We all want to be liked, don’t we? But sometimes, without realizing it, we do things that push people away rather than draw them in.

Truth is, our actions speak louder than our words and often they’re not saying great things.

The difference between being liked and disliked can come down to simple behaviors.

Unknowingly, you could be doing things that are alienating those around you.

In this article, I’ll highlight 9 things you might be doing that make people dislike you.

It’s a little wake-up call to help you check in on your habits and actions.

Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be ‘that’ person.

Let’s get started.

1) Overdoing the self-promotion

We all love a good success story. It’s inspiring to hear about someone’s achievements and victories. But when the narrative is always about one person – you – it can quickly become tiresome.

You see, people are generally more interested in their own lives than in the lives of others.

And if you’re always talking about yourself, it gives off the impression that you view your own experiences as more important than theirs.

Self-promotion is necessary from time to time, especially in our careers or when we have something we’re proud of.

But when it dominates every conversation, it can make people feel like they’re just an audience to your one-man show.

Conversation is a two-way street. Make sure to ask about others and show genuine interest in their stories as well.

It’s a simple way to make people feel valued and appreciated – and that’s a surefire way to be liked!

2) Being a chronic complainer

This is something I’ve personally had to work on. I used to be the kind of person who would find fault in everything. I

t was always too hot, too cold, too noisy, too quiet – you name it, I had a complaint about it.

One day, a friend gently pointed out how my constant negativity was bringing her down.

She said she felt drained after our conversations, like I was sucking the joy out of her day.

That was a wake-up call for me. I realized that my complaints were not just affecting my mood, but also the mood of those around me.

Since then, I’ve made a concerted effort to focus on the positive aspects of my experiences instead of always finding something to complain about. And guess what?

Not only have my relationships improved, but I also find myself feeling happier and more content.

Nobody enjoys spending time with a Debbie Downer. Try to keep your complaints in check and focus on the positive instead. You’ll be surprised at how much more people will enjoy your company!

3) Not respecting personal space

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who stood just a little too close for comfort? It’s an uncomfortable feeling, isn’t it?

Personal space is a psychological boundary that varies from person to person and culture to culture. I

n the United States, for instance, it’s generally accepted that an individual’s personal space extends about two feet in every direction.

When someone invades this invisible boundary, it can make others feel uneasy or even threatened.

It’s a subtle thing, but it can have a big impact on how people perceive you.

Make it a point to respect others’ personal space.

Pay attention to their body language and adjust your distance accordingly. It’s a simple way to make others feel more comfortable around you.

4) Being dismissive of others’ opinions

We all have our own thoughts, views, and opinions. They’re a part of who we are.

And while not everyone will agree with us all the time, it’s important to respect differing viewpoints.

Being dismissive of others’ opinions or blatantly disregarding their thoughts can come across as arrogant and unkind.

It gives the impression that you believe your opinions are superior, which can quickly alienate others.

It’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable. Practice active listening, validate the other person’s viewpoint, and share your thoughts respectfully.

By doing this, you’ll foster an environment where everyone feels heard and valued – and that’s a key ingredient in being likable!

5) Always being late

It’s happened to all of us: we agree to meet someone at a certain time and they’re nowhere to be found. You wait, text, and call, but they’re always running ‘just a few minutes behind’.

Being habitually late sends a clear message: your time is more valuable than the other person’s. It’s disrespectful and shows a lack of consideration for others.

Sure, things happen. Traffic can be unpredictable and sometimes life just gets in the way. But if you’re consistently late, it might be time to reassess.

Remember to plan ahead, leave some wiggle room for unexpected delays, and always let the other person know if you’re running behind.

A little courtesy can go a long way in maintaining good relationships!

6) Not showing empathy

We all go through ups and downs. Life can be tough, and sometimes, all we need is a listening ear or a comforting presence.

When someone shares their struggles with you and you dismiss their feelings or fail to show empathy, it can make them feel isolated and misunderstood.

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others – is a crucial part of forming deep, meaningful relationships. It’s how we connect on a human level.

So the next time someone opens up to you about their problems, try to put yourself in their shoes.

Listen without judgment, offer comfort when needed, and remind them that they’re not alone.

This simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone who’s going through a tough time – and it’ll make you more likable in the process!

7) Not keeping your word

When I was younger, I had a habit of overcommitting myself. I’d enthusiastically agree to help out with projects, attend events, or meet deadlines without considering whether I actually had the time or resources to follow through.

Over time, I realized that this behavior was damaging my credibility. People started to view me as unreliable because I couldn’t always deliver on my promises.

Keeping your word is a matter of trust.

When you say you’re going to do something, people rely on you to follow through.

If you consistently fall short, it can make people wary of depending on you in the future.

These days, I’m more careful about making commitments.

Before agreeing to anything, I make sure I have the time and resources to see it through.

It’s better to be upfront about your limitations than to let others down by failing to keep your word.

8) Constantly interrupting

We’ve all been there – in the middle of sharing a story or expressing an opinion, when someone cuts in and takes over the conversation. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

Interrupting others not only disrupts the flow of conversation, but it also signals a lack of respect. It’s as if you’re saying, “my thoughts are more important than yours.”

Good communication is about listening as much as it is about speaking.

Make a conscious effort to let others finish their thoughts before chiming in.

And if you do need to interrupt, do so politely and apologize for the intrusion.

By practicing active listening and showing respect for others’ thoughts and opinions, you’ll make a positive impression and earn the respect of those around you.

9) Failing to show appreciation

The power of a simple ‘thank you’ can never be underestimated. Everyone likes to feel appreciated for their efforts and contributions. When you fail to acknowledge the good things others do for you, it can make them feel unvalued and taken for granted.

It doesn’t take much to express gratitude, yet it can make a world of difference in how others perceive you. A simple thank you note, a heartfelt compliment, or even a small token of appreciation can go a long way.

Always remember to show appreciation for the kindness and support you receive from others.

It’s a small act that carries a lot of weight – and it’s one of the easiest ways to become a more likable person.

Ultimately, it’s about respect

At the end of the day, how we treat others speaks volumes about who we are as individuals.

It’s not just about avoiding the behaviors that make people dislike us, but actively nurturing the ones that make us more likable.

Respect is the foundation of any healthy relationship.

When we show respect for others – their time, their opinions, their personal space – we foster a sense of mutual understanding and appreciation.

It’s a simple principle encapsulated perfectly in the words of Albert Einstein: “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”

So as you navigate your interactions with others, remember to show respect. Not just in your words, but in your actions as well. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how people perceive you.

And who knows? You might just find that the more respect you give, the more likable you become.