Good manners are a way to show others that you value and respect their company or relationship with you. However, not everyone really cares about them. Are you one of these people? Here are 21 bad habits that answer this question for you.
Interrupting Others
You may think it’s okay to cut off someone in the middle of a conversation when you have something to say. But what you’re doing instead is being self-centered, like MSU shares. Interrupting someone shows you don’t value what this person has to say, and you don’t mind disrupting the flow of conversations, even if it leads to conflicts.
Talking Loudly on Phones
Talking loudly on the phone in public spaces such as buses, trains, or waiting rooms means you force people to listen to your private conversations. Many people are absolutely uncomfortable with this. It’s even worse when the space is small or when you do this in typical quiet zones like libraries, cafes, or other reading areas.
Failing to Tip Appropriately
In a less agreeable matter, know that some Americans consider it bad behavior to fail to tip service providers, whether restaurant workers or taxi drivers. Some even say it’s also bad to tip less than the ‘acceptable’ 20%, especially when the service was good, as it reflects poorly on your appreciation.
Not Holding Doors Open
The small act of holding the door is really helpful, particularly for those carrying heavy loads or parents with strollers. When someone lets a door close on a person behind them, it appears rude and careless. Experts even say this goes beyond etiquette, especially if you’re moving in a group.
Barging Through Crowds
Shoving one’s way through a crowd without a polite acknowledgment or an ‘excuse me’ causes physical discomfort to others and shows a lack of courtesy. An example of this might be during busy events or in crowded subway stations, where such behavior can lead to unnecessary tension and even accidents.
Skipping Please and Thank You
When you fail to use courteous words such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ during interactions, you can make them feel impersonal and unappreciative. These words serve as fundamental markers of politeness, and apart from showing how kind you are, they make others more willing to help you in the future.
Not Responding to Invitations
Failing to respond to invitations, such as for weddings or birthday parties, can cause significant inconvenience to hosts who need to plan based on the number of attendees. This lack of response can result in either wastage of food and resources or not having enough provisions for everyone, which can disrupt the event.
Poor Table Manners
Behaviors like speaking with food in one’s mouth or incessantly checking the phone at the dinner table can ruin the dining experience for others. How? Well, these actions not only show a lack of basic etiquette but also indicate a disregard for the effort put into the meal or make others feel undervalued and ignored.
Being Tardy Consistently
You should also know that consistently arriving late, whether to work meetings, family gatherings, or appointments, signals a direct disregard for other people’s time. Habitual tardiness can disrupt schedules and diminish your reliability and respectability in the eyes of colleagues, friends, and family.
Ignoring Store Etiquette
When customers ignore the protocols of retail environments, such as cutting in line or speaking rudely to employees, they disrupt the experience for others and place unnecessary stress on store staff. An example would be someone who tries to skip a long checkout line during peak hours, creating frustration and conflict among customers, staff, and other customers.
Not Cleaning Up After Pets
Pet owners who do not clean up after their pets in public spaces, like parks or beaches, not only violate social and sometimes legal expectations but also leave an unpleasant environment for other visitors. Such negligence shows a lack of respect for public spaces and other people’s right to a clean and enjoyable environment.
Using Inappropriate Language
Using offensive language or swear words in public, especially in places like restaurants or parks where families gather, creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone present. Language like this is often viewed as aggressive and can lead to altercations or complaints from others who feel disrespected or threatened.
Taking Up Extra Seats with Personal Belongings
Also, occupying extra seats on public transport during rush hour with personal items, like bags or coats, prevents others from sitting and reflects a selfish attitude towards shared spaces. This behavior is particularly problematic in crowded cities where seating on public transportation comes at a premium price.
Neglecting Personal Hygiene
Individuals who neglect their personal hygiene affect not only their own health but also the comfort of those around them. Poor hygiene can be particularly offensive in close-contact environments like office spaces or crowded public transport, where the effects, such as unpleasant odors or unclean appearances, can be directly impactful on others’ comfort and health.
Sneezing or Coughing Without Covering
Failing to cover one’s mouth while sneezing or coughing in public settings, such as in a grocery store or at a concert, spreads germs easily and widely. Especially during flu season, such behaviors can put even more people in danger, and for you, this shows a disregard for public health and your own individual well-being.
Throwing Trash Improperly
When you discard garbage carelessly, not only in nature reserves or streets but also in urban settings like parking lots or sidewalks, you contribute to environmental degradation. Proper trash disposal shows respect for nature and urban cleanliness, which benefits everyone in the community, while poor disposal reflects a lack of civic responsibility.
Misusing Someone’s Property
Taking or using someone’s belongings without prior permission, such as when you borrow tools from a neighbor without asking, can lead to mistrust and tension between individuals. This behavior is particularly disruptive when it involves items of personal or significant value, and it’s so bad that it can cause irreparable damage to relationships.
Invading Personal Space
Maintaining an appropriate distance is crucial in environments where personal space is limited, such as during a crowded festival or on public transportation. Encroaching someone’s personal space without their consent can make them feel uncomfortable and threatened. This can lead to a negative social experience for everyone.
Overstaying Welcomes
Guests who linger longer than the social context warrants are also seen to put hosts in an awkward position. This can be particularly frustrating when it disrupts the host’s personal plans or routines. You should always be sensitive to the duration of your visit, as it shows respect for the host’s time and other commitments.
Not Making Introductions
When you fail to introduce newcomers to everyone necessary at social gatherings, you may leave these newcomers feeling isolated and awkward. Effective introductions don’t just stop at making everyone feel included and valued; they also help facilitate social connections and help build networks.
Ignoring Dress Codes
Choosing inappropriate attire for specific events, such as wearing casual clothes to a formal wedding, can indicate a lack of respect for the occasion and its significance. Instead, by adhering to the dress code, you’re respecting the event’s setting and acknowledging the efforts of those who organized it.
Read More: 17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So
Gen Z, our digital-native, trendsetting generation, is making waves in the cultural sea, steering the ship of societal norms in fresh and unexpected directions. As they charter new territories, there are certain practices they’d rather we say goodbye to. Curious? Let’s take a look at 17 things the rest of us can no longer do because Gen Z said so.
17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So
18 Common Traits Found in Adults Who Had Unhappy Childhoods
Being a parent is a hard job, so even those who are truly trying their best will often miss the mark on creating the best environment for their children. Unfortunately, this means that many of us grow up with far-from-perfect childhoods that affect us into adulthood. Here are 18 common traits found in adults who had unhappy childhoods.
18 Common Traits Found in Adults Who Had Unhappy Childhoods
18 Things Old People Just Can’t Get On Board with Today
Over the past few decades, society has evolved, and with it, so have a few things that older generations find it uncomfortable to get the hang of. While younger generations are easily able to adapt to these changes, some of which are drastic, others may be struggling slightly. Here are 18 things the elderly may have difficulty learning.