Devin Jacobs
Ever been caught in a social situation that made you cringe, not because of what you did, but because of what someone else didn’t? Proper manners are like invisible threads that hold society together, making interactions smooth and pleasant. But when those threads are frayed or missing, it’s glaringly obvious. Let’s look at these 15 poor manners that scream that someone may have missed a few lessons in good upbringing.
Talking with Your Mouth Full
This habit makes it difficult for others to understand you and might come across as a lack of self-awareness. Proper dining etiquette, which includes waiting to speak until you’ve swallowed your food, is usually taught at a young age to ensure you don’t inadvertently gross out your dining companions.
Interrupting Others
It’s a sign of poor social skills and impatience. This shows that you’re more interested in expressing your thoughts than listening to what the other person says. You can come off as rude and dismissive. Good courtesy involves active listening, which means waiting your turn to speak and acknowledging others’ perspectives.
Not Saying “Please” and “Thank You.”
Failing to use basic polite expressions like “please” and “thank you” suggests no gratitude and respect. These phrases are fundamental to courtesy and demonstrate that you don’t take others’ kindness or efforts for granted. When you consistently skip these courtesies, you can seem entitled or inconsiderate.
Ignoring RSVP Requests
Not responding to an RSVP reveals a lack of consideration for the host’s planning efforts. An RSVP helps the host prepare adequately by providing enough food, seating, and other accommodations. Ignoring it leads to unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
Leaving a Mess Behind
Leaving a mess for others to clean up, whether at home, in public, or at someone else’s place, signals no personal responsibility. As a result, other people assume you will clean up after yourself, which is inconsiderate and lazy. This indicates the virtue of cleaning was not instilled early on.
Coughing or sneezing Without Covering Your Mouth
When you cough or sneeze without shielding your mouth isn’t just rude—it’s a health risk. Failing to cover up allows germs to spread easily, putting others at risk of illness. Good etiquette means using a tissue or your elbow to shield your mouth, a simple yet important gesture that reveals you care about the health and comfort of those around you.
Checking Your Phone During Conversations
Constantly checking your phone while somebody is talking to you is a modern-day sign of bad habits. In this way, you convey to the person you are talking to that they are less important than your phone. This behavior can damage relationships and make social interactions less meaningful.
Poor Table Manners
Poor table manners, such as slurping, chewing with your mouth open, or using the wrong utensils, can make dining with you an unpleasant experience. These habits suggest a lack of refinement and awareness of dining etiquette, often taught as part of one’s upbringing.
Not Holding the Door for Others
A door slam in someone’s face or not holding it open for the next person is a small but telling sign of poor conduct. It indicates an absence of consideration for others and a disregard for social niceties. The simple act of kindness requires minimal effort but shows that you were raised to be mindful of others’ needs.
Not Making Eye Contact
By avoiding eye contact, you can appear disinterested, dishonest, or disrespectful. During a conversation, eye contact conveys confidence, attentiveness, and sincerity. Not maintaining it can suggest that you weren’t taught the importance of engaging fully with others during conversations, which is a key element of good conduct.
Failing to Greet People Properly
Proper greeting is a basic form of courtesy that shows respect and recognition of the other person. Otherwise, it is unprofessional and alienating not to do so. It’s an important social skill that fosters positive interactions and clearly indicates a good upbringing.
Being Late Without Notice
Chronic lateness without prior notice expresses disrespect for other people’s time. It suggests that you value your schedule more than theirs, which can be frustrating and disrespectful. Being punctual shows that you were taught to respect other people’s commitments and are reliable.
Speaking Too Loudly
When you speak too loudly in social settings, it can be both disruptive and inconsiderate. This behavior might suggest you’re not fully tuned into your surroundings and can unsettle others. Politeness involves managing your volume to ensure you engage in the conversation without overwhelming or disturbing those around you.
Gossiping About Others
Gossip about others signals a lapse in character and good courtesy, as it involves betraying an individual’s trust for a fleeting thrill. Such behavior can tarnish relationships and reputations. You demonstrate integrity and respect by avoiding gossip and speaking kindly about others.
Not Saying “Excuse Me”
Whether you’re trying to pass by a person in a crowded space or accidentally bump into them, not saying “excuse me” is a clear sign of poor habits. It exhibits a lack of basic politeness and consideration for others’ personal space. Using polite expressions like “excuse me” helps smooth social interactions and indicates you were taught courteously.