I’ve been around the block a few times, tangled with all sorts of personalities.

You know the type – those people who just make you feel on edge, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why. It’s not always a big blowout or a glaring issue that makes being around someone a chore.

Often, it’s something subtle; it’s an undercurrent of discomfort that gradually builds over time.

You might even find yourself questioning whether it’s them or you causing the friction.

Well, I’m here to tell you that there are indeed certain behaviors that difficult people tend to exhibit. They’re not always obvious, but if you pay attention, you’ll start to notice these patterns.

In this article, I’m going to highlight the 8 subtle behaviors that are usually displayed by people who are hard to be around.

Trust me, recognizing these signs can make navigating relationships a whole lot easier. You might even find yourself with a little more peace in your life. Let’s dive in!

1) They’re constantly negative

Have you ever noticed how some people just have a knack for seeing the glass half empty all the time? It’s like they’re stuck in a perpetual cloud of negativity, always finding fault in even the smallest things.

This can be incredibly draining to be around. You might even start to feel like their negativity is rubbing off on you, tainting your own outlook on life.

Being around a constant stream of negativity can take a toll on your mental health.

You might start to notice your mood being affected, or your energy levels dropping dramatically when you’re with them.

It’s important to remember that everyone has bad days, but if someone is consistently negative, it’s a clear sign that being around them might be more trouble than it’s worth.

Of course, every situation is unique and it’s important not to jump to conclusions based on one behavior alone. But if you’re noticing a pattern of negativity, it could be a sign that this person is difficult to be around.

2) They’re dismissive of your feelings

I’ve been there, you know. It’s like you’re having a conversation, but it feels like you’re talking to a brick wall. You’re sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings, and they just shrug it off like it’s nothing.

It can be incredibly frustrating and hurtful when someone dismisses your feelings or belittles your experiences.

You might start to question the validity of your own emotions, wondering if you’re overreacting or being too sensitive.

Emotional invalidation is a subtle form of emotional abuse that can easily go unnoticed. It’s when someone minimizes or denies your feelings, making you feel like you’re not being heard or understood.

I’ve had to learn the hard way that if someone consistently dismisses my feelings or belittles my experiences, it’s a clear sign that they’re not the kind of person I want in my life.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s crucial for maintaining my own mental wellbeing.

3) They never seem to be wrong

I remember a time when I had this friend, let’s call him Jack. Now, Jack was a smart guy, no doubt about that. But he had this thing where he just couldn’t admit he was wrong. It was like his ego wouldn’t allow it.

We could be talking about anything, from movies to politics, and no matter what anyone else said or how much evidence was presented, Jack was always right. It got to the point where conversations with him felt more like battles than friendly discussions.

It didn’t take long for me to realize how exhausting it was to be around someone who never admitted their mistakes or acknowledged differing viewpoints.

This behavior is not just annoying; it can be downright toxic. It stifles open communication and makes it difficult to build a trusting relationship.

If you come across someone who always needs to be right, who can’t accept they might be wrong? Well, that’s a pretty clear sign they could be difficult to get along with.

4) They’re manipulative

Manipulation is a subtle art, and the ones who are best at it often go unnoticed. That’s what makes it so dangerous. According to psychological studies, manipulative people often exhibit behaviors like guilt-tripping, gaslighting, and constant lying to control others.

I once knew a person who would always twist words and situations to their advantage. It was like we were playing a game of chess, but they were the only ones who knew the rules.

It wasn’t until I stepped back that I realized how much this person was manipulating me. It was subtle, but once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.

If you find that someone always seems to twist things around, making you feel guilty or confused, you may be dealing with a manipulator. This is a clear sign that they could be difficult to be around.

5) They make you feel uncomfortable

Ever been around someone who just makes your skin crawl, even though they haven’t done anything outright wrong? It’s like a spider sense tingling, warning you that something’s off.

These feelings of discomfort can stem from a number of things – perhaps their jokes are a little too cruel, or their comments just a tad too personal. Maybe they tend to invade your personal space or they have a certain look in their eyes that makes you uneasy.

I’ve learned to trust these gut feelings. Our instincts are there for a reason, and more often than not, they’re trying to protect us.

So if you consistently feel uncomfortable around someone, don’t ignore it. It’s a clear sign that they might be difficult to be around. Trust your gut. It knows what it’s doing.

6) They lack empathy

We all have those moments when we’re so wrapped up in our own world that we forget to consider how others might be feeling. But there’s a big difference between having a momentary lapse and consistently showing a lack of empathy.

I’ve met people who seem entirely uninterested in anyone else’s feelings or experiences.

For them, it’s all about ‘me, me, me’. They seem incapable of putting themselves in another person’s shoes, of understanding their perspective.

This level of self-centeredness can make interactions with them extremely challenging, and it’s often a sign that they’re difficult to be around.

After all, meaningful relationships are built on mutual understanding and respect – something that’s hard to achieve with someone who lacks empathy.

7) They’re excessively competitive

A bit of friendly competition is good. It can be fun, motivating, and it can bring out the best in us. But there’s a fine line between healthy rivalry and excessive competitiveness.

I’ve come across folks who seem to turn everything into a competition. It’s as if every interaction is an opportunity for them to prove their superiority.

They’re always trying to one-up you, always striving to be the best, even at the cost of others.

This relentless competitiveness can make even the simplest interactions exhausting. It feels like you’re in a constant tug of war, always trying to keep up or defend your worth.

If you notice someone always trying to outdo you or others, it’s a clear sign they could be difficult to be around.

Healthy relationships are built on mutual support and respect, not constant competition.

8) They’re consistently disrespectful

At the end of the day, respect is a fundamental cornerstone of any relationship, be it personal or professional. It’s about recognizing and valuing the dignity of every person we interact with.

Unfortunately, there are people out there who seem to have a chronic disregard for this basic human courtesy.

They belittle others, dismiss their ideas, invade their personal space, or speak ill of them behind their backs.

I’ve learned that disrespect often comes in many forms and sometimes it’s so subtle, you might not even realize what’s happening until you’re knee-deep in it.

But once you see it, it’s hard to ignore.

If someone consistently disrespects you or others around them, that’s a huge red flag. It points to a lack of character and decency, and it’s a clear sign that they might be difficult to be around. After all, no one deserves to be treated with anything less than respect.

The final thought

Navigating relationships, be it personal or professional, is no easy feat. It’s a constant learning process. Identifying those subtle signs that someone might be difficult to be around is a part of that journey.

But here’s the silver lining – knowledge is power. Understanding these behaviors can equip you to better manage your interactions and relationships. It gives you the control to decide who you want to invest your time and energy in.

It’s important to remember that everyone has flaws, including ourselves. But when these behaviors consistently affect your peace of mind, it might be time to reassess your relationship with that person.

Start by recognizing these subtle signs. Pay attention to how you feel around certain people. Is there a sense of discomfort? Do you feel disrespected or manipulated?

Once you become aware, you can then decide how to best protect yourself – whether it’s setting boundaries, having a candid conversation, or in some cases, distancing yourself.

This is not about judging people or labeling them as ‘bad’. It’s about taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. After all, life is too short to spend around people who drain us rather than uplift us.

This journey may not be easy. It may require some tough decisions. But in the end, it’s your life and your peace of mind at stake.

You have every right to choose what’s best for you.

So take a moment to reflect on your relationships. Ask yourself – are there people in your life displaying these subtle behaviors? And more importantly, what are you going to do about it? You hold the power to decide.