People can be a lot. And while most of us try to be decent, there are just some things that way too many people do without even realising how annoying — or downright disrespectful — they actually are. These little habits might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but they add up fast and make everyday life more irritating than it needs to be. Here are some things people do all the time that seriously need to stop.
1. Talking over someone mid-sentence
It’s one of those things that happens, so often people barely notice anymore, but it’s still rude. When someone’s sharing a story, a thought, or literally anything, and someone else just barges in with their own comment or opinion, it instantly kills the vibe. Even if it’s unintentional, it sends the message that what they’re saying doesn’t matter. Honestly, it’s not that hard to just wait a few seconds and let someone finish their point before jumping in.
2. Blasting music or videos in public
No one asked to hear your TikTok scroll or your Spotify playlist on the bus, mate. Yet somehow, people act like using headphones is optional, when really, it should be basic human decency. It’s even worse in quiet places like trains, waiting rooms, or coffee shops. We all share the same space. Maybe don’t treat it like your personal living room with surround sound.
3. Not saying “thank you”
You’d be surprised how many people just… don’t bother. Whether it’s the barista handing over their coffee or someone holding the door open, saying thank you is basic respect. It costs nothing, takes two seconds, and makes the world slightly less cold. When people skip it, it comes off as entitled, like they just expect to be served or helped without a second thought. It’s a small thing, but it leaves a lasting impression.
4. Leaving a mess for someone else
Whether it’s dirty dishes in the sink, spilled coffee at work, or rubbish left on a café table, this one is just lazy. People do it constantly and act like it’s not their problem, when clearly it is. It’s not just annoying—it’s disrespectful to the people who have to clean up after you. It’s basically saying, “I don’t care enough to take responsibility for my own stuff.”
5. Checking their phone while you’re talking
There’s nothing that makes you feel more invisible than someone pulling out their phone mid-conversation. Even a quick glance can be enough to make the other person feel like they’re not worth your full attention. We get it, phones are addicting. However, if you can’t go five minutes without checking it while someone’s talking to you, that’s not multitasking. That’s just bad manners.
6. Interrupting with a “Well, actually…”
We’ve all met this person. You say something harmless, and they immediately jump in to correct you, usually over something tiny and irrelevant. It’s not about being helpful; it’s about proving they’re right. It’s not only annoying, it’s also condescending. Most of the time, people don’t need to be fact-checked in casual conversation. They just want to be heard without feeling like they’re being marked by a red pen.
7. Hogging the pavement
Big groups who walk side by side and don’t move for anyone else? Instant rage. It’s like they think they’re in a slow-motion movie scene, not a public footpath with other people trying to get somewhere. All it takes is a bit of awareness—move to one side, make room, and stop acting like you own the street. It’s such a simple fix but for some reason, it rarely happens.
8. Not replying to messages but staying active online
Nothing screams, “I’m ignoring you!” like someone not replying for hours (or days) while they’re busy posting memes or watching stories. We’ve all done it, sure, but it still stings when it happens to you. It makes people feel unimportant or brushed off, especially when it’s someone you’re close to. A quick “I’ll reply properly later” goes a long way in not making someone feel like they’re being ghosted in real time.
9. Taking credit for other people’s work
This one happens constantly at work: someone takes an idea you casually shared in a meeting, or worse, claims your project as their own effort. And somehow, they act like it’s completely fine. It’s sneaky, it’s disrespectful, and it builds serious resentment. If someone contributed something, give them the credit. It doesn’t make you look more impressive when you pretend everything was your idea — it just makes you look insecure.
10. Oversharing loudly in public
We’ve all heard those phone calls on trains or in cafés where someone is loudly detailing their personal drama, relationship issues, or health concerns. At a certain point, it’s not relatable—it’s just too much information. Everyone around you didn’t agree to be part of your private soap opera. Maybe save the intense stuff for when you’re not in a crowd of strangers trying to read in peace.
11. Using speakerphone in public
This should be illegal by now. Whether it’s FaceTiming a mate or making a loud work call, speakerphone in public is one of the most universally hated habits going. It’s not just disruptive, it’s inconsiderate to everyone who now has to hear both sides of a conversation they never asked to be part of. Please, just put it to your ear like a normal human being.
12. Acting like queues don’t exist
Cutting in line, hovering too close, pretending you “didn’t see the queue”—it’s all the same level of disrespect. In Britain especially, this is sacred ground. The queue is the last form of public order we’ve got. People who skip it act like their time matters more than everyone else’s. It’s selfish, it’s obvious, and yes, we’re all judging you silently (or not so silently).
13. Making everything about themselves
Some people cannot have a conversation without hijacking it. You share something personal or exciting, and somehow it always circles back to them—their story, their problem, their moment. It’s exhausting and makes you feel like a background character in your own life. Listening isn’t just waiting for your turn to speak. It’s actually being present for someone else.
14. Refusing to apologise properly
We’ve all heard the “I’m sorry you feel that way” or the classic “Well, I didn’t mean it like that.” These non-apologies are worse than silence. They act like they’re owning it without actually taking responsibility. A proper apology isn’t about ego or defending yourself. It’s about acknowledging the impact you had and showing that you care enough to do better. Anything less just makes the situation worse.
