7 awkward things people with poor social skills do in public (without realizing it)

There’s a thin line between being naturally quiet and having poor social skills.

This distinction boils down to awareness. Those with poor social skills often commit faux pas without even realizing it. They’re not intentionally trying to be awkward, they just lack the understanding of certain social cues.

Being socially awkward can make public situations a real challenge. And trust me, there are certain behaviors that are dead giveaways of poor social skills.

Here’s a quick run-down of seven awkward things people with poor social skills do in public, often without even knowing it.

1) Overstepping personal boundaries

It’s not uncommon for those with poor social skills to inadvertently breach the personal space of others.

Personal boundaries are like an invisible bubble around us. It’s a space that most of us instinctively understand and respect.

However, those who struggle socially may lack this understanding. They might stand too close or touch people inappropriately, making others uncomfortable without even realizing it.

This lack of spatial awareness is often a clear sign of poor social skills. It can lead to awkward encounters and misunderstandings in public situations.

And while this behavior isn’t intentional, it can still be off-putting for those on the receiving end. 

2) Misreading non-verbal cues

Non-verbal communication is a key part of our daily interactions. But for those who struggle socially, deciphering these subtle cues can be a real challenge.

I remember a time when I was at a party. There was this guy who seemed to have trouble understanding when someone was not interested in his conversation. He kept talking about his passion for model trains, even though the other person had crossed their arms, had glazed-over eyes, and was clearly looking for an escape route.

His inability to pick up on these non-verbal signals made the situation increasingly awkward. It wasn’t that his topic wasn’t interesting, but he failed to read the room and adjust accordingly.

This is a classic example of poor social skills in action. 

3) Dominating conversations

Another sign of poor social skills is dominating conversations. This is when someone talks excessively about themselves or their interests, leaving little room for others to contribute.

A conversation is like a game of catch – it involves both throwing and catching. If one person hogs the ball, the game becomes one-sided and less enjoyable for everyone else.

Psychological studies have shown that those who listen more than they speak are often perceived as more likable. This is because being a good listener demonstrates respect for others’ opinions and shows an interest in what they have to say.

4) Avoiding eye contact

Eye contact is an essential aspect of human communication. It indicates that we’re engaged and interested in the conversation. However, those with poor social skills often struggle with this.

Avoiding eye contact can be perceived as disinterest or even rudeness. It can make the other person feel like they aren’t being heard or valued.

On the flip side, it’s also important not to stare. Maintaining too much eye contact can feel intense and uncomfortable.

Finding the right balance is key. Those who master this subtle art come across as more confident, approachable, and trustworthy in their interactions.

5) Being unaware of social norms

Social norms are the invisible rules that guide our behaviour in social situations. They tell us what’s appropriate and what’s not. For those with poor social skills, these norms can often be a mystery.

I once attended a formal dinner where attendees were expected to adhere to a certain dress code. Despite the clear instructions, one individual turned up in casual attire. It was obvious he didn’t realize the importance of dressing appropriately for the occasion, which led to some uncomfortable moments.

Not adhering to social norms can make interactions tricky and lead to feelings of embarrassment. So, becoming aware of these unwritten rules can go a long way in improving your social skills.

6) Interrupting others

We all know how irritating it can be when we’re in the middle of expressing a thought and someone cuts us off. This is another common trait of individuals with poor social skills.

Interrupting others not only disrupts the flow of conversation, but it also shows a lack of respect for the other person’s opinion. It can make them feel unimportant and dismissed.

Remember that a good conversation involves active listening, understanding, and responding at the right time. By allowing others to complete their thoughts without interruption, we foster healthier and more respectful interactions.

7) Failing to show empathy

At the heart of social interaction is empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Those with poor social skills often struggle with this crucial aspect.

Empathy involves more than just hearing the words someone is saying. It requires recognizing the emotions behind those words and responding in a supportive manner.

Without empathy, our interactions can feel cold and disconnected. So, if you want to improve your social skills, developing your ability to empathize with others is a great place to start.

Final thoughts: It’s all about growth

Social skills, like many other aspects of our lives, are a product of both nature and nurture. While some are naturally gifted in social situations, others may need to work on it a bit more.

Remember, having poor social skills isn’t a character flaw or something to be ashamed of. It’s merely a skill set that some people may need to put more effort into improving.

And the beauty is that it’s never too late to learn. All it takes is a bit of self-awareness, practice, and patience.

Understanding these awkward behaviors and how they impact our interactions is the first step towards improvement. With this knowledge, you can start making conscious efforts towards developing better social skills.

So, the next time you’re in a social situation, remember these points and reflect on how you can better navigate the social landscape.

After all, life is all about growth and becoming the best version of ourselves. And improving your social skills is just one part of that journey.