You might think you’re being normal, being polite, or just being “you,” but to the rest of us? You might be that guy. Some of your habits are so subtle that you barely even notice them – but others? They definitely do. From spamming the word “no worries” to dominating literally every single conversation, these little irritating habits can turn otherwise pleasant people into walking eye-rollers. Here are 9 daily habits of yours that may be turning off others without you realizing it.
Starting Every Sentence with “No Offense, But…”
If you have to warn people not to take offense before you even speak, then they probably will. You know, and the whole history knows, nothing good ever comes out after this phrase. It does no more than remind them that an insulting remark is heading their way. People pay more attention to what follows your “no offense” than to your courtesy. Also, no such thing as a “friendly insult” exists.
Cutting In Like You’re Negotiating World Peace
You’re not trying to be obnoxious. You’re just “passionate,” right? Only it feels like you have just issued a verbal war against whoever was talking. Cutting in on everyone constantly isn’t making you passionate; it drains you of energy. You gotta learn to pause, breathe, and let other human beings have their turn to talk. The world won’t come to an end if someone else gets to say a word before you, for once.
One-Upming Every Story
Friend: “I barely slept last night.”
You: “Oh, you’re tired? I haven’t slept since Tuesday.”
Bravo, you just made it a competition. Having to top everyone else’s moments all the time makes you come across as patronizing, not sympathetic. It is okay every now and then to just hear them out. Not everything needs your best personal record attached to it.
Talking Loud Enough for Everyone to Hear
There is confident, and then there is obnoxious. Being the loudest mouth in a room isn’t what makes you interesting. It just makes you impossible to avoid. Particularly in restaurants or shared open office spaces, your “great story” or “amazing adventure” is agonizing background noise for others. Reserve the volume for concerts, not casual conversations.
Subtle Humble-Bragging
“Oh, I’m such a mess. I only managed to get 10 miles done today.” Girl, please. Humble-brags are the grown-up equivalent of compliment-fishing. If you do decide to brag, just do it. Don’t try to hedge your flex with humility. We see what we see.
Talking Only About Yourself (With Zero Shame)
We all know that one friend who makes conversations turn into podcasts where they are the sole guest. Every subject always comes back to them somehow, their soap opera, their successes. Here’s the truth: people love connection, not confrontation. If every dialogue is a you-show, don’t expect the audience to keep watching.
Giving “Compliments” That Are Actually Insults
“Aw, you’re so brave for wearing that.” “You look so good for your middle age.” Backhanded compliments sound wonderful in your ear, but they (unnecessarily) sting like a bee in disguise. If your every compliment needs qualifiers, just skip them. It’s not an encouragement. It is literally condescending with glitter.
Always Checking Your Phone While They’re Talking
Nothing screams “you’re boring me” more than scrolling on your phone mid-sentence. You believe you’re a multitasker, but to everyone else, it’s flat-out disrespect. If your phone is receiving more attention than the person you’re speaking with, maybe it’s time for a digital detox. Or, at least, act like you’re interested like an adult.
Saying “Just Kidding” After Every Sarcasm
“Wow, you look tired… Just kidding!”
No, you are not. You just want to be able to make a questionable statement and then have a clean exit if it does not work out. This kind of fabricated humor makes you a horrible person to be around. It makes people wonder about what your motives are. If your jokes require disclaimers, they are not funny. They are brutally cruel with a laugh track.
19 Behaviors That Might Make People Mistrust You
It’s how you act over time that makes other people start questioning you or deciding to stop putting their faith in your abilities. Whether that’s avoiding details or certain habits that just don’t line up, here are 19 behaviors that make people second-guess you.
19 Behaviors That Might Make People Mistrust You