How to Not Be Annoying

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Most of the time, an annoying person doesn't realize how his or her behavior is perceived. If you suspect that you're annoying others - or you've been told you're annoying and think they might be right, here's how to avoid the little things that often get on people's nerves.

Steps

Build self confidence. Being insecure can lead to annoying traits so until you have built your self confidence up don't try too hard.
Break counterproductive habits. If you laugh loudly at everyone's jokes, even if they're not all that funny; read up on laughing at inappropriate times. Try a different approach - be genuine and be yourself. If people find you annoying when you're being true to yourself, then you need to find new, more accepting people to be around.
- Respect boundaries. Everybody has boundaries - you need to learn what they are and try to avoid crossing them. Boundaries vary widely from culture to culture and even from individual to individual.
- Do not poke people constantly or tap their heads. In fact, don't touch them at all if they don't like it.
- Mind your own business. Avoid butting into a conversation by (for example) saying, "What are you talking about?" If you hear someone talking about something with another person, and you only catch the last sentence, leave it be.
Be humble. Just because you're confident doesn't mean you have to act like you're better than anyone else. Don't do or say things that might let you appear to be arrogant, like bragging about your wealth or success.
- Do not correct bad grammar/spelling or inaccuracies of others because most people don't like being corrected.
Don't complain all the time. Remember the world does not revolve around you, so don't complain all the time. If you complain too much others will find you depressing and avoid you. Read up on how to be optimistic.
Learn to listen. Conversation is a two way street, if you're talking constantly, the other person will get frustrated and quit trying to communicate with you.
Be conscious of your hygiene. Imposing a bad smell on others is interpreted by most to be quite annoying. Even too much perfume can drive others away. Read up on Be hygienic.
Learn to read facial reactions and body movements. Pay attention to the facial expressions and body language of those around you and work to immediately fix whatever you're doing that is annoying others.
Think of others. For some it is easy, but others, it is obviously not. Try not be be one of those people by putting yourself in their shoes and think of how you would react to the way you are acting.

Tips

Everyone can be annoying at times, and that's considered normal in life. Being excessively annoying on a daily basis is what gets to people the most and will give you a long-lasting, bad reputation.
It is hard to be annoying if you don't talk too much. Think about what you say before you say it. "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt". However, not talking at all may annoy people as well. Try to use simple responses when people are talking to you and once in a while say what you are thinking from a general, neutral standpoint. Just be wary of talking too much or too little.
Don't know if you are annoying? Ask a person that you would find likely to give you an honest and constructive answer. Be prepared for criticism and be willing to accept them gratefully. The person may not be ready to give the criticism immediately so give him/her time by explaining your situation, thoughts, and feelings to work off of.
Please try not to pass gas in public.

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Wednesday, February 20, 2008