We most likely all have that one person who has an irritating habit or two. However, it is easy to see what’s wrong in others, unaware of our own unattractive manners. No one is perfect. Do you know your own annoying habits? Here are some; Negative energy This is when someone looks for flaws instead of strengths, or what went wrong before what went right. They look for a mistake in every situation. Even when something isn’t that big a deal, they make it one. They constantly put other people down, from what one wears, to how one speaks, what they do, and et cetera. Such people never have kind words, there is always something unappealing to them about another’s behaviour, lifestyle, work and so forth. Overly critical people do so to hide their own insecurities and the negative perception they have of themselves. Learn to see the good in people and stop putting out views that hurt others, give constructive feedback if you must. Overly sensitive A highly emotional person is someone who tends to feel things more deeply and for longer than the average person. Something can affect them in a way that doesn’t seem normal. They are ‘delicate’, almost allergic to the words or actions of others, even when not offensive. You can’t impress everyone, learn from mistakes and also, do not to take yourself too seriously all the time. Lighten up! All promises, no action Many people are good at making promises but bad at fulfilling them. They talk about doing something, then don’t, and don’t even explain why they didn’t. It’s almost as if they never suggested it. They promise to visit but don’t, when you call to see if they are okay, they come up with an excuse. This lot can be disappointing, often becoming untrustworthy to the people around them. It is okay, sometimes things don’t go as planned, but communicate. Lies There are lies, then there are LIES! It is one thing to tell a lie to get out of a tricky situation, for example, when a wife asks her husband if the weight loss is visible, and for the sake of peace, yes is the appropriate answer. Then it is one thing to come up with lies that no one even asked for. For instance, like how much you earn, your age, assets and et cetera. Be yourself. Tell the truth. Don’t the one people always associate with the ‘boy who cried wolf’! Always right The truth is such people are a major displeasure. They feel wiser than everyone else. Some conversations don’t need a debate, but this one challenges everyone just to prove that they know it all. The way they argue, you can actually think there are rewards for it. Even when you think you are right, listen to others and understand people’s views, you don’t need to believe them, it’s just polite. Also, understand that you will never be able to change every opinion to flow with yours. In the article “20 Types of Annoying People You Should Avoid”, the author summarises more habits people may not know are annoying: Over-sharing You ask how their weekend was and they tell you all about their haemorrhoids. Over lunch, they discuss family members’ health issues in gruesome detail, or tell you all about something weird their partner did in bed. Their social media feeds are full of really personal things you wish you’d never read (nor seen), and you find yourself perpetually shocked and uncomfortable with the details they insist on sharing. Even worse, when you tell them that you don’t want to hear about the topic, they might respond with “okay, but…” and just CONTINUE talking about it… Yes, it’s important to talk about things that can be “icky” or upsetting, but some things are better talked about with a therapist. or, ask permission as to whether the other person is in the right emotional space to discuss said things. Basic courtesy, and all. Holier-Than-Thou These people will try to one-up you no matter what you do. They tend to walk around in self-righteous bubbles, and decry anything that falls below their own choices or actions. You’re a vegetarian? Oh. Well. That’s a nice start, I guess. But they’re vegan, because they actually care about animals and don’t eat ANYTHING that comes from them. No matter what you say or do, you’ll never be as righteous, or moral, or ethical, or socially progressive as they are. They’ve convinced themselves that they’re morally superior to just about everyone around them. Many of their conversations will begin with statements like, “No judging, but…” followed by something that’s incredibly judgmental. Intrusive social media twits This is more often than not an older family member, or a friend-of-a-friend who has about as much social grace as a used tissue. They’ll slather your Facebook wall with “cute” memes, animated GIFs, and sparkly stickers, and tag you in all kinds of photos. They’ll make a dozen (occasionally inappropriate) comments on pretty much anything you post, sometimes going completely off topic. These people might start arguments on your Twitter feed, be really weird about things you post on Instagram, and make a general nuisance of themselves. Are you guilty of this behaviour? You might escape the special circle of hell reserved especially for your ilk if you cut that out right this instant. Those who don’t think you have a life outside of their needs • The boss who assigns you something on Friday afternoon that’s due Monday morning, without asking you if you have any plans for the weekend. • A freelance client who wants to talk about work at 11:40pm on a Wednesday night. After all, you’re awake – why aren’t you working on their project? • A partner who makes plans involving you without asking for your input (or even interest). • The parent who informs you that they’ll be visiting on X date, without asking whether that’s convenient for you.
