You might think you’re the bee’s knees, and you probably have plenty of great qualities that make you an interesting person. However, your positives could be canceled out by bad behavior. If you do these things, chances are you’re a difficult person to be around, and that’s a drag.
1. You’re Always Right (Or So You Think).
Everyone loves a healthy debate, but that means hearing other people out and respecting their thoughts and opinions even if they don’t align with your own. If you end every conversation believing your perspective was the only one that mattered because it was the “right” one, you’re a) delusional and b) a difficult person to be around (and that’s putting it nicely). You’re a human being, which makes you imperfect, which means that sometimes you’re going to get it wrong. A little humility is needed to be able to admit that, but it’ll do you a world of good to get some.
2. You’re a Chronic Complainer.
Everyone can appreciate a good whine every now and then, but if you find yourself constantly complaining about everything under the sun, it’s going to become extremely draining for everyone around you. There’s a thin line between venting and using every interaction you have as an opportunity to make everyone as miserable as you clearly are. Obviously you shouldn’t bottle up your feelings or pretend everything is okay when it’s not, but if you really need to get that much off your chest, maybe get a journal or something?
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4. You’re the Star of Every Story.
There’s nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and your accomplishments — in fact, you should be! It’s also totally cool to give yourself a pat on the back sometimes. That being said, making sure you and your fantastic life are front and center in every single story is annoying, unnecessary, and a bit cringe. Instead of showcasing your self-confidence and pride, it has the opposite effect and ends up making you seem extremely insecure and like you have something to prove.
5. Your Sarcasm Meter is Always On.
I’m incredibly sarcastic — it’s a natural reflex. However, I’ve had to learn to temper that and read the room. Sarcasm isn’t always called for, nor is it appropriate. Some people don’t appreciate this, especially when it comes as a response to basically everything they say. It can be funny sometimes, sure, but if it’s a constant thing, people are going to find it very difficult to even want to be around you because it gets old quickly. Sarcasm is a fine art — if you haven’t mastered it, you’re better off not practicing it until you do.
6. Flexibility Isn’t in Your Vocabulary.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everything always went your way? Obviously, but that’s not how life works. Sometimes you’re going to have to defer to other people and their desires, needs, or plans. If you find that difficult and you make a scene about being flexible (or outright refuse to do it), you’re obviously a total nightmare. Stand up for what you believe in and make sure your needs are met, by all means. However, don’t use that as a shield to never budge an inch. The world doesn’t revolve around you, remember that.
6. You Have a Hard Time Listening.
There’s nothing worse than having a conversation with someone who might be looking in your direction but it’s clear that their mind is anywhere but on the words coming out of your mouth. It’s really difficult to be around people who don’t know how to listen. Not only do you convey a complete and utter lack of interest in the other person, but you also miss out on potentially important information that you might need to know (and that could come back to haunt you when you don’t). Open your ears, shut your mouth, and absorb what other people are saying when they’re speaking.
7. You’re Quick to Criticize, Slow to Praise.
Criticism can be helpful, but if it’s all you’re dishing out, it can start to feel a little harsh — especially when it’s unwarranted or unsolicited. You’re not Simon Cowell and this is not “American Idol” (outdated reference but whatever, go with it). You’re not the judge and jury of other people, and acting like you are won’t win you any fans. It’s difficult to be around someone who always has something bad to say but never gives credit where it’s due. What kind of sad person does that?
8. Your Mood Swings Set the Tone.
I’m moody as hell and completely admit that. However, when I’m feeling like that, I tend to avoid people if at all possible since it’s not anyone else’s responsibility to deal with me when I’m like that. If you expect everyone else to cater to your various emotional states without complaining, you’re obviously a difficult person to be around. Get it together! You don’t get to bring everyone else down because you’re in a bad mood. That doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be gung ho when you’re not feeling it, but you also don’t have to put everyone else on edge.
