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Proper etiquette and good manners are the unsung heroes of social settings. Whether you’re at a dinner party, work meeting or simply waiting in line at the coffee shop, tiny acts of etiquette go a long way. Yet, in an increasingly fast-paced and digital-centric world, basic etiquette has fallen by the wayside.
Parade spoke with Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette and Carla Shellis—two etiquette experts—to understand the most annoying habits people unknowingly commit and how small changes in behavior can lead to more courteous interactions in everyday life.
“Thinking of how other people feel in a shared space is always important,” Meier says. “Be mindful of your surroundings, tune into the vibe of the space, and practice self-awareness. A quick glance around will usually tell you what’s acceptable—and if you’re in doubt, go with quieter, more considerate choices!”
Certain habits may seem harmless but can unintentionally come across as rude or thoughtless. And while some breaches of etiquette are rooted in ignorance, they can still leave a lasting negative impression. Good manners aren’t about perfection or outdated formalities, they’re about creating an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
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9 Annoying Habits Revealed, According to Etiquette Experts
1. Talking Loudly on the Phone
Shellis notes how talking loudly on the phone or with others is extremely disruptive in public spaces.
“Sharing with anyone in the vicinity the context of your conversation is inappropriate and can be awkward for the people around. It’s best to leave a space to take a call if you’re in a quieter area,” she adds.
Related: 14 Phrases That Make You Sound ‘Instantly Uptight,’ According to Etiquette Experts
2. Eating Overly Pungent Food
Maier says eating overly pungent food in shared spaces is one of those habits that can unintentionally make others uncomfortable. Strong smells from foods like fish, garlic, onions or certain spices can quickly fill the air, lingering long after the meal is finished.
In communal areas such as offices or break rooms, these scents can be overwhelming—especially for individuals with heightened sensitivities or allergies.
3. Playing Music Without Headphones
“Playing music, videos or games without headphones in public areas can invade others’ personal space, making it hard for them to focus or relax,” Shellis explains.
4. Grooming
“Habits, like grooming [in public], disrupt everyone else around and show a lack of awareness and respect of shared spaces and those using them,” Maier tells Parade. “Simple actions like practicing self-awareness make a big difference.”
5. Poor Table Manners
Whether it’s talking with a mouth full of food, chewing loudly or checking your phone at the table, poor table manners can be distracting and off-putting to others. Table etiquette exists to ensure shared dining experiences are pleasant.
Maier acknowledges that younger generations might lean on technology more, like constantly checking phones. However, this can feel isolating to older generations, so it’s important to be aware of who you’re around.
Related: 9 Subtle Ways Your Body Language Might Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable,’ Psychologists Say
6. Invading Personal Space
Personal space is a physical boundary that varies person-to-person. Standing too close or failing to recognize subtle cues that someone needs more distance can come across as intrusive. It’s important to understand body language and maintain a respectful distance in social and professional settings.
7. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself
Shellis says this tends to be an issue of the state of mind. Still, leaving a mess in spaces like restaurants, movie theaters and shared seating areas is an annoying habit.
“Some believe it is the employees’ or attendants’ responsibility to clean up after them. ‘After all, they are getting paid, right?’ communicates disrespect and disregard for one’s own responsibilities,” she explains.
8. Speaking Loud
We all speak and laugh loudly sometimes, but it can be very distracting and disruptive to people around us.
Shellis reminds us that it is perfectly normal and encouraged to laugh out loud, but remember to keep this at a normal volume is courteous and respectful.
9. Interrupting
“In offices or social gatherings, interrupting others while they’re speaking can be perceived as rude and disrespectful, breaking the flow of conversation and showing a lack of consideration,” Shellis warns.
Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This ‘Rude’ Habit in Public
Other Annoying Things People Do
Aside from these mega offenders, there are more subtle annoying habits to pay attention to. Maier provides some examples, including leaving doors open behind you walking through a door and not looking back to see if it should be held open for someone, keeping in earbuds when communicating with someone else, walking while texting and looking at your phone when someone is talking to you.
“Little habits like these seem harmless, but can easily come across as distracting or dismissive,” she adds.
Addressing Annoying Habits
If you need to address someone’s annoying habits, Shellis advises using a “love sandwich.” The bread is considered love and affirming statements while the meat is the message.
“For example, you could say, ‘One of my favorite things about you is how popular you are and how friendly you are on your phone calls. Would you mind taking those calls in a different room so as to not disrupt those around you? I really appreciate you taking that into consideration,'” she shares.
Related: 13 Surprising Habits That Make You ‘Instantly Likable,’ Psychologists Say
Tips for Avoiding Annoying Habits
Here are Shellis’ tips for avoiding annoying habits that can come off as rude and inconsiderate:
- Perspective is everything: Shift your perspective to how you want people around you to feel you when you approach them and when you leave them. How do you want to be thought of? How do you want to be remembered?
- Keep your voice at a normal volume: Speaking loudly is disruptive—stay to a normal tone good for someone within a close distance to hear.
- When you are in a shared space, clean up after yourself: Go the extra mile and pick up things you see lying around that are trash.
- Wrap it up: When someone seems to be looking at their phone when you are talking to them, quickly wrap up the conversation and shift to a different space.
- Avoid sharing too much personal information: Especially drama and trauma. People can only handle a few bullet points. Details are often too much negative energy to hand someone to carry.
- Avoid gossip at all times: If someone around you is gossiping about someone, redirect to say something you actually like about the person they are talking about.
- Be an active listener: Allow others to finish their thoughts, and avoid frequent interruptions.
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Sources
- Myka Meier: Instagram and Beaumont Etiquette website
- Carla Shellis: TikTok, Instagram, Website, Facebook