1) Dominating conversations

We all know that one person who loves the sound of their own voice a little too much.

You know who I’m talking about. The one that will turn a friendly chat into a one-sided monologue about their latest vacation, work accomplishment, or the new diet they are trying.

These individuals, often unknowingly, dominate conversations and leave little room for others to share their thoughts or experiences.

This behavior can be exhausting for those around them and can often lead to them being avoided in social situations.

It’s essential to remember that conversation is a two-way street, and everyone appreciates being heard. So if you find yourself monopolizing the conversation, try to step back and give others the space to speak as well.

2) Negativity overload

We’ve all had those days where it feels like every little thing is going wrong. But, have you ever noticed that some people seem to dwell on the negative all the time?

I have a friend who, love him dearly, is a textbook example of this. Every time we catch up, it feels like I am listening to a long list of everything that’s wrong in his life.

His job is always terrible, his neighbors are constantly irritating, and don’t even get me started on his complaints about the weather.

This constant stream of negativity can be quite draining. It’s like walking under a rain cloud all the time. It’s not that you don’t want to be supportive, but it’s challenging when every interaction feels like an emotional downpour.

It’s important to remember that while it’s okay to share troubles and vent sometimes, constant negativity can push people away.

Try to find a balance and also share the positive aspects of your life. You might be surprised at how much better your interactions become.

3) Being dismissive

One behavior that can seriously strain relationships is being dismissive of others’ feelings or opinions.

This can happen in small ways, like brushing off someone’s ideas during a group discussion, or in larger ways, like ignoring someone’s emotional distress.

Interestingly, studies found that people who habitually dismiss or devalue others’ emotions and experiences tend to have lower social skills and emotional intelligence.

This behavior can make people feel unheard and unimportant, which is a surefire way to create distance in any relationship.

4) Ego-driven behavior

In the world of Buddhism, ego is often identified as a major source of suffering. It’s the part of us that insists on being right, being recognized, and being superior, often at the expense of others.

I’ve noticed in my years of studying and practicing Buddhism that people who are difficult to be around often display ego-driven behaviors.

They are quick to defend their views, slow to listen to others, and always seem to need the spotlight.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I explore how letting go of our ego-driven behaviors can lead to more harmonious relationships and a more peaceful life.

People who constantly need to be the center of attention or always have the last word can create a tense environment.

It’s like being around a ticking time bomb, never knowing when the next explosion of defensiveness or superiority will occur.

5) Lack of empathy

Empathy is a cornerstone of healthy relationships. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, to put yourself in their shoes. But for some people, this seems to be a challenging concept to grasp.

I remember a time when I was going through a particularly tough breakup. I was feeling lost and heartbroken.

And there was this person in my life who, instead of offering comfort or understanding, brushed off my feelings with comments like “you’ll get over it” or “there are plenty more fish in the sea”.

While those comments weren’t ill-intentioned, they lacked empathy. They made me feel like my feelings were trivial and unimportant.

People who struggle with empathy often don’t realize how their lack of understanding can hurt those around them.

By making an effort to really listen and validate others’ feelings, we can create a more supportive and compassionate environment.

6) Over-politeness

Now, this might seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t politeness a good thing? Well, yes and no. While it’s important to be considerate and respectful, excessive politeness can actually become a barrier to genuine connection.

People who are excessively polite often avoid expressing their true feelings or opinions for fear of upsetting others.

This can make their interactions feel artificial and superficial. It’s like trying to build a relationship with a well-mannered robot rather than a real human being.

While it’s important to be kind and respectful, it’s equally crucial to be authentic. Authenticity allows for deeper connections and more meaningful relationships.

So if you find yourself constantly hiding behind a mask of politeness, maybe it’s time to let your true self shine through a bit more.

7) Inflexibility

Change is the only constant in life, as the saying goes. Yet, some individuals struggle with this concept and exhibit a high level of inflexibility.

These are the people who insist on following their routines to a T and get easily upset when things don’t go as planned. They are not open to new ideas or experiences and resist any form of change, big or small.

This rigid approach can make them difficult to be around as their inflexibility can come across as stubbornness or lack of consideration for others.

Embracing flexibility doesn’t mean giving up on your preferences or principles.

It simply means being willing to adapt and adjust according to the circumstances, which can lead to more positive interactions and ultimately, better relationships.

8) Lack of self-awareness

Perhaps the most significant behavior that can make someone difficult to be around is a lack of self-awareness. This is a person’s ability to see themselves clearly, to understand their own behavior and its impact on others.

Without self-awareness, it’s difficult for individuals to recognize and adjust the behaviors that might be pushing others away.

They may be completely oblivious to the fact that their actions are causing discomfort or stress to those around them.

Learning to be more self-aware can be a game-changer. It paves the path toward understanding, growth, and better relationships. It’s not always an easy journey, but it is undoubtedly a worthwhile one.