own thoughts or do things that don’t offer immediate gratification. This need for constant entertainment can make them seem restless or fickle. If they started to learn to enjoy being alone, they might develop a bit more depth!

14. They Value Quantity Over Quality.

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In many aspects of life, shallow people value quantity over quality. This can be seen in their approach to relationships, material possessions, and experiences. They might prefer having lots of acquaintances over a few close friends or choose to buy more stuff rather than high-quality things that are made better and will last longer.

15. They’re Often Influenced by Popular Opinion.

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Shallow people tend to go with the flow, adopting popular opinions and trends rather than forming their own. They might change their views or behavior to fit in with what’s currently in fashion, which shows a lack of depth in their personal convictions. It’s not necessarily that they’re afraid to express how they feel — it’s that most of the time, they don’t actually know!

16. They Avoid Challenging Situations.

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Shallow people often steer clear of situations that challenge them mentally, emotionally, or morally. They prefer to stay in their comfort zone, where things are easy and undemanding. Avoiding challenges means they miss opportunities for personal growth and development. They might give up on things that require ongoing effort or deeper understanding — they prefer to keep things a bit more basic than that.

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Originally from Australia, Emma Mills graduated from the University of Queensland with a dual degree in Philosophy and Applied Linguistics before moving to Los Angeles to become a professional matchmaker (a bit of a shift, obviously). Since 2015, she has helped more than 150 people find lasting love and remains passionate about bringing amazing singletons together.

Emma is also the author of the upcoming Hachette publication, "Off the Beaten Track: Finding Lasting Love in the Least Likely of Places," due out in January 2025.