7 awkward things people with poor social skills do in public (without realizing it)

Have you ever found yourself in an awkward social situation, only to realize later that you might have been the cause of it?
I certainly have. I’ve been guilty of more than a few embarrassing missteps in public.
Navigating social situations can feel like walking through a minefield at times, especially when you’re not aware of the little things that can make an interaction go from smooth to awkward in seconds.
The tricky part is, many of us don’t even realize we’re doing these things. And the more oblivious we are, the more likely we are to repeat them.
Today, we’re diving into seven of these subtle habits.
I’ve definitely been guilty of a few —maybe you have, too. Let’s explore them together.
1) Over-apologizing
So let’s say you accidentally bump into someone or interrupt them mid-sentence. Instead of a quick “sorry,” you find yourself apologizing over and over, sometimes for things that aren’t even your fault.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, I’m really sorry…” You’re left feeling embarrassed, and the person on the receiving end is likely confused by the flood of apologies.
Sound familiar?
It does to me. I used to be an over-apologizer, constantly feeling the need to apologize for the smallest things.
As noted by the folks at Psych Central, this habit often stems from underlying feelings like false guilt—feeling responsible for something you’re not actually responsible for—carried guilt, where you take on someone else’s feelings of guilt, or a deep desire to people-please and seek approval.
The good news is we don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of over-apologizing.
Instead, practice using simple, sincere apologies when necessary. If you’ve made a small mistake, a brief “Oops, sorry about that” is more than enough.
You can also focus on expressing gratitude rather than guilt. For example, instead of saying, “Sorry I’m late,” try “Thank you for waiting for me.” This subtle shift in language can help you feel more confident and less weighed down by unnecessary guilt.
2) Talking too much about oneself
This is a big one I think we’ve all been guilty of.
I remember a time when I went to a dinner party, and there was this one guy who just wouldn’t stop talking about himself.
From his work achievements to his travel experiences, it felt like he was delivering a never-ending monologue. It didn’t take long for the rest of us at the table to lose interest and start feeling uncomfortable.
It’s natural to want to share personal experiences in conversation. However, dominating the conversation by talking solely about oneself is a classic sign of poor social skills.
As put by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”
People enjoy two-sided conversations that involve give-and-take. If you find yourself continually steering the conversation back to your life, it might be time to reevaluate your communication habits.
3) Avoiding eye contact
Ever noticed someone talking to you but looking everywhere except at your eyes?
Avoiding eye contact is a common social misstep that can make interactions feel distant or awkward. It can send unintended signals, like disinterest or discomfort, even if the person is fully engaged in the conversation.
This is well backed up by experts. As noted by Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., the Dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University:
“People who avoid eye contact often find developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships challenging.”
Eye contact is essential for building trust and fostering a genuine connection in conversations.
Are you guilty of this one?
If so, there are ways to improve. Start by practicing maintaining eye contact for a few seconds at a time during conversations.
If it feels uncomfortable or too intense, try looking at the space between the person’s eyes or at their eyebrows—it has the same effect without the pressure of direct eye contact. Gradually, this will feel more natural.
4) Neglecting personal space
We all have an invisible bubble around us that we consider our personal space. When someone enters this space uninvited, it can feel uncomfortable and intrusive.
Some people with poor social skills have a hard time recognizing these boundaries. They might stand too close, touch others without permission, or lean in uncomfortably during conversations.
Respecting personal space is a fundamental aspect of social interaction.
A good rule of thumb is to keep an arm’s length distance during conversations. And always remember, physical contact should always be consensual.
5) Oversharing
I’ll never forget the time I was on a first date and I ended up sharing my whole life story, including some of my deepest fears and regrets.
Needless to say, there was no second date.
Oversharing, especially in inappropriate situations or with people we barely know, can make others feel uncomfortable. It’s like opening a book to a random page and expecting the reader to understand the whole story.
While it’s healthy to express our feelings and experiences, understanding when and with whom to share these can be crucial in maintaining balanced social interactions.
6) Telling inappropriate jokes
Humor can be a great way to break the ice, but when a joke crosses a line—whether it’s offensive, poorly timed, or tone-deaf—it can backfire quickly.
What one person finds funny, others might find uncomfortable or even hurtful. Inappropriate jokes can damage relationships, cause awkward silences, and leave a lasting negative impression.
To avoid this, it’s important to read the room and consider your audience. If you’re unsure whether a joke will land well, it’s best to play it safe and skip it altogether.
Stick to light, inclusive humor that doesn’t alienate or offend.
7) Interrupting others
Last but not least, interrupting others.
We’ve all been there—you’re excited to share your thoughts, and before you know it, you’re cutting someone off mid-sentence.
While it’s often unintentional, interrupting can come across as rude or dismissive, making the other person feel like their words aren’t valued. This is a common social mistake that can hinder meaningful conversations and connections.
A simple way to avoid this is by practicing active listening. Focus fully on what the other person is saying and wait for them to finish before responding.
Final thoughts: It’s all about learning
In social situations, it’s easy to fall into habits that can make things awkward without even realizing it.
From over-apologizing to avoiding eye contact, these subtle behaviors can create barriers between us and others.
The good news is, with a little self-awareness and practice, we can break these habits and improve our social interactions.
So the next time you’re out in public, keep these tips in mind, and watch how they transform your relationships and conversations for the better.