You think you’re pretty easy-going and have good manners, but there could be certain behaviors you’re exhibiting that are annoying and even infuriating everyone around you. If you’re guilty of any of these things, it may be time to take a step back and reasses the way you’re acting — and change it ASAP!
1. Talking over people
You get so excited, you just HAVE to share your opinion, even if it means interrupting someone mid-sentence. But hey, who doesn’t love being steamrolled in a conversation, right? You might even have a habit of finishing people’s sentences for them, assuming you know where their thought is going (and let’s be honest, sometimes you’re entirely wrong).
2. One-upping everyone’s stories with something “better”
Someone shares a cool experience, and you immediately counter with something even cooler you did (at least in your eyes). Every story somehow circles back to you being the most awesome. You probably think this makes you look impressive, but the truth is, it just makes you look like you’re constantly competing for the spotlight.
3. Bragging (yes, even the “humble” kind)
Disguising a brag as a complaint doesn’t fool anyone. “Ugh, I’m SO swamped with work” only works if you don’t seem secretly thrilled about it. Truly successful people don’t need to announce how busy they are; their accomplishments speak for themselves.
4. Name-Dropping
Casually mentioning your famous second-cousin or that time you nodded at a celebrity in the airport isn’t all that impressive. We get it, you’re well-connected…or at least trying to seem that way. For some reason, you think these little mentions will make you more popular, when in reality, it just comes off a little desperate for external validation.
5. Constantly being on your phone
Nothing says “this conversation is boring” like scrolling through Instagram while someone’s talking to you. They might as well be conversing with a houseplant. Even if you think you’re being subtle, trust us, they notice your eyes darting down to that screen every few seconds.
6. Not listening
Eyes glazed over, desperately waiting for your turn to speak instead of absorbing what they say. Bonus points if you repeat that same story they told you…last week. Maybe you zone out on purpose, or maybe you’re just easily distracted, either way, it makes people feel like their thoughts and feelings aren’t valued.
7. Giving advice no one wanted or asked for
Sometimes people just want to vent, not have you solve their problems. Jumping in with a 10-point action plan feels more condescending than helpful and people won’t take well to it. This habit suggests you think you know better than them, and can make people feel put down rather than supported.
8. Being overly negative
Raining on everyone’s parade gets old quickly. Eeyore has his charm, but it’s best in small doses. Finding something, anything, positive goes a long way. People naturally gravitate towards those who bring a positive energy, making negativity a surefire way to push people away over time.
9. “Just joking” backhanded compliments
Disguising an insult with a laugh doesn’t negate the sting. “That dress is…bold! Good for you!” doesn’t exactly spark warm fuzzies. These thinly veiled jabs erode trust, making people wonder if every “compliment” from you has a hidden zinger.
10. Oversharing
Your coworker doesn’t need a graphic rundown of your weekend’s stomach flu. TMI boundaries exist for a reason. Not only is oversharing awkward for the listener, but it can create an uncomfortable sense that you don’t understand appropriate levels of intimacy in different relationships.
11. Not reading the room
You’re guilty of missing those subtle hints that someone needs space, a change of topic, or for you to just STOP talking. Social obliviousness makes interactions awkward for everyone. Maybe you ignore the slightly glazed-over eyes or crossed arms, or the way they keep subtly trying to edge away from you…all signs you’re overstaying your welcome.
12. Flakiness
Canceling plans last minute or being chronically late shows a lack of respect for other people’s time. Emergencies happen, but make those the exception, not the rule. Everyone has busy lives, and when you consistently fail to show up as planned, people start taking it personally.
13. Complaining… all the time
We all need a gripe session occasionally, but being a constant fountain of negativity is draining for those around you. If everything is awful, it starts to feel like you’re the problem. Over time, people may distance themselves to protect their own energy. Remember, while venting can be healthy, focusing on solutions and the positive is even better. A good balance goes a long way in maintaining good relationships.
14. Not admitting when you’re wrong
You have no issue with doubling down on a mistake even when the evidence is against you. Stubbornness isn’t the same as strength, and everyone sees right through the act. Refusing to admit fault creates unnecessary friction and damages your reputation. Owning a mistake actually fosters respect, showing you value honesty and growth.
15. Hypocrisy
Preaching about one thing, then doing the complete opposite is really annoying. Telling everyone to recycle, then tossing your water bottle in the trash…not a good look. People find hypocrisy incredibly irritating because it exposes a lack of integrity. If you believe in something, live those values – it makes your message so much more powerful.
16. Not following through
You make a lot of big promises with zero action to back them up. You become the person everyone knows is full of hot air, eroding trust over time. Consistent failure to act on your words turns people away from relying on you. When you say you’ll do something, make it happen, or at least be upfront about why you can’t – it goes a long way in building solid relationships.
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