When you think of manners, you probably think about saying “please” and “thank you.”
They’re definitely important, but they’re also manners in their most basic form, and showing true courtesy, consideration, and politeness to the people around you requires a whole lot more. While you probably think you’re doing a good job of being kind and well-behaved, you could be undermining yourself with some of the bad habits you have. These behaviours display the opposite of good manners, and the sooner you drop them from your life, the better off you’ll be.
1. Interrupting people while they’re in the middle of talking
You might think interrupting is no big deal, especially when you’re really excited to share your thoughts, but cutting someone off mid-sentence can make them feel like they’re not being heard, and that can definitely leave a bad taste. It might seem like a harmless habit, but it can come off as impatience or even disrespect. Instead, try to just pause and listen for a bit before jumping in. Let the other person finish their point – it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference. A little patience in conversation goes a long way, and it makes everyone feel like they matter. Besides, is what you have to say really so important that you can’t wait another minute or two? Likely not.
2. Forgetting to say “please” and “thank you”
Obviously, saying “please” and “thank you” might seem like something everyone already knows to do. But it’s easy to forget the power of these little words. Skipping them might not feel like a huge deal, but it can come across as ungrateful or dismissive, even when that’s not your intention. These simple words show that you see and appreciate what the other person is doing, no matter how small it seems. Using polite language helps keep things positive and shows you care about the effort that goes into your interactions. It’s an easy habit to pick up, and it makes everything feel a bit warmer.
3. Ignoring hellos or goodbyes
It’s one of those things that might seem so basic, but not saying “hello” when you walk into a room or “goodbye” when you leave can make things feel cold and distant. A quick “hey” or “see you later” goes a long way in making the people around you feel acknowledged. Whether it’s a passing acquaintance or someone you’re close to, taking a moment to greet them shows you care. It’s just a simple, small thing that helps make sure people feel valued. It makes relationships feel more connected, and really, it just feels good to show people you notice them.
4. Talking too loudly in public space
I’m sure you’ve heard it before – but seriously, speaking loudly in public places like cafés, on public transport, or in quiet spaces can be pretty disruptive. It’s easy to forget how loud you might be, especially if you’re caught up in a conversation, but loud talking can definitely make people uncomfortable. Being aware of your volume and adjusting it depending on where you are shows that you respect the space and the people around you. No one’s asking you to whisper, but a little consideration goes a long way in making shared spaces more pleasant for everyone.
5. Using your phone during conversations
If you’ve ever had a conversation where the other person is glued to their phone, you know how frustrating it feels. When someone’s scrolling while you’re talking to them, it sends the message that your conversation isn’t as important as whatever’s on their screen. Even if it’s unintentional, it can make the other person feel unappreciated. Try putting the phone away and giving the person your full attention. Being present in a conversation shows that you value what they’re saying and helps build a stronger connection. It’s a simple habit that shows respect for their time and makes the conversation much more meaningful.
6. Leaving messes for other people to clean up
Whether it’s at home, at work, or in a public space, leaving a mess behind for someone else to deal with is a sure-fire way to come off as inconsiderate. It might feel like a small thing, but not cleaning up after yourself shows a lack of respect for the space and the people who use it. Whether it’s wiping down a table or picking up your stuff, taking responsibility for your own mess shows thoughtfulness and helps maintain a positive environment. It’s not a huge ask, but it goes a long way in making everyone’s life a little easier.
7. Not holding the door for people
It seems like such a tiny gesture, but holding the door for someone can make a big difference. Letting a door slam in someone’s face or letting it swing shut behind you can feel pretty inconsiderate. Just taking a second to hold the door open for the person behind you is a small act of kindness that can make their day a little easier. It doesn’t take much effort, but it shows that you’re aware of other people and that you’re thinking beyond just your own convenience. Small gestures like this create a more polite and positive environment for everyone.
8. Being late all the time
Being late isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it can really make everyone feel like their time doesn’t matter. Life happens, and we all get delayed now and then, but if you’re constantly late, it can give the impression that you don’t value the people you’re meeting or the commitments you’ve made. Try to be punctual – it shows that you’re organised and respectful of other people’s time. Making an effort to be on time doesn’t just help you out; it shows that you’re reliable and considerate of everyone else’s schedule. It’s about building trust and making sure people feel like their time is just as valuable as yours.
9. Chewing with your mouth open
It’s one of those things that seems small but can drive people crazy – chewing with your mouth open or making loud chewing noises. It’s just one of those habits that can really test people’s patience, especially in shared meals. Being mindful of your table manners doesn’t mean you have to be overly formal, but it does show that you’re thinking about how your actions affect everyone around you. It’s a simple way to make everyone at the table feel more comfortable, and it helps keep the meal time relaxed and pleasant.
10. Failing to say “excuse me”
It’s so easy to forget, but saying “excuse me” when you need to pass by someone or accidentally bump into them is an important gesture. Skipping this simple step can make you seem rude or unaware of the people around you. A quick “excuse me” helps smooth over awkward situations and makes interactions feel more polite. It’s such a simple way to show respect and keeps things moving without any unnecessary tension. These small gestures go a long way in making social spaces more comfortable for everyone.
11. Not respecting personal space
Personal space is one of those things that varies from person to person, but respecting it is key to keeping your interactions comfortable. Standing too close to someone, especially when they’re not expecting it, can make them feel uncomfortable or anxious. Would you want someone all up in your face? It’s important to pay attention to body language cues and adjust your distance based on the situation. Being mindful of personal space is about showing awareness and consideration for how other people feel. It’s one of those little things that can make a big difference in how comfortable everyone is in a conversation.
12. Taking over every conversation, even ones you didn’t start
There’s nothing more frustrating than being in a conversation where one person won’t stop talking. It can leave people feeling unheard and unimportant. Good manners mean making space for everyone to share their thoughts and ensuring the conversation is balanced. By listening actively and asking follow-up questions, you show that you’re genuinely interested in what other people have to say. It makes conversations more enjoyable and helps you build stronger connections. The best conversations are the ones where both people feel heard and respected.
13. Not thanking someone for their time
When someone gives you their time – whether it’s a friend offering advice, a colleague helping with a task, or even someone who just spent a few minutes chatting with you – not saying “thank you” can come across as unappreciative. A simple “thanks for your time” shows that you recognise their effort and helps build goodwill. It’s a quick way to let people know you don’t take them for granted. Saying thank you reinforces positive relationships and encourages other people to keep engaging with you in the future.
14. Overusing speakerphone in public
Taking calls on speakerphone when you’re out in public is one of those things that can really bother the people around you. While it might be convenient for you, it forces everyone nearby to listen in on your conversation, which can feel pretty intrusive. Using headphones or stepping away into a more private space for calls is a simple way to be considerate of those around you. It’s a small effort that makes public spaces more comfortable for everyone and helps you stay mindful of how your actions impact other people.
