We all have quirks, but some behaviours cross the line into universally irritating territory. Whether it’s in the office, at home, or out in public, these habits might just be driving others up the wall, so you might want to check this list to see if you’re guilty of these small but maddening actions.
Interrupting People While They’re Speaking
Interrupting someone mid-sentence means cutting off their train of thought and, in a way, their respect. Imagine trying to share an important point, only to be bulldozed by someone who can’t wait to chime in—it can feel frustrating, as well as disrespectful.
Talking Too Loudly on Public Transport
Public transport isn’t your personal stage, but talking loudly on the phone or with a friend can make it feel that way for everyone else. Whether you’re discussing work drama, holiday plans, or something embarrassingly personal, the rest of the carriage is probably cringing, and most people are just trying to get through their commute in peace.
Leaving Dirty Dishes in Shared Spaces
Few things are as universally aggravating as walking into a shared kitchen to find it piled with someone else’s dirty dishes, and even if you’re “planning to do them later,” the sight of your dirty coffee mug or crusty plate can ruin someone’s mood. A little effort goes a long way when you’re sharing a space.
Oversharing on Social Media
We’ve all got that one friend who treats their Instagram story like a diary, sharing everything from their breakfast to their deepest fears, but not everyone needs to know about your third latte of the day. Social media works best when it’s about connection, not oversaturation.
Hovering Too Close in Queues
Queues are a fact of life, and respecting personal space within them is one of those unspoken rules of British etiquette. Hovering too close to the person in front, breathing down their neck, or brushing against their coat isn’t going to get you to the front any faster; in fact, it’s more likely to spark a passive-aggressive sigh.
Overusing Group Chats for Personal Messages
A lifesaver for planning events or keeping everyone updated, group chats can quickly become a nightmare when misused. Sending ten memes in a row, oversharing your personal drama, or starting long one-on-one conversations in a group setting can leave others rolling their eyes.
Ignoring the One-Way System in Shops
Thanks to directional arrows and designated lanes, it’s surprising how many people still decide to go against the flow, and while walking the wrong way down an aisle might seem harmless, it disrupts the rhythm. Plus, it often results in awkward encounters where people have to dodge you or reverse their trolleys.
Sending Voice Notes for Everything
Voice notes can be a brilliant way to explain something that’s too long to type out—but not every message needs to be one, and they’re hard to skim, as well as tricky to listen to in public. Imagine someone asking, “What time are we meeting?” and being met with a two-minute recording of you rambling about your day—so save voice notes for when tone or context is important.
Oversharing Your Workout Routine
We get it—you’re smashing it at the gym, but constantly talking about your gains, your macros, or your latest PB can make others feel less inspired and more irritated. Staying fit is fantastic, but not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for detailed workout recaps, unless someone specifically asks.
Blasting Music from Your Phone in Public
Walking through the park or sitting on the bus, you hear it: someone blasting music from their phone without headphones, it’s a universal nuisance. You might think your playlist is a masterpiece, but not everyone shares your taste in drum and bass or throwback pop, and public spaces are shared spaces after all.
Correcting People’s Grammar Unsolicited
Grammar sticklers, we know your intentions are good, but correcting people uninvited often comes off as smug rather than helpful. It doesn’t matter if it’s a typo in a casual text or a misused word in conversation, most of the time, it’s not a big deal, and people are more interested in connecting than impressing with perfect syntax.
Talking Over Movies or TV Shows
There’s nothing worse than settling in to watch a film, only for someone to treat it like a director’s commentary, because talking during a movie ruins the experience for everyone else. It’s annoying and it pulls people out of the story, so if you have something to say, save it for after the credits roll.
Hogging the Pavement
Walking with friends or family is lovely, but when your group takes up the entire pavement, it creates a hassle for everyone else when people end up dodging around you or stepping into the road just to get by. It’s not hard to make room—single file for a few steps won’t ruin your chat.
Showing Up Uninvited
It might seem spontaneous and fun to you, but showing up uninvited can be a stress-inducing surprise for the person on the other side of the door. They might not be ready to host, or they could have had other plans, when instead, a simple text or call beforehand lets you gauge whether it’s a good time.
Overstaying Your Welcome
Knowing when to leave is a social art, as staying too long at a friend’s house or an event can make things awkward for your host, especially if they’re dropping subtle hints like tidying up or checking the time. While it’s great to enjoy someone’s company, overstaying can turn pleasant moments into strained ones, so pay attention to the atmosphere.
Ignoring Messages but Posting Online
We all get busy, but ignoring someone’s message while staying active on social media can send the wrong message. To the person waiting for your reply, it might look like you’re deliberately avoiding them, while even a quick acknowledgment can prevent hurt feelings.
Leaving Empty Packaging in the Fridge
It’s the ultimate bait-and-switch: reaching for the milk only to find the carton empty. Leaving used-up items in the fridge is not just lazy—it’s a morale crusher for whoever finds them, and it only takes a second to toss it out or make a note to replace it.
Taking Ages to Order at the Pub
When you’ve been standing at the bar for ten minutes, it’s the perfect time to figure out what you want, yet some people wait until they’re face-to-face with the bartender before deciding. You don’t have to rush, but you should try to be considerate by knowing what you’re ordering when it’s your turn.
Borrowing Without Returning
Borrowing something implies a promise to give it back, yet so many people forget—or conveniently “lose track” of—the item in question, like a book or a charger. Holding onto someone else’s belongings without returning them isn’t just careless, it’s disrespectful, and likely to annoy the person in question.