Finding the right balance between being straightforward and courteous can be difficult. However, certain behaviors that might be seen as impolite are often just expressions of genuine honesty. Here are 19 traits that may come off as rude but are actually signs of sincere truthfulness.
Embracing Silence
When there’s a lull in the conversation, many of us become uncomfortable and try to fill the silence as soon as possible. However, we think it’s time we normalized spending more time in silence together. As noted by The Atlantic, there is nothing wrong with silently enjoying each other’s company, and it can actually be a good opportunity to relax and reflect.
Not Engaging in Pleasantries for the Sake of Politeness
We have a bone to pick with this whole group of social behaviors: “pleasantries.” Feeling like you’re expected to say or do certain things just to appear polite and social can cause you to be ingenuine, inauthentic, and uncomfortable for no good reason.
Direct Communication
Direct communication may be perceived as overly blunt or rude in some situations, but overall, it is usually beneficial for both parties involved. Being clear and direct in your communication reduces the risk of misunderstandings and allows you to clearly express your thoughts and feelings.
Declining Invitations
Contrary to what some people believe, declining an invitation doesn’t make you rude or mean that you do not want to spend time with the person who asked you. Sometimes, you just don’t have the time or social energy to spend at a social event, and it’s perfectly healthy to say no in these situations.
Constructive Criticism
Unsolicited advice is usually a bad idea and will likely come across as rude. However, in the right settings, constructive criticism can be used to address problem areas and facilitate growth. As long as you know your opinion is welcome, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of constructive advice.
Admitting Lack of Knowledge
“I don’t know” can be a more powerful phrase than you may think. While some may perceive it as rude for their question to be met with these words, it is actually the most honest and healthy thing to say when you simply don’t know something.
Not Feigning Interest
We all want to feel like we are being listened to and that people are interested in what we have to say. But ask yourself this: would you still want people to act interested if they actually weren’t? Fake enthusiasm for certain topics or conversations can give people the wrong idea about your interests and cause more harm than good in the long run.
Setting Boundaries
In some situations and with some people, the assertion of one’s boundaries can be perceived as rude. However, this is absolutely not a reason not to do so. As stated by Papyrus UK, boundaries are incredibly important for your personal safety and well-being, allowing you to honestly express your preferences and dislikes.
Asking Direct Questions
Direct questions can be seen as rude or socially awkward. But in reality, they can be very beneficial and even necessary in clearing up misunderstandings and making sure everyone is on the same page. Sometimes, uncomfortable questions are the most important to ask.
Expressing Disagreement
Everyone has their own likes, dislikes, and opinions, and it’s important to feel able to express them. As such, there is nothing wrong or rude about openly disagreeing with someone’s perspective. As long as you are polite and civil in how you express your opinion, this can facilitate healthy discussion while ensuring you remain true to yourself.
Prioritizing Honesty Over Pleasing
For some of us, it’s easy to fall into people-pleasing behaviors to avoid hurting others’ feelings or creating conflict. But this desire should never get in the way of you expressing your honest thoughts and feelings. According to James Madison University, people-pleasing can cause a range of negative mental and emotional consequences. So even if it’s not what someone wants to hear, it’s important that you be yourself and preserve your own authenticity and well-being.
Transparency About Feelings
It can be hard to speak up about our own feelings, especially when they’re negative. But it’s incredibly important to voice when we’re feeling uncomfortable about a particular situation or conversation, as it preserves your safety and well-being.
Refusing to Participate in Gossip
Whether we’re proud to admit it or not, gossip is considered a social norm. Therefore, when you choose not to engage, it can come across as unusual or even rude. But it is actually a noble and honest thing to do, encouraging a culture of respect and honesty.
Keeping Promises Seriously
Taking promises and commitments seriously can be challenging and lead you to say “no” more than you may want to, but this allows you to maintain your honesty and integrity. While this may cause you to be seen as slightly rude in some situations, people greatly respect those who keep their promises.
Valuing Quality Time Over Small Talk
If we’re honest, many of us despise small talk. It can feel difficult to get out of situations involving superficial chatter, and you may be seen as rude if you excuse yourself. However, there is nothing wrong with valuing meaningful talks over these kinds of conversations, and it will be better for your own well-being overall if you stick to discussions that make you feel good.
Keeping Social Circles Intentional
Keeping a small social circle of close friends and family members can cause you to come off rude at times when you have to say no to certain invitations and offers. However, it is the most honest and respectful thing to do in the long run, as well as allowing you to spend more time with those who mean the most to you.
Honoring Commitments Religiously
It can be challenging to stick to one’s commitments at times, especially when people ask you about other plans. While you may be perceived as a little bit rude for saying “no” in these instances, it is a great way to maintain your honesty and integrity, and people will respect you for that.
Practicing Self-Sufficiency
It’s always nice when people offer to help or support us in our pursuits. However, it should not be seen as rude when we decline these offers. Practicing self-sufficiency in the right situations can help us grow personally and maintain our independence.
Expressing Gratitude Explicitly
Sometimes, we may not feel like expressing gratitude in conventional ways, and that’s okay. It’s more honest to express your thanks in a way that feels genuine and sincere to you than to feel forced into social niceties.