Interacting with others isn’t always easy. Sometimes, people can be downright difficult to spend time with, often without realizing it themselves.

The challenging part is that these individuals are not always aware of the behaviors that make them hard to be around.

In my experience, there are seven specific habits that are common among people who are tough to deal with.

So, let’s dive into these behaviors – it can help us understand them better and maybe even help them change.

1) Dominating conversations

We all know someone who tends to take over the conversation, leaving little room for others to contribute.

This behavior often stems from a need to assert control or to ensure their voice is the most heard.

They may not even realize they’re doing it, but it’s a behavior that can be draining for others and makes it difficult to establish a two-way dialogue.

When you’re always on the receiving end of a monologue, it can feel like your own thoughts and opinions are being sidelined.

This is why dominating conversations is one of the key behaviors that makes people hard to spend time with.

2) Constant negativity

I remember a former colleague of mine who had an uncanny knack for finding the cloud in every silver lining.

Nothing was ever good enough for him, and he always found a reason to complain.

His constant negativity was a drain on the entire team.

It was like he had this dark cloud that followed him around, raining on everyone’s parade.

At first, I tried to be understanding. After all, everyone has bad days.

But when his bad days turned into bad weeks, then bad months, it became clear that this was more than just a temporary mood.

In hindsight, I realize he probably didn’t even notice the impact of his behavior on those around him.

But it definitely made him a challenging person to be around.

3) Lack of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s a fundamental part of human interaction. However, not everyone possesses this trait to the same degree.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that some people are naturally more empathetic than others.

It’s not that they don’t care, but they genuinely struggle to put themselves in other people’s shoes.

This lack of empathy can make it hard to connect with these individuals on a deeper level.

Their inability to grasp or respond to your feelings can leave you feeling misunderstood, invalidated, or even lonely when spending time with them.

4) Interrupting others

We’ve all been in a conversation where we can’t seem to get a word in edgewise.

It’s frustrating when someone continuously interrupts, cutting off our thoughts mid-sentence.

Interrupting others sends out a clear message: “What I have to say is more important than what you’re saying.”

It devalues the other person’s input and can feel disrespectful.

People who have this habit often don’t realize they’re doing it.

They may just be excited or eager to share their thoughts.

But regardless of the intent, it makes them difficult to spend time with as it disrupts the flow of conversation and can leave others feeling unheard.

5) Always being right

A few years back, I had a friend who was determined to be right, no matter what the situation was.

Even when presented with proven facts or logical arguments, she would find a way to twist things around to her advantage.

Her need to always be right made disagreements exhausting and damaged our friendship over time.

It felt like a competition rather than a conversation, where she had to win every single time.

It’s okay to stand your ground when you truly believe in something.

But refusing to see any other perspective or consider that you might be wrong can create a wall between you and others.

6) Excessive criticism

People who constantly critique others often don’t realize the impact of their words.

They might think they’re being helpful or pushing others to improve.

Yet, this incessant criticism can chip away at a person’s self-esteem and negatively affect their mental health.

Dealing with a constant critic can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, and it’s a behavior that makes spending time with them challenging. 

7) Lack of respect for boundaries

When someone consistently oversteps these boundaries, it can feel invasive and disrespectful.

Whether it’s showing up unannounced, borrowing things without asking, or digging into personal matters, these actions can make us uncomfortable and anxious.

When boundaries are repeatedly ignored, it sends a clear message that our feelings and comfort are not being valued.

This lack of respect can make it incredibly difficult to spend quality time with such individuals.

Final thoughts: It’s about understanding

Recognizing these behaviors in ourselves and others is the first step towards understanding.

Often, people may not even realize they’re displaying these traits until someone points it out.

As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Acceptance and understanding can be the catalysts for change.

Remember, everyone has the capacity to grow and transform their behaviors. 

After all, we are all works in progress, continuously learning and evolving in our journey through life.