7 behaviors that immediately turn people off when you first meet them

First impressions are everything, folks. And believe it or not, certain behaviors can really grind people’s gears when they meet you for the first time.

Ever wonder why some people just seem to rub you the wrong way? I’m here to shed some light on that.

In this article, I’m going to dive into seven behaviors that have the potential to turn people off instantly when you first cross paths with them.

Let’s get started. 

1) Excessive self-promotion

It’s a universal truth folks – no one likes a show-off.

When meeting someone for the first time, it’s natural to want to present yourself in the best light possible. But there’s a fine line between sharing your achievements and boasting incessantly.

You see, people are much more interested in getting to know you as a person, rather than listening to a list of your accomplishments.

Overdoing the self-promotion can come across as egotistical and self-absorbed, turning people off before they’ve even had the chance to get to know you.

The key here is balance. Of course, it’s okay to talk about your successes, but remember to show interest in the other person too. It’s all about give and take, my friends. Let’s not forget that.

2) Dominating the conversation

We’ve all been there – trapped in a one-sided conversation with someone who just doesn’t seem to understand the concept of dialogue. I remember a time when I had just moved into a new neighborhood and was eager to make friends.

When I met my next-door neighbor for the first time, I was excited. However, from the moment we started talking, he took over the entire conversation. He spoke at length about his job, his travels, his hobbies – without giving me a chance to get a word in edgewise.

By the end of our “conversation”, I knew more about him than I did about some of my old friends, and I was left feeling unheard and unimportant.

It’s important to remember that conversations are not monologues. They’re an exchange of ideas, experiences and feelings. Dominating the conversation can immediately turn people off, as it sends the message that you’re not interested in what they have to say.

3) Negativity overload

Here’s something to chew on – according to research, it takes five positive comments to balance out a single negative one. This speaks volumes about the impact negativity can have on our interactions.

When you meet someone for the first time, constantly complaining or focusing on the negative aspects of life can be an immediate turn-off. It creates a heavy atmosphere and can make the other person feel uncomfortable or drained.

Positivity, on the other hand, is contagious. It can uplift moods and foster a more enjoyable conversation.

So, try to focus on the brighter side of things when meeting someone for the first time. It’s not about being unrealistically optimistic, but rather about creating a positive first impression.

4) Ignoring personal space

Personal space is a big deal, folks. It’s an invisible boundary that everyone has, and when that space is invaded, it can make people feel uncomfortable, anxious, or even threatened.

When meeting someone for the first time, it’s important to respect their personal space. This includes physical distance as well as understanding that certain topics may be off-limits.

Crossing these boundaries can signal disrespect and insensitivity, immediately turning people off. So be mindful of maintaining a comfortable distance and steer clear of personal topics unless the other person opens up about them first. It’s all about respect.

5) Lack of eye contact

Eye contact is one of those things that can hold more power than we often give it credit for. I remember a time when I was attending a networking event. I was introduced to a person who, while shaking my hand, was scanning the room instead of maintaining eye contact with me.

That lack of eye contact made me feel like just another face in the crowd, rather than an individual worth getting to know.

When you meet someone for the first time, maintaining eye contact helps convey sincerity and interest. It shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and value the other person’s thoughts and opinions. On the flip side, avoiding eye contact can make you seem disinterested or insincere, immediately turning people off.

6) Being inattentive

Attention is a gift, and when you give it to someone, it shows that you value their presence and what they have to say.

But here’s the thing – it’s pretty obvious when you’re not paying attention. Maybe you’re constantly checking your phone, or your eyes are wandering around the room, or you’re interrupting with unrelated comments.

These actions can come across as disrespectful and dismissive, immediately turning people off. When meeting someone for the first time, it’s crucial to give them your undivided attention. This doesn’t just mean listening, but actively engaging in the conversation. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

7) Lack of empathy

At the end of the day, we’re all human, with our own struggles and emotions. Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others – is a powerful tool in connecting with people.

When you meet someone for the first time, showing empathy can go a long way in building a positive impression. It shows that you’re not just interested in talking about yourself, but also care about the experiences and feelings of others.

On the other hand, being dismissive or indifferent towards someone’s experiences or emotions can immediately turn people off. It signals a lack of respect and understanding, which can hinder any potential connection. So remember, a little empathy goes a long way.