Introduction
If you’ve ever been the victim of someone’s irritation, you know how frustrating it can be. But what if you’re the one causing the irritation? If you’re not careful, you could be guilty of some of the following irritating behaviors.
Do you:
Interrupt people when they’re speaking?
Finish other people’s sentences for them?
Talk too much?
Ask too many personal questions?
Touch people without their permission?
Make assumptions about others?
Fail to listen to what others are saying?
Constantly criticize others?
Complain all the time?
Gossip about others behind their back?
Exaggerate or tell lies?
If any of these sound familiar, then you may want to work on becoming less irritating. Other people will appreciate it, and you’ll likely find yourself in fewer difficult situations.
Trait 1: Overly Opinionated
If you’re the type of person who is always spouting off your opinions, you’re probably pretty irritating to be around. People don’t want to hear you constantly going on and on about your views on everything. If you can’t keep your mouth shut, you’re probably driving people crazy.
Trait 2: Always Interrupting
If you’re the type of person who always has to be the center of attention, you’re probably also the type of person who interrupts others constantly. It’s not that you don’t know how to take turns in a conversation – you just don’t see the point. Why let someone else have the floor when you could be talking instead?
This behavior is so annoying that it even has a name: “conversational narcissism.” And it’s a surefire way to make everyone around you wish they could find a way to tune you out.
So what can you do if you’re guilty of this irritating trait? The next time you’re in a group setting, try to be aware of how often you’re speaking. If you find yourself interrupting others frequently, make an effort to hold back and give others a chance to contribute to the conversation. You might be surprised at how much more interesting and enjoyable conversations can be when everyone gets a chance to participate.
Trait 3: Unwilling to Listen
There are some people who are just impossible to have a conversation with because they’re never willing to listen. They’re always ready to jump in and share their own opinion, regardless of whether or not it’s relevant to the discussion. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re trying to have a serious discussion about something important. If you find yourself constantly being interrupted and talked over, it might be time to reevaluate your relationships with these people.
Trait 4: Passive Aggressive Behavior
Passive aggressive behavior is a form of indirect aggression. It is characterized by a pattern of passive, or covert, resistance to expected work requirements, coupled with an avoidance of direct confrontation.
The hallmark of passive aggressive behavior is a chronic, simmering resentment. If you’re the target of someone’s passive aggression, you may feel confused, frustrated, and even threatened. After all, it can be difficult to tell whether the person intends to be helpful or harmful.
There are many possible factors that contribute to passive aggressive behavior. In some cases, it may be a learned response to childhood experiences such as strict parental controls or abuse. It may also be a way of coping with feelings of powerlessness or insecurity. Or it could be simply habit.
Whatever its cause, passive aggressive behavior generally stems from a fear of conflict and an inability (or unwillingness) to express anger directly. Instead of openly dealing with their hostility, the person passes it off as jokes or sarcasm, neglects important tasks, “forgets” deadlines, or uses other indirect strategies to get back at someone they perceive as threatening.
If you find yourself frequently on the receiving end of this type of treatment, you might want to try to set some boundaries with the person in question. Explain that their behavior is upsetting and ask them to stop. If they refuse or are unable to change their ways, it may be best to limit your exposure to
Trait 5: Blaming Others for Their Mistakes
Blaming others for their mistakes is a common trait of highly irritating people. This behaviour is often seen in people who are trying to cover up their own mistakes or deflect responsibility. Blaming others not only comes across as arrogant and unprofessional, but it can also damage relationships and create an environment of mistrust. If you find yourself regularly blaming others for their mistakes, try to take a step back and examine your own behaviour. Are you really looking out for the best interests of others, or are you just trying to protect yourself? If it’s the latter, try to change your behaviour and take responsibility for your own actions.
Trait 6: Constantly Negativity and Criticism
If you’re constantly negative and critical, you’re probably pretty irritating to be around. No one wants to hear someone complaining all the time, or putting them down. If this sounds like you, try to find something positive in every situation, and focus on building people up instead of tearing them down. It’ll make you a lot more pleasant to be around, and people will be much more likely to want to spend time with you.
Trait 7: Refusing to Apologize
Many people find it highly irritating when others refuse to apologize, even when they are clearly in the wrong. This trait is often seen in people who are excessively proud or have a very low tolerance for admitting they were wrong. If you know someone like this, you may have experienced firsthand how frustrating it can be to try and get them to say “I’m sorry.” In some cases, people may even go so far as to make up excuses or blame others in order to avoid apologizing. If you’re guilty of this trait yourself, try to be more conscious of it in future interactions with others.
Trait 8: Being Manipulative
Some people are just plain ol’ manipulative. They’re always trying to get something from someone, whether it’s material goods, favors, or attention. And they’re not above using underhanded tactics to get what they want. If you know someone like this, you probably find them pretty irritating. But what if you’re the one being manipulative? Well, that’s not so great either.
If you’re always trying to get something from someone, chances are you’re pretty irritating. Whether you’re after material goods, favors, or attention, people can see right through your manipulations. And let’s be honest, it’s not a very admirable quality. So if you find yourself constantly trying to get one over on others, it might be time to reevaluate your behavior. Otherwise, you’ll just end up annoying everyone around you.
