Ever met someone and immediately felt like something was just… off? You can’t quite put your finger on it, but there’s something about them that doesn’t sit right. It could be that they’ve unknowingly picked up one of these five habits that tend to rub people the wrong way.
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These behaviours might be small, but they can easily lead to awkwardness or even make people dislike you without knowing why.
Here are five common habits to be mindful of if you want to keep things smooth and friendly.
READ ALSO: 5 Bad Eating Habits That Affect Your Health
1. Sarcasm gone wrong
Sarcasm can be a fantastic way to spice up conversations when used well, but not everyone will pick up on it. If your humour tends to be on the sarcastic side, you’ll want to be careful. Sarcasm requires the right mix of facial expressions, tone, and timing. Have you ever made a sarcastic joke only to realise the other person didn’t get it? Awkward, right? If you use sarcasm with someone you’ve just met or don’t know well, you might leave them confused or even irritated. So, tread lightly with sarcasm until you’re sure they’re in on the joke.
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2. Oversharing photos on social media
We all love sharing moments, especially with the rise of social media. But be careful—there’s a fine line between sharing and spamming. Posting too many photos, especially all at once, can turn people off. Even those who make a living off social media, admit that overdoing it can be a bit much. We’ve all got that one family member or friend who floods our feeds with endless party snaps or every tiny detail of their lives. It’s not just about annoying people online—research shows that this habit could make them avoid you in person too! So, pick your best shots and spread them out instead of overwhelming your followers.
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3. Not smiling
We’ve all been there—meeting new people can sometimes be uncomfortable. But it’s important to remember, it’s not just you feeling awkward; they probably are too. A simple smile can break the ice and make everyone feel more at ease. Studies show that smiling when you meet someone makes it more likely they’ll remember you later, and in a positive light too. On the flip side, keeping a serious or straight face can make you come across as uninterested or unfriendly. That first impression matters, so a little warmth in your expression can go a long way.
4. Handling compliments awkwardly
Compliments can catch you off guard, but how you respond to them is key. If someone goes out of their way to say something nice about you, appreciate it. Don’t shy away or get too flustered—it’s as simple as saying “thank you.” You could even return the favour with a compliment of your own. Everyone loves a little recognition now and then, and handling compliments gracefully shows that you’re confident and humble.
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5. Being an attention seeker
There’s nothing wrong with standing out once in a while—whether it’s a cool outfit or a unique trait. However, constantly drawing attention to yourself, whether through loud behaviour or cutting off others in conversations, can be off-putting. Research suggests that people who crave too much attention tend to get on others’ nerves quickly. Instead of being the loudest or most talkative person in the room, try being more thoughtful with your words. Funny enough, when you’re soft-spoken, people lean in and pay attention, giving you more positive attention.
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As first impressions and social interactions matter, these habits can affect how others perceive us. While it’s impossible to please everyone, being mindful of these little behaviours can go a long way in forming better relationships.
So, whether you’re on social media or face-to-face, a bit of self-awareness can help keep things cool and friendly!
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