Eliza Hartley
Have you ever had that feeling that something’s off with someone you know?
Like, no matter what you do, it just doesn’t seem to click and you’re left wondering why.
Maybe you’re picking up on some subtle vibes that they’re not too keen on you, but it’s not obvious enough to call them out on it. It’s frustrating, right?
Well, you’re not alone in this.
Often, people don’t show their true feelings openly; instead, their real feelings sneak out in small, subtle ways.
In this article, we’re going to look at eight behaviors that might suggest someone isn’t really your biggest fan.
Spotting these early can save you from a lot of confusion and disappointment down the road.
Let’s get into it and figure out what might be hiding behind those mixed messages.
1) Unwarranted criticism and constant nitpicking
Unwarranted criticism and constant nitpicking can be one of the first subtle signs of subconscious contempt.
You might initially brush it off as their high standards or your own inadequacies, but something about it just doesn’t sit right with you.
If you constantly find yourself at the receiving end of their irrational critiques, if they seem to find fault in everything you do, or if their criticism seems to have no constructive purpose, then it’s time to take notice.
Their constant need to put you down might not be about your shortcomings at all, but rather a reflection of their subconscious disdain towards you.
This behavior isn’t just disheartening, it’s downright disrespectful.
The realization might be tough to grapple with, but it’s an essential step toward understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface.
2) They don’t seem to value your opinion
In line with the constant criticism, another glaring sign can be their blatant disregard for your opinion.
It’s as if they’ve placed themselves on a pedestal, deeming their thoughts and ideas superior to yours.
I recall this one time when I was planning a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend with someone I considered close.
I was excited and had a bunch of ideas brewing in my mind.
But every time I suggested something, they’d dismiss it without a second thought.
They didn’t even pretend to consider my ideas, making me feel like my opinion didn’t matter at all.
It’s normal for people to have differing opinions, but if someone routinely dismisses your thoughts without any valid reason, it might be more than just a difference of perspective.
3) They seem uninterested in your life
The great Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
If someone is subconsciously harboring contempt for you, they will often show a marked lack of interest in your life.
Their apathy may manifest subtly at first.
It could be that they never seem to remember the important details about your life or that they seem disinterested when you share your experiences with them.
This indifference can make you feel undervalued and neglected.
For instance, if you’ve shared something important about your day or an upcoming event in your life and they show no interest or worse, don’t even remember it later, it could be a clear sign of their subconscious.
Ultimately, genuine interest is a hallmark of respect and regard.
If they can’t be bothered to show interest in your life, it might be because they subconsciously detest you.
4) Their body language is off
In the world of psychology, there’s a concept known as “leakage.”
This refers to the idea that a person’s true feelings often seep out through their body language, even when they’re trying to hide them.
If someone subconsciously detests you, their body language might give them away.
They might avoid eye contact, cross their arms when talking to you, or keep a physical distance.
These subtle signs can often be more telling than words.
Take note of their non-verbal cues.
Are they open and relaxed or do they seem tense and closed off?
Do they lean in when you talk or do they pull away?
The answers to these questions could provide valuable insights into their subconscious feelings towards you.
5) They’re overly competitive with you
Every relationship has its fair share of friendly competition, but when it starts to feel like they’re constantly trying to one-up you, it may be more than just a competitive spirit at play.
They might always try to outdo your achievements or belittle your efforts.
Every conversation could feel like a battlefield where they’re trying to prove that they’re better than you in some way.
For example, if you’ve shared an accomplishment and instead of being happy for you, they immediately counter it with their own bigger, better achievement, this could be a subtle sign of their subconscious contempt.
In a healthy relationship, people uplift each other and celebrate each other’s victories.
But if someone is always trying to overshadow you, it might be because they subconsciously detest you.
6) They’re seldom happy for your successes
Building on the idea of constant competition, another telling sign of subconscious disdain could be their lack of joy at your successes.
When good things happen to you and you’re eager to share the news, they seem indifferent, or worse, they might even subtly downplay your achievement.
Their reactions often feel insincere or forced. You might notice a lack of genuine happiness in their eyes, and their congratulations might sound hollow.
For example, if you’ve just gotten a promotion at work and they respond with a lackluster “That’s nice” or immediately shift the conversation back to themselves, it might be a sign that they don’t genuinely wish the best for you.
It’s a sign worth looking out for because true friends will always celebrate your wins in life.
7) They rarely initiate contact
If you stop and think about it, are you always the one reaching out?
If it feels like you’re the glue holding the relationship together, this could be a subtle sign of their subconscious contempt.
Whether it’s social plans, texts, or phone calls, if they seldom make the first move, it might indicate that they’re not as invested in the relationship as you are.
It’s like you’re an afterthought or a backup plan, rather than someone they genuinely want to connect with.
For instance, if you notice that they only get in touch when they need something or when it’s convenient for them, it might be a sign of their subconscious disdain towards you.
The bottom line is:
Relationships are a two-way street.
8) They don’t respect your boundaries
Perhaps one of the most critical signs of subconscious contempt is a blatant disregard for your personal boundaries.
Respect is the cornerstone of any relationship, and when someone habitually oversteps your boundaries, it’s a clear sign they lack respect for you.
This could manifest in various ways, from continuously interrupting you while you’re talking to making decisions that affect you without consulting you first.
These actions show a lack of consideration for your feelings and needs.
Let’s say you’ve expressed discomfort about certain topics and they continually bring them up.
Or they make plans involving you without asking for your consent.
These are clear signs that subconsciously, this person both detests and lacks respect for you.
Final thoughts
Spotting these subtle signs of negativity or disdain can really open your eyes, and honestly, it might sting a bit.
But getting a handle on these signals is super important for keeping your social life healthy and drama-free.
Whether it’s someone who constantly one-ups you or just doesn’t respect your space, recognizing these signs means you can make informed decisions about how to handle these relationships.
Remember, you deserve to be around people who support you and treat you well.
Keep these insights in mind, trust your instincts, and make sure your friendships and interactions are filled with positivity and mutual respect.
After all, good vibes are what great relationships are all about!
