Listen, when it comes to social behavior, it should be pretty obvious what's okay to do and what's not. But surprisingly, for some people, they just didn't get the memo. We see plenty of people engaging in these awkward, cringey behaviors on a daily basis, but someone's got to tell them to stop! So here are 20 cringey things people seriously have to stop doing.
1. Excessive PDA (Public Displays of Affection)
There's no greater feeling than being in love, but maybe dial it down when you're around other people. There's no need to flaunt your physical displays of affection when you're in public. All it does is make everyone else uncomfortable, so try to keep those hugs and kisses behind closed doors.
2. Using Speakerphone in Public
Just in case you didn't know, people don't exactly want to listen in on your 30 minute call with your mother discussing the intricacies of your family problems. We don't really know when you'd ever need to use speakerphone in public, so just don't. It can be pretty disruptive to the people around you, especially when they're now forced to listen in on your "private" conversations.
3. Making Noisy Eating Sounds
While certain Asian countries may see slurping as a sign of respect to the chef, here in the West, it's often seen in a completely different light. Chewing with your mouth open or making loud slurping noises is actually considered disrespectful in America. It can turn anyone's meal into an unappetizing one if they have to hear all those sounds.
4. Overstaying Welcome
It's hard to believe that some people don't get the cue it's time to leave even after everyone else has already left. Some people tend to overstay their welcome after a social event or gathering and honestly, it's a bit cringey.
It puts the host in an awkward spot where they have to either deal with it, or uncomfortably tell them they have to go.
5. Filming Concerts
Sure, we understand if people want to record short clips during a concert, but the whole thing? That feels a little bit too much. If you were going to just stare through a screen the entire night, you could've just watched a recording on YouTube! The best way to enjoy a concert is to be present and be there in the moment. That's an experience you'll never forget - one that doesn't need to be recorded in full.
6. Not Using Turn Signals
For some reason, people still don't understand that practicing the rules of the road isn't just for your own safety, it's for everyone else's too. It's incredibly cringey driving behind someone who refuses to use their turn signals. It makes them a hazard on the road, one that might lead to potential accidents that could've easily been avoided.
7. Repeating the Same Story
Have you ever been told the same funny story over and over until it's not funny anymore? As a general rule of thumb, once or twice is enough! Even if it's the greatest story ever told, repeating it again and again just makes it lose its appeal.
8. Exaggerating on Resumes
Can you imagine how awkward it'd be sitting in front of an interviewer having to make up lies on the spot just because you exaggerated on your resume? While it's okay to make yourself sound better, it's not okay to make up skills or qualifications. Look, if you don't know how to code in C++, just be honest about it! Save yourself the potential embarrassment.
9. Interrupting Others
Don't be surprised if people give you an annoyed look or two if you're the type to constantly interrupt others when they're talking. It's just plain rude. Even if you have something you want to say, wait till the other person is finished; it's how you show you care about what they say and that you were actually listening.
10. Judging Food Choices
Don't be that person who judges other people's taste in food during a meal. You don't know what they're dealing with, whether it be a new dieting plan, dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply just taste preference. People are allowed to eat what they want to eat; don't be so judgmental. It just puts a sour taste in your mouth.
11. Asking "When are you going to have kids"?
Ah yes. The dreaded question every new married couple wishes to never be asked. "When are you going to have kids"? is arguably the most intrusive and annoying question people seriously need to stop asking.
You don't know what's going on in a couple's life. For some people, it can be a really personal, sensitive question they don't want to answer. It's your job to respect that.
12. Oversharing on Social Media
Just because social media provides you with a platform to post pictures and stories, it doesn't mean you should be sharing details about your life no one wants to know about. Listen, it might be hard to hear, but no one really wants to know every little thing you did in your day.
13. Unnecessary Reply-All in Emails
Is there anything more cringey than being tagged into all these unnecessary work emails that have nothing to do with you? All it does is clutter your mailbox to be honest. Unless everyone in that email chain REALLY has to see what you're sending, don't hit reply-all.
14. Ghosting People
Even though social media has given the action of ignoring someone a cute term like "ghosting," it doesn't make it okay. In fact, it's pretty cringey. Never responding back to someone is just plain disrespectful and is a waste of their time. It doesn't matter if it has to do with dating, work, or personal relationships - it's not okay in any of those scenarios.
15. Faking Interest or Emotions
There's nothing people hate more than having to deal with someone who is fake.
If you don't like something, be honest about it! Pretending to show enthusiasm or interest just feels worse when people discover you're faking it. No one wants to be around an insincere person; it makes it harder to trust them.
16. Sending Unsolicited Advice
In general, if people don't ask for your help or advice, it usually means they don't want it. Butting in and trying to give your two cents doesn't exactly come off the way you think it does, especially if it's about personal matters or lifestyle choices. All it does is make you seem cocky and judgmental.
17. Making Plans in Front of Those Not Invited
If there's one social no-no you should never do, it's making plans in front of other people who aren't invited. It's just so cringey to witness. It's downright mean and is evident you're trying to make someone feel unincluded and left out. It's not hard to be polite and just discuss your plans in a more private setting.
18. Spoiling Movies or TV Shows
While it might vary from person to person, for the most part, people don't like getting spoiled. Imagine being excited for a movie you've been waiting to see for months, only to have it be entirely revealed by a friend. Well, you might as well say goodbye to all those fun plot twists and hidden easter eggs.
19. Overuse of Perfume
People will never complain about you wanting to smell nice, but they will if you overdo it. There's a limit to how much perfume you should be able to put on. While giving off subtle, nice notes are acceptable, walking around like a bottle of fragrance yourself is not.
20. Not Cleaning Up After Pets in Public Areas
Everyone loves seeing dogs at the park or in public areas, but that can quickly change if they take a big step into a pile of doggy doodoo. If you want to give your dog some fresh air and exercise, it goes without saying that you should be prepared to clean up after them too. Not doing your part to keep the environment clean is just cringey behaviour - especially if someone catches you doing it.
