Nobody’s perfect, but some people are a bit more insufferable than others, that’s for sure.
You don’t need to be “on” all the time or the biggest entertainer to be fun to be around — you just have to avoid doing things that come across as rude, inconsiderate, or just off-putting to the people around you. After all, if these behaviours are a regular part of your repertoire, it’s no wonder people are miserable when they spend time with you.
1. You’re glued to your phone no matter what’s happening.
We all love our phones, but if you’re always on it—even during dinners, hangouts, or meetings—it sends the message that the people around you aren’t worth your attention. It’s not just impolite; it makes people feel like they’re competing with a screen for your time, and no one wants to feel second place to a TikTok or Instagram scroll.
2. No one else gets a word in edgewise when you’re around.
It’s one thing to be talkative, but if you’re constantly steering every conversation to be about you, people are going to check out fast. Chatting is supposed to be a back-and-forth, not a monologue. If you never give other people room to speak or respond, don’t be surprised when they stop engaging altogether.
3. You complain incessantly about everything.
Let’s be honest, nobody likes a constant complainer. Whether it’s about the weather, work, or what you had for lunch, endlessly griping about things brings everyone down. It doesn’t take long for people to avoid you if they know that hanging out is going to feel more like listening to a long rant session.
4. You’re always trying to one-up everyone’s stories or experiences.
Every time someone shares an experience, you swoop in with a bigger, better one. If they went on holiday, you went somewhere more exotic. If they had a tough day, yours was worse. Instead of building on conversations, you turn them into a competition, which makes people feel like they’re not being heard or appreciated.
5. Your personal hygiene is… questionable at best.
Nobody’s expecting perfection, but if you consistently show up with body odour, bad breath, or unwashed clothes, it’s going to be hard for people to focus on anything but that. Taking care of your hygiene isn’t just for you; it’s a way to show respect for the people who have to share space with you.
6. You’re habitually late.
If people can always count on you to be late, it’s a sign you don’t value their time. Showing up 15 minutes after everyone else isn’t quirky or cute—it’s inconsiderate. Eventually, people stop making plans with someone who can’t respect basic schedules.
7. You gossip non-stop.
Talking about other people behind their backs might make for juicy conversation, but it also makes people wonder what you’re saying about them when they’re not around. Gossip kills trust, and nobody wants to share personal stuff with someone who’ll turn it into the latest drama.
8. You’re incredibly judgemental.
If you’re always picking apart what people do, wear, or say, it’s going to push them away. Constantly judging people makes them feel like they’re under a microscope and can’t be themselves around you. It’s exhausting, and no one wants to hang out with someone who’s always on their case.
9. You never try anything new.
Being stuck in your ways can make spending time with you feel stale. If you refuse to try new foods, activities, or ideas, people will eventually get bored. You don’t have to love every new thing, but being open to different experiences keeps things fresh and fun.
10. You cut people off mid-sentence.
Constantly interrupting people shows that you don’t really care what they’re saying—you’re just waiting for your turn to talk. It’s rude, and it leaves people feeling disrespected and unheard. Let people finish their thoughts before jumping in with yours.
11. You overshare personal stuff at the wrong times.
Sharing is good, but there’s a time and place. If you constantly unload deeply personal or graphic details about your life, especially with people you don’t know that well, it can make them uncomfortable. Not everyone is ready for that level of intimacy, and it can come off as awkward or even inappropriate.
12. You always want help but never return the favour.
If you’re always asking people to do things for you—give you rides, lend you money, or help you move—but you’re never around when they need something, it makes you seem selfish. Friendships are about give and take, and if you’re always on the receiving end, people will stop wanting to help.
13. You turn everything into a competition.
Friendly games or challenges are fun, but if you’re constantly turning even casual conversations into a contest, it wears people out. Whether it’s one-upping stories or making everything about winning, your competitive streak can make people feel like they can’t relax around you.
14. You don’t have much empathy.
If someone shares their struggles or feelings, and your response is to tell them to “get over it” or make light of their issues, it’s going to hurt. Dismissing other people’s emotions makes them feel unsupported and unimportant. People want to be around people who can listen and show they care, not brush them off.
15. You’re always trying to sell something or recruit people into your latest scheme.
Whether it’s the latest product you’re pushing or an MLM scheme you’ve joined, if every conversation with you feels like a sales pitch, people are going to back away. No one likes feeling like they’re being used as a potential buyer instead of being treated like a friend.
16. You’re ridiculously needy and demand constant attention.
If you’re the kind of person who needs to be the centre of attention 24/7, it can be exhausting for the people around you. Constantly needing validation and reassurance from other people takes a toll, and eventually, people start avoiding situations where they feel like they’re just there to prop you up.
17. You never take responsibility and always play the victim.
If you’re always pointing the finger and never owning up to your mistakes, it’s frustrating for everyone involved. Constantly playing the victim makes it hard to resolve conflicts and leaves people feeling manipulated. After a while, people will avoid engaging with you, knowing it’ll never lead to real accountability.
