Low-quality people often do these 10 things in public without realizing it

We all know that person – the one who seems oblivious to the way they’re behaving in public. It’s not about judging, it’s about understanding that certain actions can paint us in a less favorable light.

Let’s be clear, we’re all human and we all make mistakes. But there are some behaviors that, if repeated often enough, can label us as ‘low-quality’.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 things that these individuals often do in public, without even realizing it. These aren’t just pet peeves, they’re telltale signs of a lack of self-awareness and consideration.

Let’s get started.

1) Lack of spatial awareness

Have you ever encountered someone who just doesn’t respect personal space? It’s not just about social distancing, it’s about a basic understanding of boundaries.

Spatial awareness is an essential part of behaving appropriately in public. It’s about understanding where you are in relation to others and adjusting accordingly. This includes not standing too close to others in line, not talking loudly on your phone in a quiet café, or not sprawling out and taking up more space than necessary on public transport.

Low-quality individuals often display a lack of spatial awareness. They seem oblivious to the discomfort they’re causing those around them, and continue to act as if they’re the only ones present.

The irony is, they aren’t doing it intentionally. They simply lack the awareness or consideration to adjust their behavior. It’s a clear sign of low-quality behavior that is usually displayed without any realization of its impact.

2) Poor listening skills

Here’s a personal story that brings this point to life. I was recently at a social event, chatting with a group of people when I noticed something. One person in the group, let’s call him Sam, had a habit of constantly interrupting others.

Every time someone would start sharing a story or expressing their opinion, Sam would jump in mid-sentence and steer the conversation towards himself. It was clear that he wasn’t listening to understand but merely waiting for his turn to speak.

Poor listening skills are a common trait among low-quality individuals. They’re often more interested in being heard than hearing what others have to say. This lack of respect for others’ thoughts and feelings can be quite off-putting and is a clear giveaway of their low-quality behavior. And the worst part? They usually have no idea they’re doing it.

3) Neglecting common courtesies

We’ve all heard the saying, “Manners maketh man”, and it’s true. The way we treat others, especially in public, speaks volumes about our character.

An interesting study from the University of California found that people who consistently say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are generally seen as more likable and approachable. These simple acts of courtesy are easy to perform, yet, some people neglect them completely.

This is a common trait among low-quality individuals. They often forget or choose not to use these common courtesies, creating a negative impression on those around them. Their lack of politeness can be seen as rudeness or inconsideration, clearly indicating a lack of respect for others. And the most surprising part? They rarely realize they’re doing it.

4) Being overly critical

We all have opinions and it’s completely normal to express them. However, there’s a fine line between sharing a viewpoint and being overly critical.

Low-quality individuals often cross this line. They have a tendency to criticize others, usually without any constructive reason. Whether it’s about someone’s clothing, their choice of food, or even their opinion, these individuals seem to find a way to voice their disapproval.

This habit of constantly judging others creates a negative environment and can significantly impact the moods of those around them. The worst part? They usually don’t realize the negative effect their words can have on others.

5) Ignoring queue etiquette

Queuing is a part of everyday life, whether it’s at the grocery store, the bus stop, or the post office. It’s a social contract we all abide by, acknowledging that everyone’s time is valuable.

However, some individuals seem to disregard this unspoken agreement. They skip lines, complain about the wait, or constantly jostle those around them.

This blatant disregard for queue etiquette is a classic sign of low-quality behavior. It exhibits a lack of respect for others’ time and a sense of entitlement that can be quite irritating to those around them. Unfortunately, these individuals often don’t realize the annoyance they’re causing.

6) Unkindness towards service staff

It’s often said that the way someone treats service staff is a reflection of their character. I couldn’t agree more.

Whether it’s the waitress at a restaurant, the cashier at a grocery store, or the janitor at an office building, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

Yet, there are individuals who seem to overlook this. They treat service staff rudely, raise their voices, or even belittle them. This unkindness not only reflects poorly on them but also creates an uncomfortable environment for everyone present.

Such behavior is a classic sign of low-quality individuals. Their lack of empathy and disregard for others’ feelings is truly disheartening. And sadly, they often don’t realize how their actions affect those around them.

7) Absence of gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful expression that can brighten someone’s day. A simple ‘thank you’ or ‘I appreciate you’ can mean a lot.

Recently, I gifted a friend a book that she’d wanted for some time. What hurt wasn’t that she didn’t like the book, but the fact that she didn’t express any gratitude for the thought and effort put into the gift.

Low-quality individuals often overlook the power of gratitude. They take things for granted and fail to acknowledge the kindness or generosity of those around them. This absence of gratitude not only makes them appear unappreciative but also makes others feel undervalued. The sad part? They rarely realize they’re doing it.

8) Oversharing personal information

In this age of social media and reality TV, it might seem like sharing every detail of our lives is the norm. But it’s crucial to remember that not all settings are appropriate for TMI (Too Much Information).

Low-quality individuals often fail to discern this. They divulge personal or sensitive information in public spaces, oblivious to the discomfort they’re causing others around them.

While they may believe that sharing such details makes them appear open or transparent, it often leads to the opposite effect. People may perceive them as indiscreet, tactless, or simply unaware of social boundaries. And the ironic part? They often don’t realize they’re oversharing.

9) Excessive complaining

Everyone has bad days and it’s okay to vent occasionally. However, constant complaining, especially in public, can be draining for those around you.

Low-quality individuals often fall into this habit. They complain about the weather, the traffic, their work, their food – practically everything. Their negativity can bring down the mood and dampen the spirits of those around them.

This constant negativity not only reflects poorly on them but also pushes people away. People tend to avoid those who are perpetually unhappy or unsatisfied. The unfortunate part? These individuals often don’t realize the adverse impact of their excessive complaining.

10) Disrespecting others’ time

Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have. Respecting others’ time is a fundamental aspect of being a considerate and high-quality individual.

However, low-quality individuals often fail to understand this. They show up late, take longer than promised, or cancel plans at the last minute without any regard for the inconvenience they cause.

This lack of punctuality and reliability not only disrupts others’ schedules but also shows a lack of respect for them. It’s a clear indication of low-quality behavior, and sadly, these individuals often don’t realize the inconvenience they’re causing.

Final thought: A chance for growth

Human behavior is incredibly complex and often shaped by a myriad of factors – upbringing, environment, experiences, and even our innate personality traits.

The behaviors we’ve discussed here aren’t inherent or irreversible. They’re simply patterns that individuals can fall into, often without realizing it.

It’s important to remember that labeling someone as ‘low-quality’ isn’t about passing judgement or creating a divide. It’s about recognizing patterns of behavior that can be detrimental to our relationships and overall social dynamics.

The silver lining here is that once these behaviors are recognized, they can be changed. Every moment presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. And it all starts with self-awareness.

So as we navigate through life, let’s strive to be more mindful of our actions and how they affect those around us. After all, the journey towards becoming better versions of ourselves is a lifelong endeavour.