Ava Sinclair
Not every woman who’s hard to be around is loud, rude, or confrontational. In fact, the most difficult behaviors are often the subtle ones — the habits that slip under the radar but slowly drain the energy of everyone around them.
What makes it tricky is that most women who display these behaviors don’t even realize they’re doing it. It’s not about being “a bad person” — it’s about patterns of behavior that push people away without meaning to.
Over time, they affect relationships with friends, family, partners, and even coworkers.
The good news? Self-awareness changes everything. Once these behaviors are brought to light, women can make small adjustments that have a big impact on their relationships.
Nobody’s perfect, and everyone has blind spots. But if you’ve ever wondered why some women seem to push people away, these eight behaviors could be the answer.
1) Emotional unpredictability
Life is a rollercoaster, and so are our emotions.
They ebb and flow, often catching us off guard, and when they hit, they can turn even the most mundane moments into emotional whirlwinds. The only thing to do is to ride it out and wait for the storm to pass.
But when it comes to women who are particularly difficult to be around, their emotional unpredictability can become a major challenge.
Without realizing it, these women can swing from one extreme to another in a blink of an eye.
One moment they’re laughing and cheerful, the next they’re sullen and moody. This emotional whiplash can leave others around them feeling disoriented and on edge.
And while it’s normal for emotions to fluctuate, when it becomes too unpredictable, it can make being around these women rather draining.
2) Lack of consideration
We’ve all been there.
For instance, I once had a friend who would always cancel plans at the last minute. She was fun to be around when we actually met, but the constant flakiness became a real issue.
This lack of consideration is another common trait among women who can be difficult to be around. They often disregard other people’s time and feelings, focusing mainly on their own needs and desires.
Of course, it’s important to prioritize yourself. However, completely ignoring the needs and feelings of others can make it tough for people to enjoy your company.
3) Dominating conversations
Communication is a two-way street, and a key part of it is listening. But in some cases, the balance can be tipped heavily one way.
Women who are hard to be around often dominate conversations, leaving little room for others to voice their thoughts or share their experiences. They may not realize it, but this behavior can make others feel unheard and insignificant.
A study published in Human Communication Research found that individuals who speak more often are generally perceived as more dominant, which can sometimes be off-putting for those on the receiving end.
When conversation becomes a monologue, it’s no longer an exchange but a lecture. And let’s be honest, nobody enjoys being lectured.
4) Negative outlook
Positivity can be contagious, but so can negativity.
When it comes to women who are difficult to be around, a persistently negative outlook can be a common trait. They see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full and tend to focus on problems rather than solutions.
This isn’t to say that we should always be optimistic. After all, life isn’t rainbows and butterflies. However, being around someone who constantly dwells on the negative can be draining and emotionally exhausting.
A pessimistic view of life can sometimes shed light on reality but when it becomes a constant attitude, it can make interactions heavy and burdensome.
5) Unnecessary drama
Have you ever been around someone who seems to attract drama like a magnet? I certainly have.
One of the most challenging behaviors some women display is an incessant need to stir up unnecessary drama. For me, it was a colleague who would make a mountain out of every molehill, turning even minor issues into major crises.
This constant state of chaos not only creates a stressful environment but also makes it difficult for others to maintain a harmonious relationship with them. I found myself on edge, never knowing when the next dramatic episode would erupt.
While life is not without its fair share of drama, when it becomes a daily occurrence, it’s hard not to feel like you’re living in a never-ending soap opera.
6) Overly dependent
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. But there’s a fine line between seeking support and being overly dependent.
Women who are difficult to be around often rely too heavily on others for their emotional wellbeing. They tend to lean excessively on friends or family for advice, validation, or even decision-making, creating an imbalance in the relationship.
While it might seem like these women are showing trust or closeness by leaning on others, this excessive dependence can feel burdensome and stifling to those on the receiving end.
In a healthy relationship, dependency should be mutual and balanced. Too much of it can tip the scales and turn companionship into a chore.
7) Lack of empathy
Understanding and sharing the feelings of others is a powerful trait. It enables us to connect on a deeper level and build strong relationships.
Unfortunately, women who are difficult to be around often lack this essential quality. They may struggle to see things from another person’s perspective or fail to acknowledge others’ feelings, making them appear self-centered or uncaring.
This lack of empathy can create a disconnect, as it becomes challenging to form a meaningful connection with someone who doesn’t seem to understand or care about your feelings.
Without empathy, relationships can feel one-sided and lacking in depth, making it tough to spend time with such individuals.
8) Inflexibility
Being firm in your values is one thing, but being inflexible is something else entirely.
Women who refuse to compromise, adapt, or consider other perspectives are often draining and hard to be around.
It’s not always intentional — sometimes it’s rooted in a fear of losing control or a belief that “my way is the best way.”
But when every conversation, plan, or decision has to go her way, it creates tension in relationships. People eventually get tired of walking on eggshells or having to fight over every little thing.
Inflexibility shows up in different ways. It might be a refusal to change plans, an inability to consider other people’s ideas, or the need for absolute control in group settings.
While it may seem like being “strong-willed,” it’s actually a sign of rigidity.
Life is unpredictable, and the people who handle it best are the ones willing to bend. Being too rigid makes even the simplest interactions feel like a battle, which can push people away over time.
The truth is, being flexible doesn’t mean “giving in” — it means being adaptable. Relationships thrive on give-and-take, not “my way or the highway.”
Women who learn to be more open to other ideas often find that their relationships become smoother and more balanced. Flexibility isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of emotional intelligence.
Final thoughts
Having made it this far, hopefully, you can see that awareness and empathy are key to overcoming these behaviors.
Recognizing these traits in ourselves or others is the first step towards change. After all, nobody’s perfect, and we all have our own quirks and flaws.
But it’s how we manage these behaviors that defines our relationships with others. As psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
So, instead of getting upset or frustrated with someone displaying these behaviors, let it be a reminder. A reminder of the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and the continuous journey towards personal growth.
Because ultimately, it’s not just about being easy or difficult to be around. It’s about understanding, adapting, and growing together in this beautifully complex world of human interactions.
