Some people will do anything for a bit of attention.
No matter where they are or what’s going on, they’ll find a way to make themselves the centre of attention. They don’t even care if the attention they receive is negative — they don’t seem to distinguish between good and bad; all they know is they need all eyes on them. Unfortunately, these behaviours drive everyone around them absolutely bonkers. If you’re guilty of any of these, get a hold of yourself!
1. Oversharing personal dramas in public
Who hasn’t witnessed this on more than one occasion? Someone launches into a detailed, dramatic story about their personal life in a setting where it feels wildly out of place — yikes. Whether it’s at a casual get-together or in the middle of a work lunch, this habit makes people around them feel awkward. There’s a time and place to open up about your problems, but airing your emotional laundry to a captive audience isn’t the way to connect with people.
2. Constantly interrupting conversations
Jumping in before someone’s even finished their sentence is more than just rude—it sends the message that their words don’t matter as much as your own. Constantly cutting people off to steer the focus back to yourself makes everyone around you feel disrespected and unimportant. Giving someone else the floor for a while can be just as impactful as sharing your own thoughts.
3. Posting cryptic, attention-baiting social media updates
A vague “I can’t believe this is happening…” post with no context is designed to make people bite. These updates can feel manipulative and exhausting for those who see them all the time in their feed. Instead of sparking meaningful connections, they tend to come off as fishing for validation. Genuine conversations leave a much better impression than breadcrumbing people into asking what’s wrong.
4. Turning every story into a competition
If someone shares they’ve had a rough week, the attention-seeker chimes in with how their week was so much worse. The constant one-upping can leave other people feeling dismissed and frustrated. Conversations don’t always have to be about proving who’s had it harder or done it better. Sometimes, just letting someone share their moment without jumping in speaks volumes.
5. Playing the victim in every situation
Everyone has tough moments, but turning every inconvenience into a tragedy gets old fast. Blaming the world for every setback and expecting endless sympathy can push people away. Taking ownership of challenges and showing resilience makes a much stronger impression than a constant stream of complaints.
6. Exaggerating achievements or struggles
Source: Unsplash Blowing minor events out of proportion—whether it’s a small inconvenience becoming a catastrophe or a modest success becoming a triumph—can feel disingenuous to other people. It’s fine to pat yourself on the back for your achievements or vent about challenges, but constantly overdoing it can make people question your sincerity. Authenticity is far more compelling than embellishment.
7. Talking too loudly in quiet settings
Being the loudest voice in a café, library, or meeting doesn’t come across as confident or charismatic—it’s just disruptive. People might feel embarrassed or annoyed by the unnecessary noise, and who would blame them? Adjusting your tone to match the environment shows awareness and respect for those around you.
8. Hijacking group plans
When someone takes over a group outing by dictating every decision or making the event about their preferences, it can leave everyone around you feeling sidelined. Shared plans should feel inclusive, not like a stage for one person. Paying attention to everyone’s input makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.
9. Overselling minor illnesses or injuries
Everyone appreciates some care and concern when they’re unwell, but constantly overstating how bad things are can feel excessive. Turning a small cold into a monumental event or exaggerating a minor injury for attention tends to rub people the wrong way. Being honest about what you’re going through earns more respect than stretching the truth.
10. Turning every situation into a spectacle
Whether it’s loudly complaining to a waiter about a minor mistake or making a fuss over a small inconvenience, this behaviour draws attention in all the wrong ways. Most people just want a peaceful experience, not to be caught in someone else’s theatrics. Handling issues calmly shows maturity and earns respect.
11. Fishing for compliments with self-deprecating humour
A bit of self-deprecation can be charming, but constantly putting yourself down in front of other people can feel like a ploy for compliments. It puts people in the awkward position of having to reassure you repeatedly. Being confident in yourself—not in a showy way, but in a genuine way—creates a far better dynamic.
12. Stealing the spotlight during other people’s moments
Whether it’s someone’s birthday, wedding, or a big achievement, taking over and making the moment about yourself is bound to alienate people. Letting someone else shine and celebrating their happiness is far more memorable than trying to outdo them. There’s plenty of room for everyone to have their time in the spotlight.
13. Overreacting to minor criticism
When someone offers gentle feedback, spiralling into defensiveness or turning it into a massive ordeal makes it hard for people to communicate with you. It creates a barrier that shuts down meaningful conversations. Accepting feedback with grace shows self-awareness and makes people more comfortable being honest with you.
14. Asking for advice you have no intention of taking
Reaching out for guidance only to ignore it entirely can make people feel like their time and effort weren’t valued. It’s frustrating when it becomes clear that the real goal was just to get attention, not to solve the problem. Being upfront about what you need—whether it’s advice or just someone to listen—keeps things authentic.
15. Making everything into a “me too” moment
Sharing relatable experiences is great, but constantly redirecting conversations back to yourself can overshadow other people. When someone tells a story or shares a milestone, it’s okay to let their moment stand on its own. Listening without immediately inserting your own experiences can strengthen connections and make people feel heard.
16. Turning private issues into public drama
Dragging personal grievances into public spaces—whether in person or online—rarely lands well. It often makes people feel uncomfortable and forces them into fights they didn’t ask to be part of. Handling personal matters privately shows maturity and keeps relationships intact.
