Dealing with someone with a permanent chip on their shoulder is unpleasant, to say the least.
No matter how well everything’s going or how upbeat everyone else is feeling, they always find a way to lower the tone and bring everyone down. Sadly, these behaviours are common from people with bad attitudes — try not to let them get to you too much — though that’s admittedly easier said than done!
1. They turn every conversation into a competition.
If you’re excited to share your big news, don’t expect any enthusiasm—they’ll find a way to outshine you. Lost your wallet? They’ve “lost everything” in a house fire. Got a promotion? They’ve “turned down better jobs.” They can’t resist hijacking your moment to make themselves the main character. Every conversation is less about connection and more about their need to one-up everyone in the room.
2. They disguise insults as honesty.
“Just being honest” is their go-to excuse for saying the most cutting things. Whether it’s a jab about your outfit or a critique of your life choices, they wrap their rudeness in a bow of faux sincerity. The worst part? They crumble the second someone dishes out the same bluntness. They’re quick to claim they’re “just telling it like it is,” but their fragile ego says otherwise.
3. They blame everyone else for their problems.
Nothing is ever their fault. They didn’t miss the deadline because they were unorganised—it’s because their co-worker distracted them. The flat tire wasn’t bad luck; it was the universe conspiring against them. It’s exhausting to listen to their endless excuses and imagined vendettas. They seem more invested in dodging accountability than actually solving their problems.
4. They complain about literally everything.
The food’s wrong, the weather’s awful, and somehow even a free gift is “not their style.” They’re the human equivalent of a storm cloud, finding fault in everything. It’s not just occasional venting; it’s a full-time negativity campaign. Spending time with them feels like signing up for a never-ending complaint session where no solution is ever good enough.
5. They hijack every conversation.
You can barely finish a sentence before they swoop in with their own story. Mention your holiday plans, and suddenly, it’s all about their dream holiday. Share a tough day, and they’ll one-up you with their “much worse” experience. It’s like they’re allergic to letting anyone else have the spotlight, turning every discussion into a monologue.
6. They never admit they’re wrong.
Even when caught red-handed, they’ll twist the situation to avoid taking responsibility. If you point out their mistake, expect an elaborate explanation about why it wasn’t their fault. Apologising is out of the question—it’s always someone else’s error or a “misunderstanding.” Their refusal to own up makes resolving conflicts feel impossible.
7. They gossip about everyone.
You know the type—they always have “the tea” on someone else’s life. If they’re dishing dirt on everyone around you, it’s safe to assume they’re doing the same when you’re not there. They thrive on drama and see every relationship as an opportunity to gather more fuel for their gossip machine. Trust isn’t in their vocabulary.
8. They make everything about themselves.
Your successes, struggles, or stories are merely springboards for their tales of triumph or hardship. Share your good news, and they’ll find a way to overshadow it. Confide in them, and they’ll redirect the conversation back to their own life. It’s exhausting when every interaction feels like a detour to their world.
9. They refuse to take responsibility.
When something goes wrong, their first instinct is to deflect. Late to the meeting? “Traffic was terrible.” Missed a deadline? “No one reminded me.” They’re masters at shifting blame while making sure their hands appear spotless. Accountability isn’t just hard for them—it’s completely off the table.
10. They constantly seek attention.
Whether it’s through dramatic social media posts or making mountains out of molehills, they crave the spotlight. A small inconvenience becomes a crisis requiring everyone’s immediate sympathy. They treat every moment like an audition for “Most Important Person in the Room,” leaving everyone else exhausted by their constant need for validation.
11. They put other people down to feel better about themselves.
They can’t resist pointing out flaws, but it’s rarely constructive. Whether it’s a backhanded compliment or outright criticism, their aim is to make people feel small so they can feel bigger. Their self-esteem seems to rely entirely on diminishing the people around them, creating an endless cycle of negativity.
12. They expect special treatment.
Rules? Guidelines? Social norms? They believe those don’t apply to them. Whether it’s cutting queues or demanding exceptions, they act like the world owes them something. When they’re treated like everyone else, they’ll quickly play the victim, claiming they’re being unfairly singled out.
13. They give unsolicited advice.
They have an opinion on everything and assume you’re desperate to hear it. From your career to your relationships, they’re armed with “solutions” you never asked for. The irony? Their own life is often a bit of a mess. Their advice is less about helping you and more about proving how wise they think they are.
14. They can’t handle criticism.
Even the gentlest feedback sends them spiralling. They’ll either blow up defensively or sulk for days, making you regret ever saying anything. Meanwhile, they have no problem dishing out criticism left and right. The double standard is glaring, but they’re too busy licking their wounds to notice.
15. They play emotional games.
Whether it’s guilt trips, passive-aggressive comments, or the silent treatment, they use emotions as weapons. Every interaction feels like navigating a minefield of unspoken rules and manipulative tactics. Their goal isn’t resolution—it’s control. Their behaviour keeps everyone on edge, unsure of what’s coming next.