Social skills are a struggle for a lot of people, but most of us manage to make do without making too many faux pas.
However, some people have zero social graces and are constantly putting their foot in their mouths and alienating the people around them. Whether it’s saying the wrong thing or missing social cues entirely, these moments can be cringeworthy for everyone involved. How do you know if someone’s struggling in this department? They’ll tend to do these things without even realising why they’re wrong.
1. They interrupt people mid-sentence.
When someone can’t seem to stop interrupting people, it creates a real sense of unease. It’s not that they mean to be rude, but they jump in the moment they feel the conversation is at a pause, often cutting people off mid-sentence. This can make people feel dismissed, as though what they’re saying isn’t important, or that their voice doesn’t matter.
2. They refuse to make eye contact.
If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone who won’t look you in the eye, it’s a bit unnerving. They’ll either look past you or stare down at the floor, making it seem like they’re disconnected or uncomfortable. Eye contact is one of those small social cues that helps build trust, so when it’s missing, it can make the conversation feel strained.
3. They overshare personal details.
Sometimes, in an attempt to connect, someone with no social skills will overshare personal details that really should stay private. They might tell you about their relationship issues, health problems, or financial struggles, even though you’re just trying to make small talk. It’s not that they’re trying to make you uncomfortable, but it can feel like a lot to take in without warning.
4. Talking way too loudly
You’ve probably come across someone who’s completely oblivious to how loud they’re being in a public space. They speak as though they’re in their own living room, not realising that everyone around them is forced to listen in. It can be awkward for anyone nearby, who’s suddenly part of a conversation they didn’t sign up for.
5. They stand too close to people.
We’ve all experienced that person who doesn’t seem to understand the unspoken rule of personal space. Whether it’s in line at the supermarket or just standing next to someone in a crowd, they’re too close for comfort. The worst part is, they don’t realise it, and you end up trying to shuffle away discreetly to get some breathing room.
6. They don’t pick up on social cues.
It’s not uncommon for someone with poor social skills to miss the subtle cues people give when a conversation is winding down or when they want to move on to something else. Whether it’s an uncomfortable silence or a shift in body language, they just don’t see it. As a result, the conversation continues, even when no one is really invested anymore.
7. They speak in monotone.
When someone speaks without any variation in their voice, it can make even the most interesting story sound flat. The lack of emotional tone makes it hard to tell if they’re even engaged or if they care about what they’re saying. It often leaves listeners feeling disconnected, as there’s little to grab onto in the conversation.
8. They ignore basic greetings.
Source: Unsplash A simple “hello” or “good morning” is something we all expect, but for some, it’s as if those little niceties don’t even register. Whether it’s passing someone in the street or sitting next to them in a café, they don’t acknowledge your presence. It’s not about being mean, but it can feel like a missed opportunity to connect, especially when you’re just trying to be polite.
9. They don’t know when to stop talking.
Source: Unsplash Some people get so caught up in their own thoughts that they don’t realise when it’s time to wrap up a conversation. They’ll keep going on and on, not noticing that everyone else has checked out or is trying to subtly end the exchange. It can make the other person feel like they’re stuck in a conversation they don’t want to be in, just waiting for an escape.
10. They misread the tone of the conversation.
Source: Unsplash Social interactions have a subtle ebb and flow, but someone with poor social skills might not be able to gauge the tone correctly. They’ll take a bit of banter seriously or bring up a heavy topic when everyone is in a relaxed mood. It can create awkward moments where no one knows how to respond, as the conversation feels out of sync.
11. They stare at people without realising.
Source: Unsplash There’s something about someone who stares at you for too long without realising it that just feels off. Whether it’s out of curiosity or just absent-mindedness, it can be uncomfortable to be the subject of someone’s gaze when they don’t even acknowledge it. It’s like they’re in their own world, unaware of how unsettling it is for other people.
12. They talk about controversial topics at the wrong time.
Source: Unsplash Certain topics, like politics or religion, can be tricky to discuss, but some people bring them up in situations where it’s best to avoid them. They’ll dive straight into these subjects during casual or light conversations, not realising it might put everyone in an awkward spot. It’s a sign that they don’t quite understand the social dynamics of timing.
13. They don’t understand social boundaries.
Source: Unsplash When someone doesn’t respect personal boundaries, whether it’s physically or emotionally, it can make people feel uneasy. They might stand too close, touch without asking, or share personal information without considering how it affects those around them. It’s not malicious, but it often leaves people feeling like their space has been invaded.
14. They don’t recognise when someone wants to be left alone.
There are those who, even when someone shows clear signs that they need space—like crossing their arms or glancing around the room—continue talking or following them around. It’s as if they can’t read the room, and their persistence can make the situation even more uncomfortable. Recognising when someone isn’t in the mood to engage is a skill that many struggle with.
15. They’re a bit too blunt.
Source: Unsplash While honesty can be a virtue, being blunt to the point of rudeness is another thing. Some people don’t hold back when it comes to saying what’s on their mind, but they don’t always realise that their words can come across as harsh or inconsiderate. It’s like they’re so focused on being honest that they forget to consider the impact of their words on other people.
