We all have our quirks, but some behaviours inevitably rub people the wrong way.
If you want to be well-liked — and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? — you’ll actually need to put in a bit of effort into making that happen. That means getting rid of certain careless, rude, and dismissive habits that will no doubt repel everyone around you. In other words, if you’re doing these things, it’s time to stop.
1. You’re always glued to your phone.
I get it, your phone’s like a third arm these days. But constantly scrolling through social media or texting while someone’s trying to talk to you is really obnoxious. It sends the message that whatever’s on your screen is more important than the person right in front of you. Try putting the phone down and giving people your full attention — you might be surprised at how much more connected you feel.
2. You’ve got a habit of interrupting.
Excitement to share your thoughts is great, but cutting people off mid-sentence? Not so much. It can come across as if you think your ideas are more important than theirs. Even if you’re bursting with something to say, take a breath and wait for a natural pause in the conversation. People will appreciate feeling heard, and you’ll likely have better conversations as a result.
3. You’re always running late.
Sure, life gets hectic, but consistently showing up late sends a message that you don’t value other people’s time. It’s frustrating for those left waiting and can strain relationships over time. Try setting your clocks a few minutes ahead or giving yourself more buffer time between activities. Being punctual shows respect and reliability, which goes a long way in both personal and professional relationships.
4. You dominate every conversation.
Having lots to say is fine, but if you’re always the one doing all the talking, you might be drowning out everyone else. Conversations are meant to be a two-way street. Do more active listening and ask questions about other people. You might learn something new, and people will appreciate your interest in their thoughts and experiences.
5. You’ve got a negative Nancy vibe going on.
Life’s not always sunshine and rainbows, but constant complaining can be a real downer for those around you. If you find yourself always focusing on the negative, try to balance it out with some positivity. Share good news or things you’re grateful for. A little optimism can go a long way in making you more pleasant to be around.
6. You’re a chronic one-upper.
We all like to share our experiences, but if you’re always trying to top someone else’s story, it can come off as competitive or attention-seeking. Instead of “That’s nothing, wait until you hear what happened to me,” try showing interest in their story. Remember, it’s not a contest — it’s about connecting and sharing experiences.
7. You overshare personal information.
Being open is great, but there’s a line between honest and TMI. Dumping your life story or deepest secrets on someone you’ve just met can be overwhelming. It’s okay to keep some things private, especially in new relationships or professional settings. Build trust gradually and read the room — not everyone’s comfortable with super personal chats right off the bat.
8. You’re always asking for favours.
We all need help sometimes, but if you’re constantly asking for favours without reciprocating, people might start to feel used. Try to balance things out — offer help before you ask for it, and show genuine appreciation when other people lend a hand. Building relationships is about give and take, not just take, take, take.
9. You’ve got a know-it-all attitude.
Being knowledgeable is great, but acting like you’ve got all the answers can be off-putting. No one likes feeling talked down to or corrected all the time. It’s okay not to know everything — showing curiosity and willingness to learn from other people can make you much more approachable and likeable.
10. You’re a chronic canceller.
Life happens and plans change, but if you’re always bailing at the last minute, people might stop including you altogether. It can come across as flaky or like you don’t value the plans you’ve made. Try to commit only to things you’re sure you can follow through on. If you do need to cancel, give as much notice as possible and make an effort to reschedule.
11. You’re always borrowing things.
Sharing is caring, but constantly asking to borrow items without returning them promptly (or at all) can strain relationships. Be mindful of how often you’re asking to use other people’s stuff, and make sure to return things in the same condition you got them. Better yet, try to be self-sufficient where you can — it shows respect for other people’s belongings.
12. You’ve got poor hygiene habits.
This one’s a bit delicate, but it’s crucial. Bad breath, body odour, or visibly dirty clothes can make people want to keep their distance. It’s not just about looks — it’s about showing respect for yourself and those around you. Regular showers, clean clothes, and good dental hygiene go a long way in making you more approachable and pleasant to be around.
13. You’re always on the defensive.
Taking everything personally or getting defensive at the slightest criticism can make interactions with you feel like walking on eggshells. Try to be open to feedback and remember that not everything is a personal attack. Being able to laugh at yourself or admit when you’re wrong shows confidence and maturity, which are attractive qualities in any relationship.
14. You’re a chronic name-dropper.
We get it, you know some cool people. But constantly mentioning your connections or famous acquaintances can come off as bragging or insecure. Let your own personality and achievements speak for themselves. People are more interested in getting to know you than hearing about who you know.
15. You’re always trying to be the centre of attention.
While it’s great to be enthusiastic and outgoing, constantly trying to hog the spotlight can be exhausting for those around you. It’s okay to share the stage sometimes. Show interest in other people, and let them have their moment to shine too. Being a good listener and supportive friend can make you much more likeable than always being the life of the party.
16. Your words and actions rarely align.
Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you’re always making promises you don’t keep or your actions don’t match your words, people will start to doubt your sincerity. Consistency builds trust, which is crucial in any relationship. Be reliable and follow through on your commitments — it shows integrity and makes people feel they can count on you.
