Habits That May Make You Unlikable: Avoid These Behaviors to Boost Your Personal Attractiveness

There's a common belief that likability is an inherent trait, that people who are likable are simply born with it. However, just because you might think you are not especially likable does not mean you can't do anything about it. Your degree of likability largely depends on your emotional intelligence, which you can work on. Being likable involves behaviors you should practice and those you should avoid. This article compiles a list of habits that can make people dislike you, so you can steer clear of these behaviors in the future.

Interrupting Others

Most people enjoy being the center of attention when they are talking. One surefire way to make them dislike you is by constantly interrupting. The next time someone is telling a story you already know, don't cut in and say that you've heard it before—let them finish. If someone wants to share their problems, they want you to listen, not interrupt. Interrupting conveys that you don't value them or what they have to say.

Humble-Bragging

Many people have a way of bragging while pretending to be modest, known as humble-bragging. You've likely heard them: the person who makes fun of their "ridiculous" diet to draw attention to their attractive figure, or the one who complains about their "terrible" performance to highlight their athletic talent. This behavior is particularly off-putting because it combines boasting with deception.

 Name-Dropping

While everyone takes pride in knowing interesting or famous people, constantly dropping names is irritating and pretentious. It’s another form of bragging and signals insecurity. Name-dropping can make you seem less interesting because it relies on others for status rather than your own qualities or opinions. People appreciate sincerity and genuine confidence more than attempts to impress through association.

Being Too Nice

People tend to distrust those who act overly nice. Excessive kindness can appear insincere, making others suspicious of hidden motives. Being naturally kind is fine, but overdoing it can lead to skepticism and the perception that your kindness is not genuine.

Showing Dislike for People's Pets

Realize that many people are very protective of their pets, viewing them almost as children. Showing dislike or disrespect for someone's pet can be deeply offensive. Pets' instincts are often trusted, so if a pet doesn’t like you, their owner might not either. Even if you don't care for pets, it's best to keep that to yourself.

Not Returning Things You've Borrowed

This should be obvious: if you borrow something, return it promptly. Failing to return borrowed items, especially money, can create significant resentment. Always strive to return items in good condition and as soon as possible.

Letting Others Pay for You Frequently

People in a group of friends generally dislike those who never seem to pay for themselves. Expecting others to cover your expenses can make you seem inconsiderate and reliant on others. If you can't afford social outings, it's better to decline than to appear as if you’re using your friends.

Sharing Too Much Too Soon

Confiding in others is great, but doing it too soon can be off-putting. Sharing your problems and emotions with someone you've just met can make them feel used and overwhelmed. Wait until you've established a connection before opening up.

Emotional Hijacking

Emotional hijacking, such as screaming at people, making them cry, or throwing things, demonstrates low emotional intelligence and can make you seem untrustworthy. Maintaining control over your emotions helps others perceive you as stable and reliable.

Being Closed-Minded

No one enjoys conversing with someone who is always right and unwilling to consider other viewpoints. Being open-minded and genuinely listening to others is a highly likable trait. Even if you disagree, understanding their perspective can foster better relationships.

Squinting

Studies show that people who don’t fully open their eyes can be perceived as untrustworthy or arrogant. Squinting can convey negative emotions like skepticism or disdain. Open eyes, on the other hand, signal openness and receptivity, which are very likable traits.

Profile Pictures That Are Too Close-Up

Online profiles often require a face photo, but close-ups can backfire by revealing minor imperfections and making you seem less trustworthy. This discomfort stems from our sense of personal space—too-close photos can feel invasive. A clear, moderately distanced photo is more effective.

Excessive Sharing on Social Media

Oversharing on social media is often an attempt to compensate for a lack of real-life acceptance. However, it can have the opposite effect, making people dislike you for your constant need for attention. Share meaningful information judiciously to avoid irritating your audience.

Frequently Canceling Plans

Constantly canceling plans can be very irritating and suggests unreliability. Friends might begin to feel unimportant if you consistently cancel on them. Make an effort to honor your commitments and show your friends that they matter to you.



Likability is a trait we all desire and look for in others. However, certain habits can significantly decrease your likability. By becoming aware of these habits and understanding their effects, you can take steps to avoid them and become more likable. Do you agree with this list? Are you guilty of any of these habits? Let us know your thoughts. If you enjoyed this article, give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends so we can continue creating valuable content.