Friendliness is generally a positive trait, but there’s a thin line between being personable and being a bit creepy.
You might mean well, and you probably don’t even realise you’re doing it. However, if these behaviours are commonplace for you, you might be freaking people out and need to back off just a bit.
1. Remembering too many details about someone you barely know
While it’s nice to remember things about people, recalling an excessive amount of information about someone you’ve only met briefly can be off-putting. It might make them wonder how and why you know so much about them, especially if they don’t remember sharing those details with you.
2. Showing up uninvited to someone’s home or workplace
You might think it’s a pleasant surprise, but appearing unannounced at someone’s house or job can be intrusive. It puts the person on the spot and can make them feel uncomfortable or even unsafe. Always check if it’s okay to visit before showing up.
3. Excessive physical touch with people you’re not close to
Some people are naturally touchy-feely, but not everyone appreciates physical contact. Frequent hugging, touching someone’s arm, or standing too close during conversations can make people feel uneasy, especially if you’re not well-acquainted or in a professional setting.
4. Oversharing personal information too quickly
Being open can be great for building connections, but dumping your life story or very personal details on someone you’ve just met can be overwhelming. It might make them feel pressured to reciprocate or wonder why you’re so eager to share such intimate information with a stranger.
5. Constantly commenting on social media posts
Engaging with friends online is normal, but if you’re always the first to like or comment on every single post, it might come across as obsessive. This is especially true if you’re not particularly close to the person in real life. It can make them feel like you’re monitoring their online activity too closely.
6. Insisting on helping when help isn’t needed or wanted
Offering assistance is kind, but pushing help on someone who has declined it can be uncomfortable. It might make them feel like you don’t trust their ability to handle things on their own. Always respect when someone says they don’t need help, even if you think they do.
7. Using pet names or nicknames for people you don’t know well
Terms of endearment like “honey” or “sweetheart” might seem friendly to you, but they can feel overly familiar or even condescending to other people, especially in professional settings or with people you’ve just met. Stick to names unless you’re sure the person is comfortable with nicknames.
8. Staring or maintaining eye contact for too long
Eye contact is important for communication, but there’s such a thing as too much. Staring intensely or maintaining unbroken eye contact for extended periods can make people feel scrutinised or uncomfortable. Remember to break eye contact naturally during conversations.
9. Asking overly personal questions too soon
Showing interest in someone’s life is friendly, but probing into very personal matters early in a relationship can be unsettling. Questions about relationships, finances, or health issues might be too intimate for casual acquaintances. Let relationships develop naturally before delving into deeper topics.
10. Mimicking someone’s accent or mannerisms
You might think you’re building rapport by mirroring someone’s speech or behaviour, but it can come across as mocking or insincere. People may feel like you’re making fun of them, even if that’s not your intention. It’s best to just be yourself in interactions.
11. Giving gifts that are too personal or expensive too early
Gift-giving is a lovely gesture, but presents that are overly personal or expensive for the level of your relationship can make the recipient uncomfortable. It might seem like you’re trying to buy their friendship or that you have expectations they’re not ready to meet.
12. Insisting on getting contact information after brief encounters
Source: Unsplash If you’ve just met someone and immediately push for their phone number or social media details, it can feel pushy. Not everyone wants to stay in touch after a single conversation. Let connections develop naturally, and wait for mutual interest before exchanging contact information.
13. Constantly taking photos of people without asking
Given that smartphones are absolutely everywhere, it’s easy to snap pictures anytime. However, constantly photographing people, especially without their permission, can make them feel uncomfortable or violated. Always ask before taking someone’s picture, and respect their decision if they decline.
14. Sharing private conversations or information about other people
You might think you’re being open by sharing stories about your friends, but revealing private information or conversations can breach trust. It might make people wonder what you’re saying about them when they’re not around. Keep confidences and respect people’s privacy.
15. Being overly complimentary, especially about physical appearance
Compliments are nice, but too many can feel insincere or make people uncomfortable. This is especially true for comments about physical appearance, which can feel intrusive or inappropriate, particularly in professional settings. Keep compliments genuine, appropriate, and not too frequent.
