Some people go through life completely oblivious to how their behavior affects other people, and it’s seriously annoying. If you’re cringing in recognition, don’t worry — admitting you have a problem is the first step. We’re here to give you a much-needed wake-up call. These are 15 annoying things that people with no self-awareness do, and why they need to stop ASAP.
1. Humblebragging
People like this can’t just say they got a promotion, they have to couch it in a “I’m so overwhelmed with all these new responsibilities” whine. Or, they’ll post a perfectly angled selfie with a caption like “I look so gross today, ugh.” Spare us the faux-modesty and just own your successes and pride in your appearance. Confidence is great, but trying to mask your bragging in self-deprecation is transparent and annoying. It’s okay to be straightforward about your accomplishments and compliments-fishing is never a good look.
2. Constantly talking over people
This is infuriating, and a surefire sign that you’re dealing with someone who’s more interested in hearing themselves speak than actually engaging in a dialogue. Talking over people is rude, self-absorbed, and a not-so-subtle way of saying “I don’t really care what you have to say.” Learn to bite your tongue and let others speak their piece before jumping in. Active listening is a skill worth cultivating.
3. Always “running late”
Sometimes circumstances beyond our control mean we’re a few minutes behind. That’s life. However, if you’re consistently keeping people waiting on you, that’s a choice — and a bad one. It’s basically announcing that you think your time matters more than everyone else’s. It doesn’t! Chronic lateness is disrespectful and it throws off everyone’s schedules. Show some consideration, plan ahead, and budget enough time to be punctual. If you know traffic is terrible, leave earlier. It’s really not that hard.
4. Obliviously blocking walkways
You’re walking down a packed sidewalk, just trying to get where you’re going, and you come up behind someone who’s decided that the middle of the busy path is the perfect place to stop dead in their tracks and check their phone or dig through their purse. Bonus points if they’re positioned right in front of a doorway. These in-the-way loiterers are the worst. They’re utterly oblivious to the fact that there are other people in the world who are just trying to get by. Move to the side!
5. Oversharing on social media
Did you know that your coworker’s cousin’s boyfriend’s sister is having a tough time with her breakup? Of course you do because she’s posting about it non-stop on every social platform. We all have that person in our feeds who seems to have no filter when it comes to sharing every gory detail of their lives online. Newsflash: not every thought or feeling you have needs to be broadcast to the world. Have some discretion and save the super personal stuff for your diary or close friends. Otherwise, you’re making it awkward for everyone.
6. Asking questions you could easily Google
If you’re constantly pestering people with questions that could be answered with a quick search, you’re just being lazy and inconsiderate. Before you tap on your friend’s name in your contacts, take a minute to see if the information you need is readily available online. Chances are, it is. Save the questions for things that actually require another person’s input or expertise. Your friends aren’t your personal search engine.
7. Offering unsolicited advice
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Unless someone has explicitly asked for your opinion or guidance, it’s safe to assume they don’t want it. Forcing your “wisdom” on people is presumptuous and irritating. It implies that you think you know better than they do about their own life. Trust that people are capable of figuring things out on their own, and resist the urge to butt in with your two cents.
8. Hogging shared spaces
Some people seem to think they’re entitled to take up as much space as they want. Sprawling across multiple seats, leaving your belongings strewn about, or generally behaving like you’re the only person in the room is a surefire way to make everyone around you seethe with resentment. In shared spaces, you should be mindful of how much room you’re occupying and try to be accommodating to others. A little self-awareness goes a long way.
9. Obliviously making plans for other people
Just because you’re free on Saturday doesn’t mean your friend automatically is too. Assuming people are available whenever you want to hang out or volunteering them for things without checking first is a serious overstep. Everyone has their own schedules, obligations, and preferences for how they spend their time. Respect that by always asking before making plans on someone else’s behalf.
10. Dominating conversations with stories about yourself
We all know that person who can somehow make even the most unrelated topic into an excuse to talk about themselves. No matter what the conversation is about, they’ll find a way to steer it back to their own experiences, opinions, and accomplishments. It’s exhausting and makes it clear that they’re not really interested in engaging with anyone else. A healthy dialogue involves give and take, not just one person monopolizing the airtime.
11. Not picking up on when you’re bothering people
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Whether it’s droning on and on about a topic no one is interested in or repeatedly pestering someone who’s clearly busy, they just can’t take a hint. Pay attention to people’s body language and responses. If they’re giving you clipped one-word answers, refusing to make eye contact, or edging away from you, those are all signs that you’re being bothersome and it’s time to back off. A little social awareness can spare you a lot of awkwardness.
12. Never admitting when you’re wrong
No one is right all the time, and that’s okay. What’s not okay is being the kind of person who can never, ever admit to being incorrect or mistaken. We all know someone who will argue their point into the ground even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, or who gets defensively angry any time they’re called out. It’s exhausting and makes people want to avoid engaging with you. Being able to say “I was wrong, I’m sorry” is a vital interpersonal skill. Cultivate it.
13. Constantly fishing for compliments
Confidence is wonderful, but there’s a big difference between being self-assured and being relentlessly thirsty for validation. If you’re always making disparaging remarks about yourself in a transparent bid for reassurance or posting selfies with captions like “I’m so ugly,” you’re going to quickly wear out the people around you. It’s manipulative and puts your friends in an uncomfortable position. Learn to love yourself without requiring constant external validation.
14. Obliviously being a slob in shared spaces
No one wants to live with a messy roommate who leaves dirty dishes in the sink, piles of clothes on the floor, and crumbs all over the counter. In shared living situations, being considerate of your cohabitants is key. That means cleaning up after yourself, being mindful of the spaces you share, and not expecting others to pick up your slack. If you’re an irredeemable slob, that’s your prerogative — but at least have the self-awareness to keep your mess contained to your own space. No one should have to wade through your dirty laundry just to get to the bathroom.
15. Always making things about you
Yeah, don’t be that person. It’s great to share your own experiences and to want your friends to be there for you, but there’s a line between relating and stealing the spotlight. Sometimes, it’s okay to just listen and support without inserting yourself into the narrative. Not everything is about you, and making it so is a fast way to lose friends.
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