There’s a thin line between being a lively character and becoming downright irritating.

This line often gets blurred when someone starts displaying certain traits that can make them a bit of a nuisance to be around.

You see, it’s not always about what they say or do but how they behave. And trust me, there are some traits that are just plain annoying.

So, let’s dive into these 9 behaviors that can transform someone from a joy to a bother.

1) They’re constantly negative

We all have ups and downs. It’s a part of life. But there’s a big difference between having a bad day and being a permanent rain cloud.

People who constantly focus on the negative can be incredibly draining to be around. They seem to have a knack for turning even the most positive situations into something dismal.

Imagine this. You’re excited about a new project at work, but the moment you share it with them, they immediately start listing all the things that could go wrong. Or perhaps you’re looking forward to a weekend getaway, but they can’t stop talking about how terrible the weather is going to be.

Being around such negativity all the time can bring you down, making these individuals quite annoying to deal with.

2) They’re always late

Here’s a pet peeve of mine – people who are chronically late.

I mean, sure, we all run late from time to time. Traffic jams happen, meetings run over, life gets in the way – I get it. But when someone is persistently late, it’s not just irritating, it’s downright disrespectful.

A few years ago, I had a friend who was notorious for her tardiness. Every time we’d make plans, I’d find myself waiting for her at the coffee shop, restaurant, or movie theatre. She’d stroll in 30 minutes late without so much as an apology.

Over time, it became clear that her constant lateness wasn’t due to unforeseen circumstances but rather a lack of regard for other people’s time.

It’s this kind of behavior that can make someone really annoying to be around.

3) They’re know-it-alls

Ever been in a conversation with someone who always seems to have the last word on every topic? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

These self-appointed experts, or ‘know-it-alls’, never miss a chance to flaunt their knowledge, even when it’s not asked for. They’re quick to correct others and slow to admit when they’re wrong.

Interestingly, a study found that individuals who overestimate their understanding of an something are more likely to be wrong about it. This overconfidence can be grating to those around them, making these know-it-alls quite an annoyance to deal with.

At the end of the day, humility goes a long way and constant one-upmanship can turn people off.

4) They’re always on their phone

These days, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t glued to their phone. But there’s a time and place for everything, and constantly checking your phone in the middle of a conversation isn’t one of them.

People who can’t seem to put their phone down, even when they’re supposed to be engaged in a face-to-face interaction, can come off as rude and disinterested.

You might be sharing an important story or discussing a serious matter, but their eyes are on their screen, scrolling through social media or replying to a text message. This lack of basic etiquette can make them really annoying to be around.

The bottom line? When you’re with someone, be with them. Not with your phone.

5) They’re self-centered

It’s nice to be around people who take a genuine interest in others. On the flip side, it’s incredibly frustrating to deal with someone who only seems to care about themselves.

Self-centered individuals have a habit of turning every conversation back to them. They’re always talking about their achievements, their problems, their life – without showing much interest in what’s going on with you.

You might be trying to share something about your day, but they quickly steer the conversation back to their own experiences. This constant need for attention and validation can make them a real pain to be around.

Remember, a good conversation involves give and take. It’s not just about you all the time.

6) They lack empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s what connects us as human beings. Without it, relationships can feel shallow and disconnected.

When someone lacks empathy, they struggle to see things from another person’s perspective. They might dismiss your feelings, ignore your struggles, or downplay your accomplishments.

This lack of emotional understanding can be incredibly hurtful. It leaves you feeling invalidated and unimportant – like your feelings don’t matter. And that’s a tough pill to swallow.

Being around someone who lacks empathy can be emotionally draining, making them a difficult person to be around.

7) They’re always negative

Negativity can be like a black hole, sucking the joy out of every situation. And it’s tough to be around someone who is constantly radiating negative vibes.

I’ve had experiences where I’ve been thrilled about a new opportunity or excited about an upcoming event, only to have that enthusiasm dampened by someone who can only see the downsides.

They focus on the pitfalls, the risks, the things that could go wrong. And while it’s important to be realistic and consider potential challenges, constant negativity can be draining and demotivating.

At the end of the day, positivity is infectious, but so is negativity. And if you’re always surrounded by the latter, it can make for a pretty unpleasant environment.

8) They’re overly critical

Constructive criticism can be valuable. It helps us grow, learn, and improve.

But there’s a big difference between offering helpful feedback and being overly critical.

People who are constantly critiquing – whether it’s your choices, your opinions, or even your clothes – can quickly become a thorn in your side. Nothing ever seems to be good enough for them and they’re always ready with a negative comment.

This constant stream of criticism can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, always second-guessing yourself to avoid their disapproval. It’s a stressful way to live and makes these individuals particularly annoying to be around.

9) They don’t respect boundaries

Respect for personal boundaries is crucial in any relationship, be it professional or personal. When someone oversteps these boundaries, it shows a lack of respect for your personal space and can make you feel uncomfortable.

Whether it’s constantly borrowing your things without asking, making unsolicited comments about your personal life, or not taking ‘no’ for an answer, these actions can be intrusive and annoying.

Respecting boundaries means acknowledging that other people have their own lives, feelings, and needs. It’s about understanding that everyone deserves respect and privacy.

Without this understanding, it’s hard to build healthy, positive relationships.