We’ve all been there—trapped in an awkward conversation, cringing at something someone just said or did. Sometimes, it’s a harmless slip-up. Other times, it’s a clear sign of low emotional intelligence.

The truth is, understanding social cues isn’t always easy. Some people naturally pick up on them, while others seem completely unaware of how they come across.

And the worst part? They usually have no idea they’re making people uncomfortable.

From saying the wrong thing at the wrong time to completely misreading a situation, these mistakes can be painfully obvious to everyone—except the person making them.

Want to know what they are? Here are eight common social blunders people with low emotional intelligence often make without realizing it.

1) They dominate conversations without noticing

Ever been stuck listening to someone talk endlessly about themselves without giving you a chance to speak? It’s exhausting.

People who lack emotional intelligence often don’t realize when they’re monopolizing conversations. They ramble on about their own experiences, opinions, and problems, completely unaware that the other person has mentally checked out.

The worst part? They’re usually not doing it on purpose. They just don’t pick up on subtle social cues—like someone giving short answers, glancing away, or trying to change the subject.

Great conversations are a two-way street. But for those who lack emotional intelligence, it’s more like a one-man show.

2) They overshare way too soon

I once met someone at a casual work event who, within minutes of introducing themselves, started telling me about their recent breakup—complete with messy details I definitely didn’t need to know.

I nodded politely, but inside, I was cringing. We had just met. There was no trust or connection built yet, and suddenly, I was being treated like a personal therapist.

People who lack emotional intelligence often don’t realize that oversharing too soon can make others uncomfortable. They confuse vulnerability with connection, not understanding that deep conversations happen naturally over time—not five minutes after meeting someone.

Sure, being open is great. But there’s a time and place for everything, and dropping heavy personal stories on strangers is never a good look.

3) They struggle to read body language

Did you know that over 70% of human communication is nonverbal? That means tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language often say more than the actual words being spoken.

But people who lack emotional intelligence have a hard time picking up on these signals. They don’t notice when someone is inching away, avoiding eye contact, or crossing their arms in discomfort.

Instead, they keep going—completely oblivious to the fact that the other person is trying to escape the conversation.

Reading body language is like having a secret superpower in social situations. Without it, you risk missing obvious signs that someone is bored, annoyed, or just plain uncomfortable.

4) They give unsolicited advice

Ever vented about a rough day, only to have someone immediately jump in with solutions you never asked for? It’s frustrating.

People who lack emotional intelligence often don’t realize that not every problem needs fixing—at least, not right away. Sometimes, people just want to be heard and understood, not handed a list of things they “should” do.

Instead of offering support, unsolicited advice can come across as dismissive or even condescending. It sends the message that the other person’s feelings aren’t valid until they’ve been “fixed.”

And more often than not, it just makes the conversation feel worse.

5) They don’t realize when they’ve offended someone

I’ve been in conversations where someone made an offhand comment that was completely inappropriate—yet they had no idea they’d just upset everyone in the room.

People who lack emotional intelligence often miss the subtle reactions that follow an offensive remark.

The sudden awkward silence, the forced chuckle, the quick glance between friends—these are all signs that something didn’t land well. But instead of picking up on them, they keep talking as if nothing happened.

I’ve also seen people double down when called out, brushing it off with, “I was just joking!” or “You’re too sensitive.”

But the truth is, being aware of how words affect others isn’t about being overly cautious—it’s about having basic social awareness.

6) They try too hard to be likable

You’d think that making an extra effort to be friendly and agreeable would help in social situations—but sometimes, it has the opposite effect.

People who lack emotional intelligence often overcompensate by forcing jokes, exaggerating enthusiasm, or constantly seeking validation. They may interrupt with, “Oh my gosh, me too!” at every opportunity or laugh a little too hard at jokes that weren’t that funny.

Instead of coming across as charming, it can feel unnatural—like they’re performing rather than being themselves.

Ironically, trying too hard to be liked can make interactions more awkward, not less. The best connections happen when people are relaxed, not when they’re desperately trying to win approval.

7) They don’t notice when it’s time to leave

Ever had someone linger way too long after a conversation naturally ended? Or stick around at a gathering when it’s obvious the hosts are ready to wrap up? It’s uncomfortable for everyone—except the person overstaying their welcome.

People who lack emotional intelligence often struggle to recognize when a social interaction has run its course. They miss the signs—like shorter responses, people glancing at the door, or someone saying, “Well, it’s getting late…” They keep talking, unaware that everyone else is mentally checking out.

Knowing when to exit gracefully is an underrated social skill. Leaving at the right moment makes interactions feel effortless.

Staying too long? That’s what turns a good conversation into a cringey one.

8) They don’t listen—they just wait to talk

There’s a huge difference between hearing someone and actually listening to them. People who lack emotional intelligence often do the first but not the second.

Instead of truly engaging with what the other person is saying, they’re just waiting for their turn to speak. You can see it in their eyes—they’re not absorbing the conversation; they’re preparing their next response.

This makes interactions feel one-sided and transactional rather than meaningful. No one wants to talk to someone who only pretends to listen. Real connections happen when people feel heard, not when they’re just filling space between someone else’s words.

Why emotional intelligence matters more than you think

Hopefully, if you’ve read this far, you’ve realized that emotional intelligence isn’t just a “nice to have” skill—it shapes the way we connect with others.

Because social mistakes aren’t always about bad intentions. More often than not, they come from a lack of awareness. And when someone can’t pick up on how their words or actions affect others, it creates distance instead of connection.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman, who helped popularize the concept of emotional intelligence, once said, “If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions… then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.”

The good news? Emotional intelligence isn’t fixed. It can be developed with time, effort, and a willingness to pay closer attention to the people around us.

And that’s what turns everyday interactions into something deeper—something meaningful.