Ever find yourself watching someone make a choice so obviously wrong that you wonder if they’re even on the same planet? 

Whether it’s ignoring simple safety rules or making social blunders that leave everyone speechless, people who lack basic common sense have a way of standing out—often for the wrong reasons. 

But here’s the good news: their behaviors usually follow a predictable pattern. 

In this article, we’ll uncover those tell-tale behaviors, giving you the tools to recognize when someone is about to make a common sense slip-up before it happens.

1) Overlooking the obvious

Common sense often involves recognizing the obvious and knowing how to act accordingly.

People lacking in this area tend to overlook or ignore the obvious signs or facts in any given situation.

This is not due to ignorance or a lack of intelligence, but rather an inability to connect the dots in a practical way.

It could be as simple as forgetting to put on a coat when it’s cold outside or as complex as ignoring important advice from someone who is more experienced.

This often leads to unnecessary problems and is a clear sign that someone might be missing some basic common sense. 

2) Ignoring personal experience

Let me share a personal example. I have a friend who, despite getting burned multiple times, insists on touching hot pans without using oven mitts. 

It’s not that he enjoys the pain. He just seems to forget his past experiences every single time.

Learning from our past experiences is essential to making better decisions in the future. But for some, this simple concept seems to elude them.

3) Dismissing consequences

They might act impulsively, without considering the possible outcome.

For example, consider the action of texting while driving. 

Statistics show that sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Yet, despite these known risks and consequences, some people continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. They disregard the potential harm they could cause to themselves and others.

4) Lack of empathy

Common sense also involves understanding and acknowledging the feelings and perspectives of others. Those who lack it often struggle with empathy.

They might say or do things that are hurtful or offensive, without realizing the impact of their actions. They might interrupt others, make inappropriate comments, or disregard someone’s personal space.

This lack of empathy isn’t necessarily due to malice. More often, it’s a simple inability to put themselves in another person’s shoes and anticipate how their actions might affect others.

5) Difficulty adapting to change

Adapting to change is a critical part of life and an important aspect of common sense. However, those who lack basic common sense often struggle with this.

They may find it hard to adjust their behaviors or routines when circumstances change, even when it’s clear that their current approach isn’t working. 

Instead of adapting, they might persist in their old ways, leading to unnecessary challenges or complications.

6) Misjudging situations

They often find themselves in trouble or facing difficulties, not because they planned it or wished for it, but simply because they misread the situation.

Whether it’s taking a joke too far, not realizing when it’s time to leave a gathering, or failing to understand when they’re being taken advantage of, these individuals often find themselves in uncomfortable situations. 

It’s not that they want to be in these predicaments, but their lack of common sense makes it hard for them to navigate life’s complexities.

7) Inability to prioritize

One aspect I’ve struggled with in the past is to prioritize effectively.

When faced with a list of tasks, some people struggle to identify which ones are most important or urgent.

They might spend an entire day on a task that isn’t due for weeks while ignoring one that needs to be finished by tomorrow.

This lack of prioritization can lead to inefficiency and unnecessary stress. It shows a difficulty in understanding the consequences of not addressing tasks in a logical order.

8) Overthinking simple situations

Ironically, those lacking common sense can sometimes overthink the simplest situations.

Instead of going with the most straightforward solution, they might overcomplicate things, leading to confusion or mistakes.

For example, they might spend hours trying to find a “hack” to open a jar when all they need to do is just twist the lid.

Or they may obsessively research different routes for a short trip instead of simply taking the most direct path.

By overcomplicating simple situations, they make life harder for themselves. 

9) Unnecessary risk-taking

They might engage in reckless behavior without considering the potential consequences.

This could range from performing dangerous stunts for the thrill of it, to making hasty financial decisions without proper research or understanding.

While there’s nothing wrong with taking calculated risks from time to time, habitual risk-taking without due consideration often indicates a lack of common sense. 

It’s the inability to weigh up the potential danger against the perceived benefit that is the concern here.

10) Inability to learn from others

We all have the opportunity to learn from the successes and mistakes of those around us. It’s a shortcut to acquiring wisdom without having to go through every experience personally.

However, individuals who lack common sense often fail to recognize or seize this opportunity. 

They may stubbornly insist on doing things their own way, even when a proven method or advice is available from others.

This refusal to learn from others not only limits their growth but also leads them into unnecessary pitfalls. 

Final reflection: A matter of perspective

What we regard as common sense is shaped by our collective experiences, knowledge, and cultural norms. It isn’t an inherent trait, but rather, a skill that can be developed over time.

It’s also worth acknowledging that we’ve all had moments where our common sense seemed to abandon us. 

After all, we’re human and prone to errors.

So, the next time you meet someone who seems to lack basic common sense, remember: they might just be seeing the world differently.

Their actions may not match what you’d expect, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own way of thinking or reasoning. 

Recognizing this can help you build empathy and patience—both of which are clear signs of true common sense.