I’ve got news for you.

Sometimes, it’s not them. It’s you. You may be unknowingly putting up barriers that make you a tough person to interact with.

The thing is, it’s not always easy to recognize these habits in ourselves. We may be so used to our ways of interacting that we don’t realize they’re pushing people away.

But fear not.

I’ve compiled a list of 7 telltale signs that you might be a bit harder to deal with than you think. 

Let’s delve into these signs, shall we?

1) You’re often the center of drama

Let’s face it.

We all have moments when we’re the main character in our own drama series.

But if this becomes a recurring theme, it may be time to pause and reflect.

Drama can sometimes be a sign of difficulty in dealing with emotions or situations.

You might find yourself constantly in conflict with others, or perhaps you’re always the victim in every story.

Persistent drama can be exhausting for those around you.

They may start to distance themselves to avoid being drawn into your whirlwind.

Don’t get me wrong, everyone has bad days and everyone has their fair share of drama.

But if it’s more than just an occasional thing, it could be a sign that you’re a tough person to deal with.

Assess your role in these situations.

Are you always the common denominator in these dramatic instances? If so, it might be time for some self-reflection and change.

2) You struggle to listen

I remember once, during a group project in college, I was so focused on getting my ideas across that I completely ignored the suggestions of my teammates.

It didn’t take long for them to stop sharing their thoughts altogether.

This was a wake-up call for me. I realized that my inability to listen was creating a barrier between myself and others.

And it’s not just about not hearing what they’re saying.

It’s about not taking their opinions into account, disregarding their feelings, and essentially making them feel unheard.

Do you find yourself often dismissing other people’s inputs or interrupting them mid-sentence?

The fact is, you might be making it difficult for people to engage with you.

Communication is a two-way street. It’s not just about expressing yourself but also understanding others.

3) You frequently use negative language

Negativity can be contagious.

In fact, studies have shown that being around someone who uses a lot of negative language can actually raise your own stress levels.

If you find yourself frequently using phrases like “I can’t,” “this won’t work,” or “everything is going wrong,” it may be time to take a step back and reassess your language patterns.

People may start to find it difficult to be around you if they’re constantly being bombarded with negativity.

It can drain their energy and create a pessimistic atmosphere.

The language we use not only affects those around us but also shapes our own mindset.

Positive language fosters a positive environment, both for ourselves and the people we interact with.

4) You’re resistant to change

Change is a natural part of life.

But if your default reaction to any new suggestion or change in plans is immediate resistance, it might be a sign that you’re a bit tough to deal with.

People who are resistant to change can often derail progress in group situations, making it difficult for others to move forward.

This resistance can stem from a place of fear or discomfort, but that growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones.

Flexibility and adaptability are key traits that make relationships smoother and more comfortable for all parties involved.

If you find yourself digging your heels in at the prospect of change, consider why that might be, and how you could adopt a more open-minded approach.

5) You struggle to admit when you’re wrong

I’ll never forget the time I stubbornly insisted that my direction was the fastest way to our holiday destination.

Despite my partner’s doubts and the GPS’s clear indications, I plowed on, leading us into a two-hour traffic jam.

Admitting when we’re wrong is not easy.

It can feel like a blow to our ego, making us feel vulnerable or less than.

However, refusing to acknowledge our mistakes can create friction in our relationships and make us difficult to deal with.

Whether it’s a small mistake or a major blunder, owning up to it shows humility and respect for others’ opinions and feelings.

It fosters trust and encourages open communication, making it easier for others to interact with us.

6) You’re overly critical

Constructive criticism is a great way to help others improve and grow.

However, there’s a fine line between being helpful and being overly critical.

If you find yourself constantly pointing out others’ flaws or mistakes, it might come off as unsupportive or even offensive.

This kind of behavior can make people feel judged and can create a hostile environment.

Being overly critical is not only hard on others, but it can also be tough on you.

It can create unnecessary stress and tension in your relationships and might hinder your ability to appreciate the positive aspects of people and situations.

Try to strike a balance between offering useful feedback and acknowledging the good in others. It’ll make for a more harmonious interaction.

7) You lack empathy

Without a doubt, empathy is one of the most important qualities in any relationship.

It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

If you struggle to show empathy, it can make interactions with you challenging.

People might feel as though their emotions are being dismissed or that they’re not being understood.

Empathy builds bridges between people, fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect.

It allows us to navigate disagreements, misunderstandings, and conflicts in a more compassionate and understanding way.

Working on your ability to empathize can drastically improve your interactions and relationships with others.

Final thoughts

The complexities of human behavior are vast and often intertwined with our personal experiences and inherent traits.

One of the most enlightening things about self-awareness is recognizing that we’re all a work in progress.

None of us is perfect, and we all have our quirks and idiosyncrasies that can make us difficult to deal with at times.

However, self-improvement begins with self-awareness. If any of these signs resonated with you, that’s okay.

The truth is, we’ve all exhibited these behaviors at some point. The key is to recognize them, understand them, and work towards change.

It’s not about achieving perfection but about continuous growth and development. 

After all, being difficult to deal with at times doesn’t define who you are. It’s just a part of the journey to becoming the best version of yourself.