Some people thrive on change, but for others, even tiny ones can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming.
The problem is that change is inevitable in life. Nothing stays the same forever, so learning how to roll with the punches and take change in your stride is pretty much a survival skill. Unfortunately, some people never develop it. Whether it’s out of habit, fear, or a need for stability, there are certain things those who hate change tend to avoid without even realising it.
1. They won’t try a different route if the usual one still works.
Even if there’s a quicker or more scenic option, they’ll stick to the same road they’ve always taken. The idea of changing their routine, no matter how minor, just doesn’t sit well with them. There’s comfort in repetition. It’s not about being stubborn; it’s about feeling safe and in control when everything’s familiar. New doesn’t always mean better in their world; it often means risky.
2. They avoid switching up their daily routines.
Their mornings look the same, their coffee’s made the same way, and their evenings follow a set rhythm. There’s a certain peace in knowing what’s coming next, and changing that can throw them off more than people realise. They’re not trying to be rigid, necessarily. It’s just they just feel more grounded when life follows a predictable rhythm. Routine gives them a sense of balance, and shaking that up feels unnecessary at best and stressful at worst.
3. They won’t volunteer for anything that feels unfamiliar.
Whether it’s a new project at work or a social event they’ve never been to, they’ll find a polite way to stay in their comfort zone. The unknown doesn’t excite them; it makes them incredibly anxious. They might admire other people for jumping in, but for them, unfamiliar situations come with too many question marks. If they can avoid it, they will, even if it means missing out now and then.
4. They avoid updating things until absolutely necessary.
From phone software to home decor, if something still works, they won’t bother changing it. They’re not lazy; they just don’t want to mess with what’s already doing the job. They see updates as disruptions. Even if the new version is meant to be better, the effort to adapt just feels like a hassle they’d rather skip unless there’s no other choice.
5. They won’t make impulsive decisions without overthinking.
Spontaneity doesn’t come naturally to them. If something changes last minute, or if a sudden opportunity pops up, their first instinct is to pause and process. They need time to feel okay with any shift in plans. That doesn’t mean they never say yes; it just means their yes comes slower. They prefer to weigh every option because moving too quickly makes them feel like they’ve lost control.
6. They avoid changing their mind even when new info comes up.
Once they’ve decided something, they stick to it. New information might make sense logically, but emotionally, it’s tough to admit they need to shift direction or rethink their stance. Changing their mind can feel like admitting defeat or inviting more uncertainty. They’re not intentionally close-minded, but they do like to hold onto something solid when everything else feels unpredictable.
7. They won’t easily get rid of old belongings.
That jumper from ten years ago? Still in the wardrobe. The slightly broken coffee machine? Still in the cupboard. Letting go of familiar things doesn’t come naturally—they’re tied to comfort and memories. Decluttering feels like an emotional effort. Even if they don’t use something anymore, the act of parting with it represents change—and they’re not fans of that, even in small ways.
8. They avoid starting over, even when things clearly aren’t working.
Whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a routine that’s become stale, they’ll stick with it far longer than they should. Starting fresh feels overwhelming, and the uncertainty of what comes next can feel worse than staying stuck. Deep down, they might know change is needed, but they’ll often wait until they’ve exhausted every other option. It’s less about denial and more about fear of the unknown.
9. They won’t shift gears without a detailed plan.
Change without structure feels chaotic. If something’s going to be different, they want to know exactly how it’ll work, what’s expected, and what the timeline looks like. Otherwise, they’ll resist it completely. They feel safer when there’s a plan. Even positive changes can feel unsettling without one, so they often delay taking action until they’ve mapped everything out in their head first.
10. They avoid asking for different outcomes or options.
They’ll take what’s given, even if it doesn’t really work for them because requesting something different means disrupting the flow or drawing attention to themselves. That alone can feel too uncomfortable. They’d rather keep things quiet and deal with the discomfort than potentially create a ripple. Speaking up means risking rejection, and that often feels worse than just settling.
11. They won’t jump on new trends just to fit in.
Whether it’s fashion, tech, or social media, they’re rarely the first to try something new. They like what they know, and they don’t feel pressured to change just because everyone else is doing it. In a world that constantly encourages reinvention, they find comfort in sticking with what’s familiar. If it works for them, they don’t see the point in switching just for the sake of being current.
12. They resist being pushed outside their comfort zone.
Even if someone they trust encourages them to try something new, they often respond with hesitation. Pushing too hard can make them dig their heels in even more—not because they don’t trust you, but because the pressure feels threatening. They need time and space to warm up to new ideas. They may eventually come around, but it has to be on their own terms, without feeling forced into it.
13. They won’t act on gut instinct without solid reassurance.
Trusting their gut can be tough when they crave certainty. They prefer to move with logic and predictability, so making a decision based on instinct alone feels far too risky. Even if something feels right, they’ll look for confirmation from other people or spend time second-guessing before moving forward. Acting without a clear guarantee just isn’t their style.
14. They avoid environments where they can’t predict what will happen.
Unstructured events, open-ended plans, or social situations where anything could happen? Not their favourite. They prefer knowing what to expect and how long it’ll last before they say yes. Surprises might be fun for some, but for them, unpredictability is anxiety-inducing. Being in control of their surroundings helps them feel safe and more at ease.
15. They won’t admit they’re scared of change—they’ll just call it “preference.”
They’re unlikely to say they hate change outright. Instead, they’ll talk about how they just like things a certain way, or that they have specific preferences. It’s their way of making it sound less emotional and more logical. Admitting they fear change feels too vulnerable. So they frame it as choice, not resistance—because that helps them feel like they’re still in control, even if they’re quietly avoiding something deeper.
