Pretty much everyone has accidentally been a little rude, oblivious, or maybe just plain inconsiderate at one point, but that doesn’t make it okay. There are some bad habits we all need to work on — avoiding these things altogether will make our lives (and the lives of everyone around us) so much better.
1. Ghosting
Whether it’s a friend, a date, or a potential employer, disappearing without a word is plain disrespectful. A simple “not interested” text takes seconds and shows a bit of courtesy. Ghosting creates uncertainty and can leave people feeling hurt. Think about how you’d want to be treated, and act accordingly.
2. Being “fashionably” late
Your time isn’t more valuable than everyone else’s. Being punctual shows respect. If something unavoidable happens, a quick message to let people know goes a long way. According to Marriage.com, chronic lateness can damage relationships and make you seem unreliable – not exactly qualities you want to be associated with.
3. Phone obsession during conversations
Scrolling through social media while someone’s talking to you is incredibly dismissive. Give the person in front of you your full attention – or better yet, power down for quality time. Constant phone-checking sends the message that whatever’s on your screen is more important than the person you’re with, and that’s just not cool.
4. Interrupting people mid-sentence
It’s not just rude, but it also makes you seem like a poor listener. Let people finish their thoughts before you jump in, even if you’re bubbling with excitement to contribute. Everyone deserves to feel heard, and interrupting them disrupts their flow of thought and can make them feel less valued in the conversation.
5. Public displays of rudeness
Yelling at service staff, being snippy with strangers – it’s just plain ugly. Treat everyone with basic kindness, even if you’re having a bad day. Remember, how you treat others reflects on your character. Take a deep breath and treat people the way you’d like to be treated yourself.
6. Oversharing on social media
Nobody really needs to see all the details of your workout routine or every single meal you eat. A little bit of online discretion is refreshing in this oversharing age. Think twice before you hit “post” – would you want someone to share that information about you? If not, it’s probably best to keep it private. .
7. Not holding the door open
It’s a tiny gesture with a big impact. Whether it’s an elderly person or someone with their hands full, taking a second to hold the door shows simple consideration. Remember, even the smallest acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Think of holding the door as a little opportunity to make the world a slightly kinder place.
8. Headphones on, world tuned out
Blasting music or videos in public spaces with your headphones on is a prime example of obliviousness. Keep the volume down or save it for when you’re alone. Being considerate of those around you includes respecting their auditory space – not everyone wants to be forced to listen to your playlists.
9. Littering
Tossing your trash out the window, leaving it at a park…it’s gross AND harmful to the environment. Seriously, just put it in a bin. It’s really not that difficult. Trash doesn’t disappear magically. Do your part to keep shared spaces clean and beautiful for everyone’s enjoyment.
10. Taking up too much space
Manspreading on public transport, hogging all the armrests – it’s inconsiderate. Be mindful of the space you occupy so others can feel comfortable too. Public spaces are meant to be shared. Remember, you’re not the only one on the bus or train, so be considerate of your fellow passengers.
11. Commenting on other people’s bodies
Whether it’s about someone’s weight loss, weight gain, or just their appearance in general, according to Well+Good, keep your unsolicited opinions to yourself. Bodies change, and it’s nobody else’s business. Focus on people’s character and actions, not their physical appearance. Your comments might have a deeper impact than you realize, so err on the side of kindness and positivity.
12. Being glued to your phone during group hangouts
You came out to be with friends, so be present! Constantly texting or checking notifications makes you a lousy companion and can hurt your connections. Being truly present in a social setting means giving your time and attention to the people you’re with. Let them know you’re genuinely interested in connecting by putting your phone away.
13. Ignoring emails or texts (without a good reason)
We get it, life is busy. But if someone took the time to reach out, a simple reply (even a “Can’t talk now, I’ll get back to you soon!”) shows basic respect. Imagine if the tables were turned – wouldn’t you appreciate the same courtesy? Leaving people hanging can be frustrating and damaging to relationships.
14. Talking loudly in quiet spaces
Libraries, cafes, shared workspaces – be mindful of the volume of your voice. Not everyone wants to be privy to your phone conversations or gossip sessions. Respecting those around you means making a conscious effort to keep your noise levels in check. If you need to have a louder conversation, find a more appropriate space so you’re not disturbing others.
15. Not cleaning up after your pet
It’s not just unpleasant, it can also be a health hazard. If your dog poops, you scoop. It’s non-negotiable dog-owner etiquette. It’s a matter of responsibility and respect for shared public spaces. Plus, no one wants to step in an unpleasant “surprise” left by an inconsiderate pet owner.
