There’s a thin line between being socially awkward and just having poor social skills.
The crux of it all boils down to awareness. Those with poor social skills often don’t realize the awkward moments they’re creating in public.
Now, don’t get me wrong, we all have our moments. But for some, these moments are more frequent and, unfortunately, more obvious to those around them.
This is not to ridicule or judge them, but rather to shed light on some common behaviors that they might not be aware of.
Let’s get started.
1) Over-sharing
There’s a fine line between being open and sharing too much, and people with poor social skills often cross it unknowingly.
Remember, social gatherings aren’t therapy sessions. It can make people uncomfortable when someone discloses too much personal information too soon.
We all have stories to tell, but the art of conversation involves a balanced give-and-take. It’s about reading the room and understanding what’s appropriate to share and when.
Unfortunately, those with poorer social skills might not pick up on these cues, leading to awkward situations where they share more than the listener is prepared for or interested in hearing.
When you find yourself in a conversation, remember, less is often more. Keeping things light and gradually building up to deeper topics can help avoid those awkward moments of over-sharing.
2) Misreading social cues
I’ll never forget the time I was at a networking event, casually chatting with a group of people. We were laughing, sharing stories, when this guy joined in. He seemed friendly enough, but he just couldn’t seem to pick up on the social cues.
He’d laugh too loudly at jokes that weren’t that funny, and he’d interject with unrelated stories when someone else was speaking. It was clear he wasn’t adept at reading the room.
This can be a common issue for people with poor social skills. They might not realize when it’s their turn to speak or when it’s time to listen. They might not pick up on subtle cues indicating disinterest or discomfort from others.
In my case, it turned an otherwise enjoyable conversation into an awkward encounter. It’s a classic example of how misreading social cues can lead to uncomfortable situations in public settings.
3) Neglecting personal space
In different cultures around the world, the concept of personal space varies significantly. In the United States, for instance, people generally prefer to keep an arm’s length distance when conversing with others.
People with poor social skills often disregard this unspoken rule. Whether they stand too close or lean in too much during conversations, they can unknowingly make others feel uncomfortable.
This violation of personal space can lead to awkward situations, as the person on the receiving end might not know how to politely express their discomfort or reestablish their personal boundaries.
4) Overlooking body language
Communication is more than just words. In fact, a lot of what we communicate to each other is non-verbal. Our body language, facial expressions, and the way we use our hands can say a lot about what we’re feeling.
But for people with poor social skills, these signals might as well be in a foreign language. They often overlook the importance of body language – both their own and that of others.
For instance, they may continue talking even when the person they’re speaking to is showing signs of boredom or disinterest. Or they might not realize that their own closed-off posture can be off-putting to others.
Overlooking body language can lead to uncomfortable situations and misunderstandings. It’s vital to be aware of these non-verbal cues to navigate social interactions smoothly and avoid awkwardness.
5) Dominating conversations
There was this phase in my life where I wasn’t the best listener. I’d get so caught up in what I wanted to say next that I’d barely pay attention to what the other person was saying. Sometimes, I’d even interrupt them mid-sentence to share my thoughts.
It wasn’t until a good friend pointed it out that I realized how dominating conversations can make the other person feel unheard and unimportant.
People with poor social skills tend to do this frequently. They might not even realize they’re doing it. But dominating conversations doesn’t just make for awkward moments, it can also harm relationships.
Learning to actively listen, to give others the space to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption, can significantly improve social interactions.
6) Avoiding eye contact
Eye contact is a crucial part of communication. It shows that you’re engaged and interested in the conversation. But for people with poor social skills, maintaining the right amount of eye contact can be a challenge.
They might avoid eye contact altogether, giving the impression that they’re disinterested or even rude. On the other hand, too much eye contact can make others feel uncomfortable.
Striking the right balance is key. By avoiding extremes, one can create a sense of connection and mutual respect during conversations, helping to prevent awkward situations.
7) Not responding to social cues
The most significant thing to understand about poor social skills is that they often involve not responding to social cues appropriately. Whether it’s not noticing when someone is trying to end a conversation, or missing the cue that a joke has fallen flat, these missteps can lead to a host of awkward situations.
Learning to recognize and respond to social cues is a crucial aspect of improving social skills. It helps foster better interactions, minimizes misunderstandings, and ultimately, lessens those uncomfortable moments in public.
Final thoughts: It’s a learning curve
One key aspect to remember is that our brains are highly adaptable. This phenomenon, known as neuroplasticity, allows us to learn new skills, adapt to changes, and improve existing abilities – social skills included.
People with poor social skills aren’t necessarily stuck in their ways. With conscious effort, patience, and practice, they can learn to navigate social situations more effectively and reduce those awkward moments.
It’s also crucial for us, as observers, to approach these situations with empathy and understanding. After all, we all have our own set of quirks and challenges.
So the next time you notice someone struggling with social cues or oversharing personal details, remember – it’s not always intentional. We’re all on a continuous journey of self-improvement and learning, navigating the complex world of social interactions one step at a time.
