The other day, I met up with old friend I hadn’t seen in years. We planned a whole day together, thinking it would be just like old times.

But within a couple of hours, I found myself counting down the minutes until it was over.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but something about the way she acted was just… exhausting.

It made me realize that some people, no matter how much you care about them, are only tolerable in small doses. 

Do you have someone in your life like that?

A coworker or maybe a family member whom you don’t mind dealing with, as long as it’s  just for a limited time? 

It’s not that they’re bad people—far from it—but they may have certain behaviors that can make them a bit much to handle for extended periods.

In this article, let’s explore eight behaviors that these “small dose” people usually display, often without even realizing the impact they have on those around them.

1) They monopolize conversations

One common behavior of people who are only tolerable in small doses is their tendency to dominate conversations.

This is exactly what happened with that friend of mine. She constantly steered discussions towards herself, and I could barely get a word in. 

People like this can be known as ‘conversation hoggers’, and their excessive talking can leave others feeling unheard or unimportant.

Now, it’s not to say that they’re intentionally trying to overshadow others. In fact, they might not even realize they’re doing it.

All the same, though, this self-centric conversational approach can be quite draining for those on the receiving end.

2) They’re overly critical

Another trait often exhibited by people who are more tolerable in small doses is an overly critical attitude.

They tend to nitpick and find faults in nearly everything, from minor issues to bigger aspects of life.

My mom is exactly this way, which is why I often hear my siblings say, “I can’t stay long. I love her dearly, but sometimes it’s just too much.”

Yep, no one likes being around a nitpicker, so I understand that perfectly.

It’s one thing to be a critical thinker and offer constructive criticism, but it’s another to constantly highlight the negative without acknowledging the positive.

Dealing with overly critical people requires a balanced approach.

It may involve setting clear boundaries, maintaining a positive attitude despite their negativity, or limiting our interactions with them.

3) They lack empathy

Another notable characteristic of people who are only tolerable in small doses is their lack of empathy.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is crucial for healthy and meaningful relationships.

If someone’s lacking in empathy, it can be hard to be around them for long.

It’s hard to be with someone who might be indifferent or even dismissive of how other people feel. 

While everyone can have moments of being less empathetic, it becomes an issue when it’s a consistent pattern.

4) They constantly one-up others

Another behavior that can make people tolerable only in small doses is a constant need to one-up others.

Whether it’s about achievements, experiences, or even problems, they always seem to have something that tops yours.

This competitive nature can turn even casual conversations into a contest.

Instead of genuinely listening, they’re often busy constructing a response that can outshine your input.

This behavior can make meaningful interactions difficult and leave others feeling undervalued.

5) They’re overly dramatic

Ah, drama. I know a few people who are tolerable only in small doses precisely because of this.

I mean, I do appreciate excitement. But exaggeration? Not so much.

That’s exactly what overly dramatic people do.

They might exaggerate situations, stir up unnecessary conflict, or always seem to be surrounded by some form of chaos.

This drama can stem from a variety of factors, such as a desire for attention or an inability to handle situations calmly and rationally.

Whatever the reason, the consistent drama can become exhausting for those around them.

It can cause stress and tension in relationships, making interactions with them quite draining.

6) They’re frequently negative

If you have someone in your life who’s always negative, then you know what an energy-drainer they can be. 

Oftentimes, they don’t even realize it; negativity has just become their default way of thinking.

They tend to focus on the downside, complain incessantly, or harbor pessimistic views.

As psychologists say, energy is contagious. So it’s no wonder that people like this are hard to be with for a long time. 

Being around constant negativity can be emotionally draining and can lead to feelings of frustration, exhaustion, or even depression over time.

7) They’re often envious

What does envy look like? It looks like this:

• Passive-aggressive comments
• Dismissive attitudes towards others’ achievements
• Attempts to diminish others’ success

Naturally, an envious person is tolerable only in small doses. Resentment and jealousy are tough to watch.

The thing is, their envy is more about their own insecurities than it is about you.

It’s not your responsibility to downplay your success or happiness to cater to their feelings.

It can be helpful to address the issue directly, set boundaries, or limit your interactions with such individuals when necessary.

8) They’re resistant to change

The last trait we’ll discuss is a resistance to change, which is common in people who are only tolerable in small doses.

They often prefer sticking to their ways or beliefs, even when presented with new information or perspectives.

This rigidity can make interactions with them challenging and stifling.

Their resistance might be due to fear, discomfort, or a desire to control situations.

Regardless of the reason, it’s important to remember that it’s not our job to change them.

It can be more beneficial to focus on understanding their perspective, expressing ours respectfully, and being patient.

Understanding and managing interactions

Having identified these eight behaviors, the next step is to understand why they occur and strategize how to effectively manage our interactions with such individuals.

The first thing I can advise is to not take it personally.

These behaviors often stem from deeper issues or insecurities that have nothing to do with you.

And I’d advise patience. Everyone does deserve to be seen and heard.

Besides, their annoying behaviors don’t necessarily define them. We’re all imperfect beings with our own flaws. 

However, if it gets to be too much, feel free to set boundaries or walk away if you have to.

Your mental and emotional well-being matter, too.