Someone who perpetually has a chip on their shoulder makes life miserable for everyone around them. They’re always negative, easily offended, and love nothing more than to cause drama everywhere they go. Here are 15 signs that someone has a serious attitude problem and how to deal without wanting to rip your hair out.
1. They’re big on bringing people down.
No matter what you do, this person always finds a reason to criticize you. Maybe you’re wearing your hair in a way they don’t like or you’re not cleaning the oven properly. It’s so annoying! A good way to deal with it is by staying calm so the person doesn’t get a reaction. That’s easier said than done, of course!
2. They’re always a bad vibe in the room.
Someone who has an attitude problem is usually super negative. They walk into the room and the vibe changes, and not in a good way. They’re always looking sulky or angry, no matter what happens. Try to be positive around this person — maybe it’ll help them shift into an optimistic mode.
3. They love laughing at you when things go wrong.
Someone who’s got an attitude problem will try to bring you down as a distraction from their own issues. So, when you mention that you sprained your ankle or that you got passed over for a promotion you were going for at work, they’ll laugh as though you’re telling them something awesome. When you’re down, they feel good — it’s sad. The best way to deal is to keep things to yourself so you don’t let them get to you.
4. They find a way to blame you for things that go wrong.
Besides laughing at you, the person might also blame you for stuff that had nothing to do with you. So, when you get caught in traffic because there was an accident on the highway, they’ll say it’s your fault because you left for work a bit later. How does that even make sense? If they do this all the time, calmly tell them how their behavior makes you feel and that you won’t tolerate it.
5. They try to be superior to you.
Someone with an attitude problem might think they’re better than you, so no matter what you do it’s never good enough. They have extremely high standards they expect you to follow. The best way to deal is to act unaffected by it, especially since they want you to believe that you’re inferior to them.
6. They make unimpressed faces when you’re speaking.
When you talk to someone with an attitude problem, they might not openly criticize you, but they’ll show they don’t like or agree with what you’re saying by making unimpressed faces. They might look angry or roll their eyes, or maybe even look off into the distance to make it clear they’re uninterested. Call them out on it! That, or just stop talking to them altogether so you don’t waste your breath.
7. They mock your choices.
It’s impossible to feel good about anything if the person’s always mocking or insulting your decisions in life. No matter what you do, they’ll find something bad about it. The best thing to do is thank them for their feedback while explaining that you’re confident in your decisions. Don’t change for them!
8. They pick on you.
Someone who’s got an attitude problem might always want to nitpick because they’re irritable all the time, so they’ll try to micromanage you or question everything you do. It’s exhausting. When they try to control what you do or find fault with it, say something like, “I’ve got this, thanks!” Shut ’em down!
9. They compete with you about everything.
This person always tries to win and one-up you. So, if you get a new hairstyle, they’ll do something different with their hair too. Or, if you get a promotion, they’ll brag about how well they’re doing in their job. They’re clearly insecure, so try to be empathetic because they’re dealing with huge issues.
10. They prioritize their schedule over yours.
Selfishness can sometimes be a big part of an attitude problem. For example, maybe this person always makes plans according to when they’re available to see you without considering your schedule at all. It’s so convenient for them. It’s good to focus on your life and needs so you don’t let the person dominate you.
11. They don’t realize how hurtful they are.
If their negative comments or criticisms have put you in a bad mood, someone with an attitude problem might act like they have no idea why you seem so upset. Wow! It’s enough to make you lose your cool, but don’t give them that power. Tell them calmly but firmly that you feel hurt because of what they did.
12. They make you the target of their jokes.
When you’re around this person in public, they might sometimes try to make you the butt of their jokes to make themselves feel better or to get some attention. No, they’re not “just joking” — it’s hurtful behavior. That being said, avoid insulting them back. When you’re alone, explain that their behavior is rude and uncalled for.
13. They have unrealistic expectations.
This person might expect you to meet their every need or be happy all the time, which is unrealistic and unfair. They’re not seeing you for who you are, but who they can make you become. Enough is enough! You’re not designed to be a mind reader or at their beck and call. Explain your limits and boundaries. If the person cares about you, they’ll respect you.
14. Â They can’t handle any feedback.
When you talk to the person about something, like giving them feedback on an idea they shared with you, they’re quick to react negatively. It sometimes feels like you can’t say anything without them having an attitude about it. Keep your feedback balanced so it’s not all negative, and only give them advice if they ask for it.
15. They demand respect without respecting anyone else.
Someone who’s saddled with an attitude problem tends to have a superiority complex, so they’re likely to walk around expecting others to respect them. The funny thing is that they don’t care about showing respect to those around them. Know your worth and communicate with them about how they’re disrespecting you. They either lose the ‘tude or they lose you!
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