Lucas Graham
Interacting with others is like a dance, some are naturals at it while others step on toes.
You might know someone, or perhaps you’ve even been that someone, who makes every social interaction feel like a chore.
They might mean well, but their approach to communication leaves you feeling drained and uncomfortable.
It’s not always a dramatic event.
Sometimes it’s just a series of small awkward moments that add up to make you realize that they’re struggling with their social skills.
This is your guide to recognizing the 8 behaviors that indicate someone has really poor social skills.
Buckle up, this could be a bumpy ride.
1) They consistently interrupt or talk over others
Interactions are a two-way street, a give-and-take of thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
When someone consistently interrupts or talks over others it’s not just annoying, it’s a clear sign they lack social finesse.
This behavior can stem from a variety of reasons – maybe they’re overly excited, anxious, or just oblivious to the nuances of conversation.
But the end result is the same, it disrupts the flow of interactions and leaves others feeling unheard and undervalued.
If you’ve noticed this behavior in someone you interact with, you’re likely dealing with an individual who has poor social skills.
Everyone has off moments, but if this is their regular modus operandi, it’s a red flag.
2) They make conversations all about themselves
Have you ever been in a conversation where you felt like a supporting character in someone else’s monologue?
I remember a friend of mine, let’s call him John. Every time we met, it felt like an episode of ‘The John Show’.
I’d mention something about my day, and within seconds he’d steer the conversation back to himself. It was as if he was using my life experiences as a springboard to dive into his own narratives.
This is a classic behavior of someone with poor social skills. They often lack the ability to engage in a balanced conversation, making their interactions feel more like a soliloquy than a dialogue.
It’s not that they don’t care about you or your experiences, they simply may not realize that their conversational habits are one-sided.
But regardless of the reason, it can make interactions with them draining instead of enriching.
3) They’re unaware of personal space
Famed American author, Mark Twain, once said, “Actions speak louder than words.” This is particularly true when it comes to understanding social cues related to personal space.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who just stands a little too close? Or maybe they don’t respect your personal belongings, constantly touching or moving things without asking.
It’s not about being overly possessive or being a germaphobe, it’s about respecting boundaries.
People who struggle with social skills often fail to understand these unspoken rules of engagement. They might not realize that they are making others uncomfortable, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are.
Respecting personal space is fundamental in any social interaction and failing to do so is a clear sign of poor social skills.
4) They lack empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a fundamental part of successful social interactions.
In fact, research revealed that our brains are hardwired to respond to others’ emotions. This means that when we see someone else feeling sad or happy, our brains mirror those feelings to some extent.
However, failing to respond appropriately to others’ emotions or situations, it’s a clear sign of poor social skills.
They might laugh when others are upset or show indifference when everyone else is excited.
This lack of emotional resonance can make interactions feel hollow and one-sided. It’s not necessarily that they’re uncaring or cold-hearted, they just struggle with understanding and responding to emotional cues. And this struggle can lead to uncomfortable social situations.
5) They don’t ask questions
One of the simplest ways to show interest in a conversation is by asking questions. It shows that you are listening and genuinely interested in what the other person has to say.
Yet, some people struggle with this basic social skill. They might listen to your stories, and nod at the right places, but never really engage by asking anything about it.
It’s like playing a game of tennis with someone who just catches the ball and never serves it back. The interaction quickly loses its momentum and becomes monotonous.
This behavior might not be intentional, they might not even realize they’re doing it. But it’s a definite sign of poor social skills that can make conversations feel one-sided and unfulfilling.
The best conversations are those where both parties are not just willing to share but also show curiosity about each other’s experiences.
6) They overshare personal information
We all have that one friend or acquaintance who seems to have no filter when it comes to sharing personal information.
The first few times, it might be amusing or even refreshing. But after a while, it starts to feel uncomfortable, especially when the information shared is too personal or inappropriate for the context.
Social interactions require a certain level of tactfulness and discretion. Knowing what to share and how much to share, is as important as knowing what not to share.
When someone consistently overshares personal information, it signals a lack of understanding of social boundaries. They may not realize they’re making others uncomfortable, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are.
7) They’re unable to read the room
Every social situation has a certain vibe or atmosphere. The jokes you crack with your buddies at a casual get-together might not be appropriate in a formal business meeting.
Being able to read the room, understand the mood, and adjust your behavior accordingly is crucial for successful social interactions.
Yet, some people seem to struggle with this. They might make light-hearted jokes in serious discussions or continue a heated debate when everyone else is trying to lighten the mood.
This inability to gauge the social climate and act accordingly can lead to awkward situations and misunderstandings.
It’s not necessarily that they’re intentionally being insensitive, they just struggle with picking up on and responding to social cues.
8) They have a hard time making eye contact
Eye contact is one of the most powerful non-verbal cues we have at our disposal. It can signal interest, respect, and engagement.
Yet, some people struggle with it. They might avoid your gaze, look at the floor, or constantly check their phone while you’re talking to them.
This lack of eye contact can make conversations feel disjointed and impersonal. It’s like trying to connect with someone who’s not really there.
Now, it’s important to note that cultural differences and certain conditions like autism can affect a person’s comfort level with eye contact. So this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
But generally speaking, if someone consistently avoids eye contact during conversations, it could be a sign of poor social skills.
Good communication is as much about listening and showing engagement as it is about talking. And maintaining appropriate eye contact is a big part of that.
Moving forward
Recognizing these signs in someone you know, or even in yourself, can be a bit unsettling. Social skills, like any skill, can be learned and improved over time.
If you’re dealing with someone who exhibits these behaviors, patience and understanding can go a long way. Don’t hesitate to provide gentle feedback if you’re comfortable doing so.
And if you recognize these signs in yourself, there’s no need to feel discouraged.
Start by observing your interactions. Take note of instances where you might have interrupted someone or failed to ask questions that show your interest. Self-awareness is the first step towards improvement.
Next, practice active listening. This involves more than just hearing what the other person is saying – it’s about understanding their perspective and responding appropriately.
Consider reading books or taking courses on improving social skills. There are plenty of resources available that can help you navigate social situations more effectively.
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It might take some time before you see noticeable improvements.
