You want people to enjoy spending time with you, but are you doing things that leave everyone feeling more mortified than anything?
You should always feel empowered to be your true self, of course, but if you’re guilty of any of these behaviours, you’re embarrassing the people you’re with and maybe need to tone it down a bit.
1. You talk way too loudly in public places, oblivious to the stares and glares.
I get it, sometimes you get excited and your voice carries, but if you’re constantly shouting across the restaurant or sharing intimate details of your life on a crowded train, people might start edging away. It’s all about being mindful of your surroundings and adjusting your volume accordingly.
2. You have a habit of picking your nose or teeth in public, completely unfazed by the disgusted looks.
Everyone gets the occasional itch, but let’s keep those excavations private, shall we? Digging for gold in your nose or performing dental acrobatics in full view of other people is a guaranteed way to make people squirm. A quick trip to the loo or a discreet tissue can save everyone the embarrassment.
3. You tell inappropriate jokes or stories at the most awkward times, leaving everyone speechless.
Humour is great, but timing is everything. Cracking a joke about your grandma’s dentures at a funeral or sharing embarrassing anecdotes about your mates on a first date is a recipe for social disaster. Read the room, folks, and save those hilarious stories for a more appropriate setting.
4. You constantly check your phone or scroll through social media during conversations, making people feel ignored and unimportant.
Technology rules everything these days, but let’s not forget the importance of real-life connections. Constantly glancing at your phone or scrolling through Instagram while someone is trying to have a conversation with you is just plain rude. Put the phone away, make eye contact, and be present in the moment. Your friends and family will appreciate it.
5. You have a tendency to overshare personal details or TMI (too much information) stories, making people uncomfortable.
We all love a good story, but there’s a fine line between sharing and oversharing. Recounting every gory detail of your recent medical procedure or divulging intimate details about your love life can leave people feeling awkward and wishing they were anywhere else. Gauge your audience and keep it classy, folks.
6. You’re always late, leaving people waiting and wondering if you’ll ever show up.
Punctuality is a sign of respect. Consistently showing up late for appointments, dates, or social gatherings sends the message that you don’t value other people’s time. It’s frustrating and inconsiderate, and it can make people hesitant to make plans with you in the future.
7. You have a habit of interrupting people mid-sentence or finishing their sentences for them.
Let people finish their thoughts, guys. It’s basic conversational courtesy. Interrupting or finishing someone’s sentences can be incredibly frustrating and makes it clear that you’re not really listening. Take a breath, practice patience, and let other people have their say.
8. You’re constantly complaining about your life, your job, or your problems.
We all have our struggles, but nobody wants to be around a constant complainer. Venting occasionally is fine, but if you’re always focusing on the negative, it can bring down the mood and make people want to avoid your company. Try to find the silver linings, focus on solutions, and cultivate a more positive outlook.
9. You have poor hygiene habits, such as not showering regularly or wearing dirty clothes.
Taking care of your personal hygiene is not just about looking good; it’s about showing respect for yourself and those around you. If you’re neglecting basic hygiene practices like showering regularly, brushing your teeth, or wearing clean clothes, it can be off-putting and make people uncomfortable being anywhere near you.
10. You make offensive or insensitive comments, and are oblivious to the impact of your words.
Words can hurt, and it’s important to be mindful of how your language affects those around you. Making jokes or comments that are racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory is not only offensive but also reflects poorly on your character. Choose your words carefully and strive to create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
11. You’re overly judgemental and make people feel self-conscious and uncomfortable around you.
Nobody likes to feel judged or constantly criticised. If you have a habit of pointing out flaws, making negative comments, or comparing people to unrealistic standards, it can create a toxic and uncomfortable atmosphere. Focus on acceptance and celebrating individuality, rather than tearing people down.
12. You have a tendency to gossip or spread rumours, creating unnecessary drama.
Gossiping and spreading rumours can damage relationships and create a toxic social environment. If people can’t trust you to keep their confidences or avoid talking behind their backs, they’ll be hesitant to share anything personal with you. Be a trustworthy and loyal friend, and avoid engaging in gossip or spreading negativity.
13. You’re always trying to one-up people or brag about your accomplishments.
A little bit of self-promotion is fine, but constantly bragging about your achievements or trying to one-up people all the time can be off-putting and create a sense of competition rather than laid-back friendship. Be proud of yourself, sure, but also be genuinely happy for other people and avoid making them feel like they’re not good enough.
14. You’re overly dramatic and create unnecessary scenes, drawing unwanted attention and making people feel embarrassed.
While it’s okay to express your emotions, creating a scene over minor inconveniences or blowing things out of proportion can be embarrassing for those around you. Try to manage your emotions in a healthy way and avoid making a spectacle of yourself in public. Remember, not every situation warrants a dramatic outburst.
15. You’re constantly looking for validation and attention.
It’s normal to want to feel loved and appreciated, but constantly seeking validation and attention can be draining for the people around you. Learn to find validation within yourself and cultivate a sense of self-worth that doesn’t rely on external approval. Be considerate of other people’s needs and avoid making them feel like they have to constantly cater to your ego.
16. You have poor table manners, such as talking with your mouth full, slurping your food, or reaching across the table.
Table manners might seem old-fashioned, but they’re still important for making a good impression and showing respect to those you’re dining with. Avoid talking with your mouth full, chewing loudly, or making a mess at the table. Practice basic table etiquette and be mindful of your dining companions.
17. You’re constantly negative and pessimistic, focusing on the worst-case scenarios and bringing down the mood.
A positive attitude can be contagious, but so can negativity. If you’re always focusing on the worst-case scenarios, complaining about everything, or expressing pessimism about the future, it can be draining and demoralising for those around you. Try to cultivate a more optimistic outlook and focus on solutions rather than problems. Your positive energy will be much more appreciated and enjoyable to be around.
