Everyone wants to make a good impression, but some people have bad habits that accomplish exactly the opposite.
Intelligence is one of the most desirable and admirable qualities a person can have, but that doesn’t mean you’re not doing things that make you seem less informed than you actually are. If you’re guilty of any of these behaviours, that doesn’t mean you’re an idiot. That being said, it’s important to be aware that these little things can definitely make you seem less clued in and turned on than you are. If you don’t want to look a bit dim, you’ll want to drop these habits ASAP.
1. Saying you never read because “you’re just not a book person”
You don’t have to be a full-time reader to stay informed, but proudly avoiding books altogether tends to give off the opposite vibe. It can sound like you’ve closed the door on learning anything that isn’t bite-sized or spoon-fed. Even reading one or two books a year on literally any topic shows that you’ve got a bit of curiosity in you.
It also proves that you’re willing to engage beyond quick takes and surface-level content, which often changes how people respond to you in deeper conversations.
2. Misusing common words or phrases and brushing it off like it doesn’t matter
Everyone makes a slip-up here and there, but if you regularly say things like “literally” when you mean “figuratively” or use words that don’t fit, it definitely affects how seriously people take you. When it’s paired with a dismissive attitude, as if you’re too cool to care, it can make you sound more careless than confident. Clear communication doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need intention behind it.
3. Shutting down anything that sounds “too intellectual”
Rolling your eyes at complex ideas or labelling thoughtful conversations as “boring” sends a clear message: you’d rather stay comfortable than be challenged. That kind of attitude doesn’t read as chill—it reads as disinterested in growth. You don’t need to be an expert on everything, but being open to unfamiliar topics shows maturity. The willingness to ask, listen, and learn goes a lot further than always trying to keep things light.
4. Always making everything a joke, even when the topic deserves depth
Humour and banter are great, and knowing how to lighten the mood can be a real strength. However, constantly dodging serious moments with sarcasm or deflection can make it seem like you have no depth or critical thought. People notice when someone can’t sit with complexity. If your go-to response is always to make light of something, it creates distance, especially in conversations that require real awareness or empathy.
5. Overusing filler words in every sentence without self-awareness
We all say “like” or “you know” sometimes. But when every sentence is stuffed with filler, it can cloud your message and make you sound unsure, even when you know what you’re talking about. People tune into how you speak just as much as what you say. A little intention behind your wording helps you come across as thoughtful and clear, not scattered or unprepared.
6. Quoting only one source for every opinion you have
When all your takes come from the same YouTuber, TikTok trend, or single news outlet, it can make your perspective feel narrow. Even if the source is credible, relying on just one lens shows a lack of curiosity about the bigger picture. Expanding what you engage with doesn’t just sharpen your opinions, it makes you harder to box in. People respect a viewpoint that’s clearly been shaped by more than just an algorithm.
7. Treating critical thinking like a niche skill instead of a necessity
If your stance on something is always “Well, that’s just how it is,” it signals that you haven’t considered deeper angles, or don’t care to. That might come off as passive, but it often gets read as intellectually lazy. The ability to think beyond the obvious or question assumptions isn’t elite—it’s essential. Dismissing that as overthinking can seriously undercut how seriously other people take your input.
8. Pretending you know something instead of asking when you don’t
Faking your way through a topic is way more noticeable than people think. Once it becomes clear you’re bluffing, everything else you say gets taken with a grain of salt. Saying, “I actually don’t know much about that—what’s your take?” shows confidence and humility. It keeps the conversation real, and more importantly, it shows you’re still willing to learn.
9. Using outdated information like it’s still a relevant fact
Quoting old studies, throwing around myths that have been debunked, or repeating stereotypes that haven’t aged well can quickly make you seem out of step. Even if your intention isn’t harmful, your credibility takes a hit. Keeping your knowledge fresh doesn’t mean obsessively fact-checking everything. It just means being open to updating what you believe when new information comes along.
10. Acting like social media trends count as deep knowledge
There’s nothing wrong with picking up ideas from social media, but using quick takes and viral quotes as your main source of insight can make your understanding sound shallow. If you’re referencing a trend or post, show that you’ve thought about it, maybe even looked into it further. Otherwise, it comes off like you’re just recycling content instead of thinking critically about it.
11. Mocking people who enjoy learning as if they’re trying too hard
There’s a difference between teasing someone in a fun way and genuinely looking down on them for being curious. The latter reveals more about you than them. When you treat enthusiasm like it’s uncool or unnecessary, you often come across as defensive. People who value growth tend to avoid that kind of energy because it feels limiting.
12. Avoiding hard conversations because they make you uncomfortable
Tapping out of any topic that isn’t lighthearted can sometimes signal that you haven’t developed the tools to navigate complexity. It doesn’t mean you’re incapable; it just raises questions about your emotional and intellectual maturity. Being willing to engage, even when it’s messy, shows that you’re not afraid to grow. It also helps people see you as someone who can be trusted in deeper spaces.
13. Refusing to admit when you got something wrong.
Everyone gets things wrong. But doubling down just to save face makes you seem more rigid than wise. It gives the impression that your pride matters more than the truth. People respect correction when it’s paired with openness. Saying, “I used to think that, but now I see it differently” isn’t a weakness; it’s a marker of real awareness.
14. Talking over people instead of listening when you’re unsure
Sometimes, people interrupt or talk over people to cover up insecurity. The problem is that when you do that often, it sends a message that you’re more focused on being heard than actually understanding what’s being said. Charming or not, interrupting out of discomfort often makes you seem less informed. Slowing down and listening carefully, not just waiting for a chance to chime in, shows maturity and makes your words carry more weight when you do chime in.
