People who lack basic life skills usually display these 7 behaviors, according to psychology
Life skills — those practical, everyday abilities like cooking a meal or keeping your living space clean.
You’d be surprised how many people lack these basics.
It can manifest as being extremely disorganized, unable to show up on time, or always chasing after the clock, one step behind.
Despite how much inconvenience it causes, some people just never get around to refining these simple skills and if you’re paying attention, you’ll catch glimpses of it in their behavior.
In this article, we’ll delve into the seven most common behaviors displayed by people who struggle with basic life skills. It’s not about shaming or judging, but about understanding and helping.
1) Avoidance of responsibility
One telltale sign of lacking life skills is the chronic avoidance of responsibility.
Taking responsibility is the cornerstone of maturity.
And when people run away from it at all costs, it’s not a great sign.
You’ll catch them dodging tasks that require practical skills or planning. It’s about choosing the easy route over the challenging one.
If you notice someone constantly avoiding responsibility, it might not be mere laziness. They could be struggling with certain life skills.
Taking an understanding approach to this kind of behavior is important, too.
Yes, a person might lack basic life skills, but there’s probably a deeper reason behind it. Perhaps their parents or guardians never taught them, or they’re struggling with other mental health issues.
It’s not about judgment, it’s just about recognition.
When we recognize problems, we can take steps to help others.
2) Struggles with time management
We all know that person who’s perpetually late, right?
I have a friend, let’s call him John. Now John is a great guy, but his time management is… let’s just say it leaves a lot to be desired.
John is constantly running late, missing appointments, and forgetting about commitments. It’s almost as if time is an elusive concept for him.
This struggle with managing time is another behavior often displayed by individuals who lack certain life skills.
Time management, after all, is a life skill – it’s about planning ahead, being organized, and making the best use of your time. And for John, and others like him, this can be a real challenge.
But again, these traits aren’t about pointing fingers or placing blame. They’re about understanding where the gaps are and working towards improving them.
3) Poor financial habits
Have you ever been surprised by how many people don’t know how to balance a checkbook or manage a budget? Money management is a basic life skill, yet 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.
Poor financial habits, like overspending, not saving, or ignoring bills, are common behaviors among those who lack this critical skill. It’s not necessarily about the amount of money one earns, but more about how they manage it.
Lack of financial acumen can lead to a multitude of problems, from debt to stress to strained relationships.
Understanding and addressing this behavior can help improve financial stability and overall quality of life.
4) Difficulty handling stress
Life is full of stressful situations, and how we handle them can reveal a lot about our life skills.
People who struggle with basic life skills often have difficulty coping with stress. They might overreact to small issues, struggle to solve problems or shut down completely in challenging situations.
Stress management is a crucial life skill, and without it, people can find themselves overwhelmed and unable to function effectively in their daily lives.
If you notice someone having an unusually hard time handling stress, it could be indicative of a lack in this area.
Understanding and empathy go a long way. We’re all just trying to navigate this sometimes chaotic world as best we can.
5) Difficulty maintaining relationships
Maintaining healthy relationships can be a challenge for anyone. I should know, I’ve had my fair share of misunderstandings and fallouts.
Some people, however, seem to have more than their fair share of relationship issues. They struggle with communication, conflict resolution, and sometimes even basic social etiquette.
These challenges often point to a lack of interpersonal skills, a fundamental set of life skills necessary for building and maintaining relationships.
If you notice someone consistently struggling in their relationships, it could be a sign that they’re lacking in this area.
But as with all things, patience and understanding can do wonders in helping someone improve these skills. Remember, no one is perfect and we all have our struggles.
6) Lack of self-care
Self-care is more than just pampering. It’s about recognizing your own needs and taking steps to meet them.
But for some, this concept can be quite elusive. They might neglect their health, skip meals, or consistently sleep poorly.
This lack of self-care is another behavior often seen in those who struggle with basic life skills. It indicates a difficulty in recognizing or prioritizing personal needs, which is a critical part of functioning effectively in life.
As always though, let’s approach this with empathy and understanding.
With the right support and resources, anyone can learn to better care for themselves.
7) Inability to adapt to change
Change is a constant in life. But for some, adapting to these changes can feel like climbing Mount Everest.
People lacking certain life skills often struggle with change. They find it hard to adjust to new routines, environments, or situations. This inability to adapt can hinder personal growth and limit opportunities.
It’s never about labeling or blaming. It’s about understanding, assisting, and growing together.
Let’s approach this topic with an open mind and a compassionate heart.
Getting it together
We often take basic skills for granted, but it’s important to be open and tolerant of people who lack them.
Sure, it can be frustrating to encounter adults who lack fundamental skills, but we shouldn’t judge. There might be a good reason why they are how they are.
What’s more important is to be understanding and to be able to recognize what’s going on to avoid problems as much as we can.
If we’re in a position to offer help or advice, we should, too.