If You Do These 11 Things, People Might Perceive You as Socially Awkward

If You Do These 11 Things, People Might Perceive You as Socially Awkward

We’ve all had those moments where a conversation just doesn’t feel right, and we’re left wondering what went wrong.

Sometimes, it’s not what you say but how you act during social interactions that leaves people feeling uncomfortable.

Understanding these behaviors can help you build stronger connections and avoid being misunderstood in everyday situations.

1. Interrupting People Mid-Sentence

Cutting someone off before they finish their thought sends a clear message: you value your words more than theirs.

It’s like slamming a door on someone who’s trying to walk through.

When you interrupt, the other person feels dismissed and unimportant.

Conversations work best when they flow like a tennis match, with each person taking turns.

If you constantly jump in, you’re basically playing solo while the other person watches from the sidelines.

This habit can make people avoid talking to you altogether.

Practice patience by counting to two after someone stops speaking.

This simple trick helps ensure they’re actually done and gives you a moment to form a thoughtful response instead of blurting out whatever pops into your head first.

2. Making Everything About Yourself

Ever notice how some people can turn any story into their own autobiography?

Someone mentions their vacation, and suddenly you’re hearing about every trip this person has ever taken.

It’s exhausting and makes others feel like supporting characters in your personal movie.

Relating to others through shared experiences is normal and healthy.

The problem starts when you hijack every single topic and steer it back to yourself.

People want to feel heard, not like they’re just providing prompts for your next monologue.

Balance is key here.

Share your experiences when relevant, but remember to ask follow-up questions about what the other person said.

Show genuine curiosity about their stories, and you’ll build much better connections.

3. Avoiding Eye Contact or Staring Too Intensely

Finding the sweet spot with eye contact is trickier than it sounds.

Look away too much and people think you’re hiding something or just not interested.

Stare too hard and you become that person who makes everyone squirm in their seat.

Your eyes communicate volumes before you even open your mouth.

Too little contact suggests you’d rather be anywhere else, while an unblinking gaze can feel aggressive or creepy.

Both extremes create discomfort that lingers long after the conversation ends.

Aim for natural glances that last a few seconds at a time.

Look at their face generally, not just their eyes.

It’s okay to glance away occasionally, especially when thinking or listening carefully to what they’re saying.

4. Over-Sharing Personal Information

Dumping your deepest secrets on someone you just met is like serving them a five-course meal when they only asked for a snack.

There’s a time and place for vulnerability, but the first conversation usually isn’t it.

People need time to build trust gradually.

When you reveal intensely personal details too quickly, it overwhelms others and puts them in an awkward position.

They don’t know you well enough to respond appropriately, and they might worry about what you’ll share next.

This creates an uncomfortable imbalance in the relationship.

Match the depth of what you share to how well you know someone.

Save the heavy stuff for friends who’ve earned your trust over time.

Start with lighter topics and let intimacy develop naturally.

5. Not Picking Up on Social Cues

Did you know that most communication happens without words?

Body language, facial expressions, and tone carry more weight than the actual words people use.

Missing these signals is like trying to navigate with half a map.

When someone starts glancing at their phone, shifting their weight, or giving shorter answers, they’re telling you something important.

They might be ready to leave, uncomfortable with the topic, or just done talking. Ignoring these hints makes conversations drag on painfully.

Pay attention to how people respond, not just what they say.

Notice if they lean in with interest or pull back. Watch their eyes and posture.

These clues help you adjust your approach and keep interactions comfortable for everyone involved.

6. Monopolizing the Conversation

Imagine attending a concert where only one instrument plays the entire time.

That’s what it feels like when someone talks endlessly without letting anyone else contribute.

Conversations should be collaborative, not solo performances with a captive audience.

When you dominate discussions, others become passive listeners rather than active participants.

They stop trying to add their thoughts because there’s simply no room.

Eventually, they’ll just tune out or find excuses to leave, even if they were initially interested in talking.

Set a mental timer for yourself and pause regularly to invite others in.

Ask questions, leave space for responses, and actually listen to the answers.

Good conversations flow back and forth like breathing—everyone needs their turn.

7. Using Your Phone During Conversations

Nothing says “you’re not important” quite like checking your phone mid-conversation.

It’s like telling someone to their face that whatever’s on that screen matters more than they do.

Even quick glances send this message loud and clear.

Your phone might buzz with notifications, but the person in front of you deserves your full attention.

When you split your focus, you miss important details and make the other person feel like they’re competing with your device for attention.

Spoiler alert: the phone usually wins.

Put your phone away or flip it face-down during conversations.

If you’re expecting an urgent call, mention it upfront so the other person understands.

Otherwise, let your messages wait—they’ll still be there when you’re done talking.

8. Giving Unsolicited Advice

Sometimes people just need to vent, not solve a problem.

Jumping straight into fix-it mode when someone shares a struggle can make them feel like you’re dismissing their feelings or suggesting they’re not smart enough to figure it out themselves.

Your intentions might be golden, but unsolicited advice often comes across as preachy or condescending.

The person didn’t ask for solutions—they asked for a listening ear.

When you immediately start problem-solving, you skip the empathy part that actually helps them feel better.

Before offering advice, ask if they want suggestions or just need to talk it out.

Most of the time, people know what they need to do.

They’re looking for support and validation, not a lecture on how to handle their situation.

9. Laughing at Inappropriate Times

Nervous laughter during serious moments is like accidentally honking your car horn at a funeral.

Your brain might use laughter to cope with discomfort, but others don’t have that context.

They just see someone giggling when the situation calls for solemnity or empathy.

When you laugh at the wrong time, people question your judgment and emotional awareness.

Are you mocking their pain?

Do you not understand the gravity of the situation?

Even if neither is true, that’s the impression you leave behind.

If nervous laughter is your default response to tension, work on recognizing when it’s happening.

Take a breath, bite your lip gently, or focus on matching the mood around you.

A serious face shows respect when moments call for it.

10. Standing Too Close or Invading Personal Space

Everyone carries an invisible bubble around them, and crossing into it uninvited triggers an instinctive discomfort.

Standing too close makes people feel trapped or threatened, even if you mean no harm.

Their bodies naturally want to create distance, leading to an awkward shuffle backward.

Personal space needs vary by culture and relationship, but there’s usually a safe zone to respect.

With acquaintances and strangers, an arm’s length is a good rule of thumb.

Closer than that, and you’re in territory reserved for close friends and family.

Pay attention if someone steps back during conversation—they’re telling you something important.

Respect that boundary and maintain a comfortable distance.

People relax more when they don’t feel crowded, making for better interactions overall.

11. Struggling to Keep the Conversation Flowing

Awkward silences can feel like they last forever, even when they’re only a few seconds.

When conversations constantly stall out, both people start feeling tense and self-conscious.

The pressure builds with each pause, making it harder to find something natural to say.

Keeping dialogue moving doesn’t mean you need to be a professional entertainer.

It’s about showing interest through questions and comments that build on what the other person shares.

When responses fall flat or trail off into nothing, conversations lose momentum and become uncomfortable.

Prepare a few go-to topics or questions beforehand if this is your struggle.

Ask about their interests, recent experiences, or opinions on everyday things.

Practice active listening and use what they say as jumping-off points for new directions in the conversation.