Being open-minded is a valuable trait, but some people just can’t seem to break out of their rigid thinking patterns.
If you notice these behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it might be time for a little self-reflection. Here are 17 things that typically only close-minded people do.
1. They refuse to listen to different viewpoints.
Close-minded people often shut down conversations that challenge their beliefs. They’re not interested in hearing different perspectives, preferring to stick to what they already think they know. This stubborn refusal to engage with new ideas keeps them stuck in their ways.
2. They judge people based on stereotypes.
Making snap judgments about people based on their appearance, background, or group affiliations is a hallmark of close-mindedness. These folks don’t bother to get to know people as individuals, instead relying on preconceived notions and generalisations.
3. They’re resistant to change.
Change can be scary, but close-minded people take this fear to the extreme. They cling to the familiar, even when it’s not working well, because they’re uncomfortable with anything new or different. This resistance can hold them back in both personal and professional areas of life.
4. They dismiss new information that contradicts their beliefs.
Source: Unsplash When presented with facts that challenge their worldview, close-minded people often engage in mental gymnastics to dismiss or discredit the information. They’d rather ignore evidence than adjust their thinking, which can lead to some pretty irrational beliefs.
5. They’re quick to criticise without understanding.
Source: Unsplash Close-minded folks often jump to criticise things they don’t fully understand. Instead of taking the time to learn about new ideas or experiences, they’re quick to dismiss them as wrong or worthless. This knee-jerk negativity keeps them from discovering new perspectives.
6. They surround themselves with like-minded people only.
Source: Unsplash Creating an echo chamber is a common behaviour of close-minded people. They prefer to hang out with folks who share their views, avoiding anyone who might challenge their thinking. This self-imposed bubble reinforces their existing beliefs and prevents growth.
7. They’re unwilling to admit when they’re wrong.
Source: Unsplash Admitting mistakes is tough for everyone, but close-minded people take it to another level. They’ll often double down on incorrect beliefs rather than acknowledge an error. This stubbornness can damage relationships and prevent learning from experiences.
8. They use “always” and “never” statements frequently.
Source: Unsplash Black-and-white thinking is a classic sign of close-mindedness. These folks tend to speak in absolutes, using phrases like “It’s always been this way” or “That would never work.” This kind of rigid thinking leaves no room for nuance or exceptions.
9. They’re dismissive of younger generations.
Source: Unsplash Close-minded people often have a “kids these days” mentality, dismissing the ideas and experiences of younger folks. They fail to recognise that each generation brings new perspectives and innovations, missing out on valuable insights in the process.
10. They’re overly nostalgic about “the good old days.”
Source: Unsplash While it’s natural to reminisce, close-minded people often idealise the past to an unhealthy degree. They’re convinced everything was better “back then,” ignoring both the problems of the past and the progress made since. This rose-tinted view of history keeps them from embracing the present and future.
11. They shut down conversations about sensitive topics.
Source: Unsplash Difficult conversations about topics like politics, religion, or social issues are often avoided by close-minded folks. Instead of engaging in respectful dialogue, they prefer to shut down these discussions entirely, missing opportunities for understanding and growth.
12. They’re quick to label new ideas as “stupid” or “crazy.”
Source: Unsplash Innovation often seems odd at first, but close-minded people are quick to dismiss unfamiliar concepts. They label new ideas as foolish without giving them proper consideration, potentially missing out on exciting opportunities or solutions.
13. They rely heavily on authority figures for their opinions.
Source: Unsplash Instead of thinking critically and forming their own views, close-minded people often defer to authority figures for all their opinions. They’re more likely to ask “What should I think?” than to consider multiple perspectives and draw their own conclusions.
14. They’re uncomfortable with ambiguity.
Source: Unsplash The world is full of grey areas, but close-minded folks prefer everything to be black and white. They struggle with situations that don’t have clear-cut answers, often forcing complex issues into oversimplified categories.
15. They use phrases like “That’s just the way it is.”
Source: Unsplash Close-minded people often use fatalistic phrases to shut down discussions about change or improvement. By declaring certain situations as unchangeable, they avoid having to consider new approaches or solutions.
16. They’re defensive when their views are challenged.
Source: Unsplash Instead of engaging in healthy debate, close-minded folks often become defensive when their ideas are questioned. They take challenges to their views as personal attacks, making it difficult to have productive discussions.
17. They’re unwilling to try new experiences.
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s new food, travel destinations, or activities, close-minded people tend to stick with what they know. They’re often heard saying “I know I won’t like it” about things they’ve never tried, limiting their experiences and potential for growth.
