By Lachlan Brown 
Recognizing these trends is the first step to changing them. In this article, I’m going to walk you through 8 signs that might suggest you’re unknowingly pushing people away.
Reading these signs will be like holding up a mirror to your actions. It may not be easy, but it’s essential if you want to improve your relationships with others.
Let’s get started.
1) You are always right
Confidence is a good thing, but when it turns into arrogance, it’s a different story.
One of the quickest ways to make someone dislike you is to insist that you are always right. No one likes the know-it-all. This is not only frustrating, but it also makes people feel ignored and rejected.
If you find yourself constantly arguing your point of view, refusing to consider other points of view, or outright rejecting the ideas of others, you may be exhibiting this trait.
It’s important to remember that being right is not as important as being respectful. Everyone has unique experiences and perspectives that can expand our own understanding.
Take a step back and give others the opportunity to share their thoughts. It’s not about winning an argument, it’s about building a bridge of understanding.
2) You don’t listen
This one is a little close to my house. I used to find myself in conversations where I was more focused on what I was going to say next, rather than actually listening to what the other person was saying.
The result? People felt ignored and underestimated. And let me tell you, that’s not a good feeling.
Active listening is very important and it’s a skill I’ve had to work on. This means putting aside your own thoughts and focusing fully on the person speaking. This shows respect and makes the other person feel valued.
If you often find yourself interrupting or formulating your response before the other person has finished speaking, it’s likely that you aren’t really listening. Believe me, working on it can significantly improve your relationships.
3) You are always negative
A hint of pessimism can sometimes serve as a reality check, but constant negativity can be exhausting for those around you.
Research shows that we tend to imitate the emotions of those around us – a phenomenon known as emotional contagion. So if you’re still in the dumps, chances are you’re dragging others down with you.
Complaining, criticizing, and focusing on problems rather than solutions can make interactions with you cumbersome and stressful. It is important to cultivate a balance, recognizing challenges but also recognizing opportunities and positives.
A little positivity can go a long way in getting people to like your business.
4) You are always the victim
We all go through difficult times and it’s natural to want to share our experiences with others. However, if you constantly present yourself as a victim, it can start to take a toll on those around you.
Playing the victim means you are always the victim of misfortune, with no responsibility for what happens in your life. This can make others uncomfortable and overwhelming, especially if they are always expected to be sympathetic or helpful.
If you find yourself constantly blaming others or circumstances for your struggles, it may be time to take a step back. Think about ways you can take responsibility and regain control of your situation. This mindset shift can greatly improve how others perceive you.
5) You lack empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it is an essential part of our human relationships.
If you often find it difficult to understand what someone else is going through, or dismiss their feelings as unimportant, this can create a barrier between you and others. This sends the message that their emotions don’t matter to you, which can make people feel disrespected and undervalued.
Being empathetic means opening your heart and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. It’s about recognizing their feelings, even if you’ve never experienced their situation yourself.
By showing more empathy, you will not only make others feel heard and validated, but you will also deepen your connections with them. After all, we’re just humans on this journey together.
6) You are too focused on yourself
There was a time when I walked into a room and immediately started talking about myself. My day, my problems, my achievements. It wasn’t until a close friend pointed this out to me that I realized how self-centered I had become.
Being too self-centered can push people away. Conversations should be two-way. If you always bring the discussion back to yourself, others may feel like you’re not interested in them.
It’s important to show genuine interest in the people around you. Ask them about their day, their feelings, their ideas. Listen more than you speak. This can create a more balanced and enjoyable interaction for everyone involved.
7) You are unreliable
Trustworthiness is essential in any relationship, whether personal or professional. This builds trust and shows respect for the time and efforts of others.
If you often arrive late, cancel plans at the last minute, or break promises, people may feel like they can’t count on you. This can lead to frustration and resentment over time.
Being reliable means honoring your commitments and being punctual. If something happens and you can’t keep a promise, let them know as soon as possible and apologize sincerely.
Actions speak louder than words, and consistency in your actions can greatly improve how others perceive you.
8) You are not authentic
Ultimately, there is no substitute for authenticity. People are attracted to those who are authentic and true to themselves.
If you’re constantly trying to be someone you’re not, or creating a facade to impress others, people may feel like they don’t really know you. This lack of authenticity can create a feeling of distrust and discomfort.
Being authentic means being honest with yourself and others about who you are, what you believe, and how you feel. It’s about letting your true colors show, even if they’re not always perfect.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Authenticity is compelling and engaging. It invites people in and allows them to connect with you on a deeper level.