Ever met someone who seemed perfectly fine… until they opened their mouth or did something so weirdly awkward that you found yourself wondering if you were on a behind-the-scenes TV show? Manners matter more than you think. And sometimes, the lack of them shows up in the subtlest (and most cringe-worthy) ways. If you spot these 17 signs, there’s a good chance someone didn’t get the “how to be a decent human” crash course growing up.
Treating Service Workers As Ghosts
Watch how someone is treating a waiter, a cashier, or a cleaner —it tells you everything. If they’re treating them like they’re invisible or, worse, beneath them, it’s a bright red flag. The people who have good manners were taught to treat everyone equally, not just someone who is supposed to do something for them. If they’re treating the barista poorly? RUN.
Overstaying Their Welcome Without a Clue
Ever had someone stick around after you have started cleaning up, yawning, or literally saying “It’s getting late”? Yep, there are people who never learned to read the room. Those raised with manners pick up on social cues.
They Never Offer to Help
Someone drops their phone, and they just stare. Having problems with a heavy door? They breeze right on through. People who have poor manners do not notice if someone may use their help—because no one ever taught them to think of someone but themselves.
Ignoring ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’–Like They’re Optional
If someone is treating these two small phrases as relics of the past, that’s a dead giveaway. “Thank you” and “please” are not only polite—it’s basic human decency. The people who leave them out often grow up thinking they are entitled to everything. Spoiler alert: They aren’t. It’s not old-fashioned; it’s the bare minimum.
Interrupting Conversations Like It’s a Sport
Ever tried to relay to someone a story only to have them bulldoze right through and do their “better” version? Chronic interrupters scream, “I was never taught to listen!” It’s more than rude—it’s a flashing neon sign of poor upbringing. People raised with basic manners know that listening is just as important as talking.
They Never Say “Excuse Me”
Ever had someone sneeze directly into the air like they were blessing the room with their germs? Or push past you in an elevator without so much as a glance? Yeah, people raised with manners know how to acknowledge others—whether it’s apologizing for bumping into someone or not acting like the world is their personal playground.
They Don’t Hold the Door for Anyone
A well-mannered person sees someone behind them and holds the door. The person who never learned good manners? Well, let the door slam in your face while texting on their phone. The little details point to how much (or how little) people were taught to think of others.
Using Loud Speakerphone in Public—Like We All Want to Hear
We get it, you have a phone. What we do not get is how in the world you think everyone in the coffee shop needs to hear your convo with your mate about last night’s gossip. Speaking on speaker in public is yelling evidence someone never got taught boundaries or basic consideration for fellow humans.
Not Covering Their Mouth When They Cough or Sneeze
It’s basic hygiene, but apparently, there are people who spread their germs onto everyone around them like it’s 1347 and we’re amid the Black Death. If someone does not cover their mouth while coughing or sneezing, apparently, they were never taught: “Other people exist, and we don’t want your germs.” It’s gross, inconsiderate, and downright rude.
Leaving a Trail of Mess Without Thinking
People raised to have good manners pick up after themselves—whether in their own homes, their friend’s, or in any given public space. Those without it? They’ll leave their popcorn bags at the cinema, dirty dishes at a party, or let their rubbish fly free in the wind. If they treat shared spaces like a dump, their upbringing did not include the “clean up after yourself” lecture.
Acting Like Apologies Are for the Weak
People with good manners have no issue saying “I’m sorry”—and meaning it. But those raised without accountability? They dodge responsibility like it’s a game of tag. If someone can’t own up to their mistakes or thinks apologizing is a sign of weakness, it’s a glaring sign they were never taught emotional maturity.
Talking With Their Mouth Full—Like It’s a Talent Show
We’ve all sat down to eat with that person—the person who thinks it is absolutely fine to chat while showing you a full view of their half-chewed food. It is not quirky; it is gross. Being properly mannered is having good dining manners, and if someone did miss that, you’re in for front-row seats to a horror show.
Overstepping Personal Boundaries
You know, that individual who picks up your phone, scans what’s on your screen, or inquires excessively personal questions mere minutes after having met? Boundaries? Never heard of them. People raised with respect understand personal space—those without it treat everything and everyone like open access.
Making Fun of Another’s Accent or Speaking Abilities
Mocking someone’s speech, their pronunciations, or their style of communicating is an outrageous exhibition of bad manners and bad character. Those who have grown up in kindness understand everyone’s speech is shaped by culture and by their life.
Always Showing Up Late—Without a Care
Being “fashionably late” is one thing—constantly making people wait is another. If someone is constantly 30 minutes late, never excusing them and never apologizing, chances are, no one ever taught them to have consideration for other people’s time. It’s a subtle but serious form of selfishness.
Borrowing Without Asking—Then Acting Offended When Called Out
From “borrowing” your pen without asking to using stuff like it’s theirs, such people never knew of such a word as permission. Worse, if you dare bring it up, they act like you’re the problem. It’s not just rude—it’s an entitlement, plain and simple.
Talking Down to People to Feel Superior
Nothing screams “I did not have good manners” louder than someone who belittles others to feel better about them. Whether it’s mocking a coworker’s idea or making a friend feel small, these people grew up mistaking arrogance for confidence.
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