17 Things You’re Doing That Are Causing People to Avoid You

In a social setting, people might unknowingly act in ways that could upset or annoy others. Creating a good impression is important, but sometimes, certain behaviors can create negative impressions. However, you can easily foster a good impression if you know how to weed out bad behavior and make sure people enjoy being around you. Here are a few things you should stop doing to stay likable and leave a positive impression.

Over-Sharing Personal Information

Although sharing personal information is tempting, most strangers or acquaintances don’t look forward to it. Revealing personal details and information not only makes the other person uncomfortable but also conveys that you’re wrapped up in your own world and don’t care about others.

Back Biting

Many think talking about others behind their backs won’t implicate them, but word will always get out. Knowing someone is talking about you behind your back, especially when they’re not saying nice things, will naturally make you resent them. Don’t backbite; if you discuss someone in their absence, ensure you’re speaking positively.

Unreliability

If you have a habit of failing to follow through on plans or can’t ensure commitment, it conveys that you’re unreliable and cannot be trusted to keep your own word. Most people will phase out of a relationship with someone untrustworthy, so it is important to follow through with your commitments and stay true to your word.

Lack Of Empathy

Humans expect empathy and emotional understanding from others. Being unnecessarily indifferent or emotionless makes you look uncaring, so others will hesitate to approach or interact with you. Try to understand other’s feelings and share yours to strengthen relationships.

Interrupting Others

If you constantly interrupt someone, they will perceive it as being unimportant to you. Interrupting others isn’t only disrespectful; it conveys that you only think about yourself and are eager to get in the last word. If you habitually interrupt others unknowingly, practicing active listening is better.

Excessive Swearing

Not everyone grows up with the same comfort with swear words, so keeping that sailor’s mouth silent when meeting strangers or possible friends is important. Swearing can also create an unprofessional and unintelligent air, so practicing speech without putting a few bucks in the swear jar is important.

Always Being Late

Emergencies aside, always arrive on time for everything. Showing up late shows you aren’t serious about others and don’t respect them. Being late for planned activities can also dampen others’ moods because they have to wait for you to show up. If you’re a habitual latecomer, it’s best to set alarms early and aim to be punctual.

Constant Phone Checking

If you constantly look at your phone, your companion or friend might believe you aren’t important to them. This is because people in most social settings expect others to devote most, if not all, of their attention. Being attentive also signals interest, so the more time you spend on your phone, the less likely you’ll be to make genuine friends and relationships.

Neglecting Basic Manners

Although this might sound old-fashioned, practicing basic manners like saying thank you, please, welcome, and even greeting each other properly can enhance your likability. Such small words of appreciation speak volumes about a person’s personality and convey that they’re not hesitant to be polite and manner even with strangers.

Ignoring Personal Boundaries

They can be your best friends, but if you do not respect their boundaries, you will notice them withdrawing from you. Respecting personal boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships, and when you act with utter disregard for people’s boundaries, they become uncomfortable or even threatened around you. Ultimately, this leads to people enforcing even stricter boundaries and avoiding you altogether.

Dominating Conversations

Interjecting conversations and trying to steer them in a different direction can be seen as an attempt to dominate and assert yourself in the conversation. Instead of constantly altering a conversation or trying to take control, listen more and only quip when you’re spoken to or if the conversation requires more input.

Overly Competitive

People hate other people who constantly compare situations and try to compete. Some people even compare tragedies to be seen as the more unfortunate ones, which is highly insensitive. Whether it’s about work performance, hobbies, activities, or light banter, it’s important not to compare and compete and focus on collective growth and respect.

Avoiding Eye Contact

Our body language affects our likeability. If you’re averting your eyes or aren’t focused on the person you’re talking to, it shows you’re unwilling to create a relationship with them. However, occasionally locking eyes shows that you care or are interested and boosts confidence.

Being Negative

Constant negativity can really bring down the mood in any setting. People generally prefer to be around those who lift their spirits rather than drain them. A positive attitude is much more inviting and pleasant to be around. People tend to like a positive person more than a negative one.

Judgemental

Judging others quickly without knowing their story can quickly turn people off. Everyone appreciates being given the benefit of the doubt and a little kindness. Being understanding and open makes you more likable.

Not Apologizing

Not owning to your mistakes or saying sorry can make you come across as stubborn. It can also lead to unresolved conflicts and build up unnecessary tension between you and other people. A genuine apology can really help strengthen the relationships and make you likable among others.

Always Complaining

People don’t like to be around those who are always complaining about one thing or another. Try focusing on the solutions instead of just the problems that you’re facing in life. Having a positive attitude will not only make you more likable, you’ll also be able to navigate challenges more efficiently.