How to Not Be Annoying

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Most of the time, an annoying person doesn’t realize how his or her behavior is perceived the others. If you suspect that you’re annoying others - or you’ve been told you’re annoying and think they might be right, here’s how to avoid the little things that often get on people’s nerves.

Steps

1. Build self confidence. Being insecure can lead to annoying traits. Until you have built your self confidence up don’t try too hard.
2. Break counterproductive habits. If you laugh loudly at everyone’s jokes, even if they’re not all that funny, read up on how to avoid laughing at inappropriate times. Try a different approach - be genuine and be yourself. If people find you annoying when you’re being true to yourself, then you need to find new, more accepting people to be around.
3. Respect boundaries. Everybody has boundaries - you need to learn what they are and try to avoid crossing them. Boundaries vary widely from culture to culture and even from individual to individual.
   • Do not go around poking people constantly or tap their heads. In fact, don’t touch them at all if they don’t like it. Of course if they grant permission, then by all means have fun, but otherwise cut it out before you start.
   • Mind your own business. Avoid butting into a conversation by (for example) saying, “What are you talking about?” If you hear someone talking about something with another person, and you only catch the last sentence, leave it be.
4. Be humble. Just because you’re confident doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re better than anyone else. Don’t do or say things that might let you appear to be arrogant, like bragging about your wealth or success.
   • Do not correct bad grammar/spelling or inaccuracies of others because most people don’t like being corrected.
   • Don’t excessively tell people that their beliefs are wrong, gently and nicely mention that you disagree.
   • Don’t complain all the time. Remember the world does not revolve around you. If you complain too much, others will find you depressing and avoid you. Read up on how to be optimistic.
   • Learn to listen. Conversation is a two way street. If you’re talking constantly, the others will get frustrated and quit trying to communicate with you.
5. Be conscious of your surroundings. Be aware if you are standing in doorways while having a conversation, driving 20MPH in a 40MPH zone, or if your children are being obnoxious in a public place. Consider how your actions are likely to affect the people around you.
6. Learn to read facial reactions and body movements. Pay attention to the facial expressions and body language of those around you and work to immediately whatever you’re doing that is annoying others.
7. Think of others. For some it is easy, but others, it is not. Try to put yourself in others’ shoes and treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Tips

• It is easy to be annoying if you talk too much. Think about what you say before you say it. Remember the famous quotation, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt”. Not talking at all is no fun for anyone, so you should try to strike a balance of conversation.
• Don’t know if you are annoying? Ask a person that you would find likely to give you an honest and constructive answer. Be prepared for criticism and be willing to accept it gratefully. The person may not be ready to give the criticism immediately so give him/her time by explaining your situation, thoughts, and feelings to make it clear you can handle helpful criticism.
• Don’t ask too many people if you are annoying, as they will probably find this to be quite annoying.

Related wikiHows

• How to Have Good Manners
• How to Know if You Are Irritating
• How to Be a Good House Guest
• How to Stop Swearing
• How to Cope With an Annoying Friend

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