Some people walk into a room and instantly get on with everyone, while others… well, don’t.
It’s not always because they’re rude or unpleasant. Sometimes, they might just have little habits and attitudes that push people away without them even realising. Nobody’s perfect, but if you’ve ever wondered why certain people seem to rub everyone the wrong way, these behaviours might have something to do with it.
1. They make everything about themselves.
No matter what the conversation is about, they find a way to bring it back to themselves. You could be talking about a holiday, a bad day at work, or even a personal struggle, and somehow, they turn it into a story about their own life. Everyone likes sharing experiences, but there’s a big difference between contributing and constantly hijacking the conversation. If someone never gives anyone else space to talk, it quickly becomes exhausting to be around them.
2. They never admit when they’re wrong.
Arguing with them feels like banging your head against a wall. Even when they’re clearly in the wrong, they refuse to acknowledge it. They’ll twist the situation, make excuses, or find a way to shift the blame onto someone else. No one likes being wrong, but refusing to ever take responsibility makes a person insufferable. Admitting mistakes doesn’t make someone weak—it makes them self-aware. And the people who can’t do that? They’re just frustrating to deal with.
3. They constantly one-up everyone.
Whatever you’ve done, they’ve done it better. Had a long day? Theirs was worse. Achieved something great? They’ve done something even more impressive. It’s like they can’t let anyone else have a moment without trying to outshine them. It’s one thing to relate to someone’s experience, but constantly competing in casual conversation is just irritating. People who always have to prove they’re superior usually aren’t as impressive as they think.
4. They gossip about everyone.
They love spilling other people’s business, usually under the guise of “just sharing” or “being concerned.” But here’s the thing—if they’re gossiping about other people to you, they’re probably gossiping about you to other people. A bit of harmless chatter is one thing, but if someone is always badmouthing their “friends,” people eventually stop trusting them. Nobody likes the idea that their private conversations might not be so private after all.
5. They never ask how you are.
Every conversation revolves around their life, their struggles, their opinions. You could be sitting there visibly drained, and they wouldn’t even notice because they’re too busy talking about themselves. Good conversation is a two-way street. If someone never asks about you—or worse, asks but doesn’t actually listen—it’s a pretty clear sign that they don’t really care.
6. They have zero self-awareness.
They interrupt people, talk too loudly, dominate every space they walk into, and never seem to pick up on social cues. If someone looks bored or uncomfortable, they don’t notice—or they just don’t care. Self-awareness is key to being likeable. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about recognising how your actions affect those around you. People who lack that ability tend to drain the energy out of every room.
7. They act like they’re better than everyone else.
Whether it’s their job, their lifestyle, or even the music they listen to, they have a way of making it sound like they’re on a higher level than the rest of us. Their tone? Always slightly condescending. Their attitude? Always a little smug. Confidence is attractive, but arrogance is not. If someone spends their time subtly (or not so subtly) making everyone feel beneath them, they shouldn’t be surprised when people stop wanting to be around them.
8. They only show up when they need something.
They disappear for weeks or months, only to suddenly pop up when they need a favour. When they message, you already know it’s going to be followed by a request. Good friendships aren’t transactional. If someone only reaches out when it benefits them, people eventually catch on—and once they do, they stop answering those messages.
9. They’re always negative.
Some people have a complaint ready for every situation. The food isn’t good enough, the weather’s terrible, the party is boring, and everything in their life is a struggle. Nothing is ever just fine. It’s one thing to vent occasionally, but constant negativity is exhausting to be around. The more someone drags down every conversation with complaints, the less people want to spend time with them.
10. They talk, but never listen.
Ever tried having a conversation with someone who only waits for their turn to speak? They might nod along, but the moment you stop talking, it’s clear they weren’t actually paying attention. People who never truly listen tend to think they’re interesting, but in reality, they just come across as self-absorbed. The most likeable people know that listening is just as important as talking.
11. They make everything dramatic.
Some people can turn the smallest inconvenience into a full-blown crisis. Every disagreement becomes a betrayal, every minor mistake is the end of the world, and somehow, their life is always in chaos. While a bit of drama can be entertaining, people who thrive on it are emotionally exhausting. If someone constantly creates tension and thrives on stirring the pot, they usually push people away without realising it.
12. They always have to be right.
They argue over the smallest things, correct people unnecessarily, and refuse to admit when they’re wrong. Even in casual conversations, they act like their opinion is the only valid one. No one enjoys talking to someone who treats every discussion like a debate they have to win. The more someone insists on being right all the time, the less people want to engage with them.
13. They never say thank you.
Gratitude goes a long way. People who take kindness, favours, or even basic gestures for granted can come across as entitled. Whether it’s not saying thank you for a lift, ignoring a thoughtful gift, or acting like help was owed to them, it all adds up. When someone never acknowledges other people’s efforts, people stop putting in the effort at all.
14. They constantly compare themselves to other people.
Whether it’s subtle or obvious, they always find a way to measure themselves against other people. If they’re doing well, they’ll make sure you know about it. If they’re not, they’ll make comments that hint at jealousy or insecurity. Instead of just being happy for other people, they turn everything into a silent competition. And when every conversation feels like a comparison, people eventually get tired of the game.
15. They lack basic kindness.
At the end of the day, the most unlikeable people are often just the ones who don’t show basic human decency. They’re rude to service workers, dismissive of people they think aren’t important, or just generally inconsiderate. It doesn’t take much to be a decent person—saying please and thank you, treating people with kindness, and being aware of how your actions affect other people. But when someone can’t even manage that? That’s when people start avoiding them.
