There’s a fine line between being unique and coming off as quirky in a way that’s off-putting.

These quirky social habits may seem harmless but they can often hinder the respect you get from people around you.

Getting respect isn’t about trying to fit in or conforming to social norms, but knowing how to carry yourself can definitely make a difference.

I’ve identified several of these habits that might be costing you respect without you even knowing it. 

So, if you’re wondering why you’re not getting the respect you think you deserve, keep reading.

This list might just have the answers you’re looking for.

Let’s check them out.

1) Constantly interrupting others

We all know that one person who just can’t let you finish a sentence before they jump in with their own thoughts.

This habit, while perhaps born out of enthusiasm or impatience, can be incredibly frustrating for those on the receiving end. It sends a clear message that you value your own voice over others’.

Interrupting others not only disrupts the flow of conversation, but it also shows a lack of respect for the person speaking.

So if you find yourself cutting people off mid-sentence, it might be time to take a step back and learn to listen.

Allowing others to express their thoughts fully is not only polite, but it also shows that you respect their opinions. This simple tweak in your communication style can earn you much more respect in return.

2) Being glued to your phone

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of this one.

There was a time when I couldn’t sit through a meal without scrolling through my phone. It was my way of keeping up with the world, but I didn’t realize how disrespectful it appeared to others.

My friends would be talking about their day, and there I was, consumed in my own digital world. It wasn’t until a good friend pointed it out that I realized how rude it was.

I was giving the impression that what was happening on my screen was more important than what they had to say.

So from that day forward, I made a conscious effort to keep my phone aside during conversations. Not only has this improved my relationships, but it has also earned me the respect of those around me.

3) Talking about yourself too much

In conversation, there’s a natural give and take. However, when someone is always steering the topic back to themselves, it can come off as self-centered.

While sharing your experiences and insights is essential to building relationships, dominating the conversation all the time can be off-putting.

And while it might feel good to you, constantly talking about yourself can make others feel unheard and unvalued.

Be mindful: next time you find yourself dominating the conversation, try to steer the topic back to the other person. This act of showing interest in others can help you earn more respect in your social circles.

4) Not keeping your word

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and one of the quickest ways to lose someone’s respect is by not keeping your word.

Saying you’ll do something and then not following through can make people question your reliability and integrity. This is true for both personal and professional relationships.

So if you’ve said you’ll make it to your friend’s party, be there. If you’ve committed to submitting a report by a certain date, make sure it’s done on time.

Even small things like returning borrowed items on time matter. It shows respect for others’ time and builds trust in your reliability.

Your actions speak louder than words. If you want people to respect you, showing consistency between what you say and what you do is essential.

5) Neglecting personal hygiene

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often this is overlooked.

Maintaining good personal hygiene isn’t just about looking presentable; it’s a sign of self-respect and consideration for those around you.

Whether it’s bad breath, unkempt hair, or wrinkled clothes, these small details can leave a big impression on others. It can be challenging for people to respect you if you don’t show respect towards yourself and your appearance.

Make sure you’re taking care of your personal hygiene. It’s an easy win and can make a huge difference in how others perceive and respect you.

6) Lack of empathy

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget to consider the feelings of others. But empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others – is fundamental in earning respect.

When you show empathy, you’re showing others that you value their experiences and emotions. This makes people feel seen, heard, and valued.

But this isn’t just about being nice. It’s about truly understanding where someone is coming from, even if their experiences are very different from your own.

Try to put yourself in others’ shoes more often. When someone shares a problem with you, don’t just rush to give advice or share your similar experiences. Just listen and show understanding. You’ll find that people will respect you more for it.

In the end, respect isn’t just about how you speak or behave. It’s about how you make others feel. And showing empathy is one of the most powerful ways to do that.

7) Not apologizing when you’re wrong

I remember a time when admitting I was wrong felt like the hardest thing to do. It felt like a sign of weakness, like I was opening myself up to criticism or ridicule.

But over time, I realized that being able to say “I was wrong” is not a weakness but a strength. It shows humility, accountability, and a willingness to learn and grow.

People respect those who can accept their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions. It shows character and integrity.

If you’ve done something wrong or made a mistake, admit it. Apologize sincerely, learn from it, and move forward. It won’t make you look weak – in fact, it will likely earn you more respect in the end.

8) Neglecting to say “please” and “thank you”

These two phrases might seem small, but they carry a lot of weight. Saying “please” and “thank you” is a simple way to show respect and appreciation to others.

When you say “please,” you acknowledge that you’re asking something of someone else. And when you say “thank you,” you show your appreciation for what others have done for you.

These phrases might be simple, but they’re far from trivial. They’re a reflection of your attitude towards others, and using them regularly can go a long way in earning respect.

So remember these magic words. They’re small, yes, but mighty in impact.

9) Failing to respect others

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is this: respect begets respect.

You can’t expect others to respect you if you don’t show them the same courtesy. This means listening when others speak, valuing their opinions, acknowledging their feelings, and treating them with kindness and fairness.

If you truly want to earn respect, start by treating every person you meet with the respect they deserve. It’s not just about changing your habits; it’s about changing your mindset.

When you genuinely respect others, they’ll feel it. And they’ll be more likely to respect you in return.

A final note on respect

Respect is more than a concept; it’s a fundamental part of our social fabric. Its presence or absence can shape the dynamics of our relationships, influence our self-esteem, and even impact our mental health.

Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned research professor and author, once said, “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” This sentiment underscores the importance of fostering healthy, respectful relationships.

However, earning respect isn’t about changing who you are to suit others. It’s about being mindful of your actions and their impact on others, while staying true to your authentic self.

As you reflect on these social habits, remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, requiring patience and consistency.

So take it one step at a time. Be kind to yourself during this journey. And most importantly, remember that respect starts with self-respect.