13 Gross Habits You’re Definitely Guilty of But Don’t Realize It

Most of us have no problem pointing out rude behavior from another person. It’s easy to shake our heads when someone talks during a movie or closes a door in front of our eyes. But how often do we accidentally find ourselves guilty of behavior that others might interpret as rudeness?

“While everyone has their own opinion about what is rude, many people agree that certain behaviors indicate a lack of consideration for others,” says Manami Yamamoto, LMFT, founder and director Blue buzz therapy. Many of these behaviors may be unintentional, such as accidental. etiquette mistakes or tipping errors.

While experts agree that things like cultural background, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity and other personal experiences influence what we consider rude, there are at least a few behaviors that are almost always rude. And despite our best efforts, we can all be just as guilty of this behavior as anyone else. Here are some of the most common rude habitsaccording to experts.

Dismissal of service personnel

We all have bad days, but that’s never a reason to be impatient with the barista, talk to the cashier at the grocery store, or completely ignore the person waiting at your table.

“Treating (service workers) as if they are invisible is a big no-no,” says Fatema Farahan, LMFT and company owner. Farahan Therapy and Partners. “This behavior seems arrogant and entitled and almost always rude.”

happy cashier working on the cash register in a supermarket — Hispanic – Getty Images

Using your phone on social networks

Patricia Eyring, Etiquette Expert, President and Owner Washington Protocol Schoolsays constantly checking or using your phone can come across as rude and dismissive. This is especially true for older adults who show preference for other people during social interactions.

However, she adds that many neurodiverse people use technology as a way to cope with sensory overload, anxiety or difficult social interactions—so context matters.

Young friends using mobile phone outdoors — FG Trade – Getty Images

Chronic tardiness

Everyone is late sometimes, but it’s important not to let it become chronic. bad habit (or to let your “time blindness” get the better of you). Eyring says some people consider punctuality a sign of respect. So while flat tires, sick kids and traffic jams are inevitable, the key is to at least call or send a text explaining why you’re late and how long you’ll be there.

Business woman late for work — Willie B. Thomas – Getty Images

Monopolization of conversation

Whether it’s using the entire dinner to talk about your problems or constantly trying to turn the spotlight on yourself at every opportunity, experts agree that this behavior is just plain rude. While you may not have intentionally interrupted your friend’s story to tell another story that he reminded you of, doing so may cause harm to others, so be mindful of your impulses.

two friends walking around the city — Luis Alvarez – Getty Images

Cutting a line

If you’ve ever parked in a spot where you knew someone was waiting, or jumped in line and pretended you didn’t even notice the angry person behind you, you’re guilty of being rude.

“Jumping in line is almost always considered rude because it sends the message that you consider your time more valuable than others,” Farahan says.

long line of people on the street, side view — Michael Blann – Getty Images

Disrespect for personal space

While the amount of space needed may vary from person to person and culture to culture, Farahan says that getting in someone’s face or bumping into them without at least acknowledging it is universally rude. So the next time you find yourself in line or in a crowded place, respect other people’s privacy (or at least apologize if you bump into them).

A girl feeds her boyfriend dessert in a cafe — Janina Steinmetz – Getty Images

Being loud in public places

Ask anyone around you, and they will all likely agree that they don’t want to hear someone’s work conference or FaceTime while at a coffee shop, or hear someone talking loudly at the movies. However, you’ve probably heard it all several times and have probably been a criminal at least once. Experts agree that this behavior is rude, disruptive and inconsiderate.

portrait of a cheerful beautiful young woman holding an online meeting on her laptop in a cafeteria — miniseries – Getty Images

Never say “Thank you”

To completely refuse to express gratitude after someone has given you a gift, helped you move, or offered you some other kindness is not just rude, it can damage your relationship.

“Not expressing gratitude can make others feel unappreciated,” says Yamamoto. Instead of hurting your loved one’s feelings, send (or at least plan) thank you message right away, so as not to inadvertently forget later.

gratitude, group hug and counseling for women on drug abuse and mental health issues, empathy, psychology workshop and therapy session together in a circle for team building with care and help — Jacob Wackerhausen – Getty Images

Interrupt

“We’ve all had those moments where we just can’t help but blurt something out,” Yamamoto says. But this rude habit interrupts the other person’s train of thought and indicates that you may not be interested in or dismissive of what they are saying. It’s important to give everyone time and space to talk without fear of being cut off.

two friends arguing at home — Fabrice LEROUGE – Getty Images

Ignoring greetings and goodbyes

Irish farewell jokes aside, leaving a party or other event without at least saying goodbye to the host is bad manners, and entering a room without greeting a single person can be perceived as equally rude.

“It’s like saying, ‘You’re not important enough for me to admit,'” Farahan says.

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woman waving goodbye to colleague in office — Good crew – Getty Images

Too common greeting

Whether you’re at a work event or meeting someone’s parents for the first time, it’s a good idea to tailor your greeting to the occasion.

“In the past, greeting someone with a firm handshake or a formal introduction was the norm. Today, a casual greeting such as “Hi” or ignoring traditional politeness can be perceived as disrespectful by older generations who value formality, says Yamamoto.

Business women shaking hands in a conference room — Good crew – Getty Images

Lingerie for formal occasions

While older generations have grown up viewing formal wear as synonymous with professionalism and respect, Eyring says younger generations tend to reject those formalities. However, while it’s probably still okay to act casual while grocery shopping or going to school, it’s definitely rude if we don’t at least try to put in a little more effort when heading to a wedding, job interview, or other more formal event.

Warm summer portrait of a woman in the park, Spain — Olga Dobosh / 500px — Getty Images

Ask intrusive questions

Yamamoto says that in some cultures, when meeting someone, asking people about things like their age, marital status or whether they have children is common, but in many others it is considered rude. Even though you live in a world of oversharing, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and wait for others to open up to you first.

young red-haired woman talking with her friend in a cafe — Skynesher – Getty Images

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