We’ve all had those moments where we cringe at something we did in public. But for people with poor social skills, these awkward moments happen more often—and they don’t always realize it.
Social skills aren’t just about knowing what to say. They’re about reading the room, picking up on cues, and understanding how our actions affect others. When someone struggles with this, they might do things that make others uncomfortable without meaning to.
The truth is, we’ve probably all been guilty of some of these behaviors at one point or another. But recognizing them is the first step to improving. Here are seven awkward things people with poor social skills tend to do in public—without even realizing it.
1) Standing too close to people
Personal space is a big deal, and most people have an invisible bubble around them that they don’t like being invaded. But if you have poor social skills, you might not always notice when you’re standing too close.
This can make others feel uncomfortable, even if you don’t mean any harm. You might see them subtly stepping back or leaning away, trying to create more distance.
The tricky part? If you don’t pick up on these cues, you could keep moving closer without realizing it—making the situation even more awkward.
A good rule of thumb is to give about an arm’s length of space when talking to someone, unless they’re a close friend or family member. If you notice someone backing away, take it as a sign to adjust your distance.
2) Laughing at the wrong time
I’ll never forget the time I laughed during a serious conversation and immediately regretted it. Someone was opening up about a difficult situation, and for some reason, I let out a nervous chuckle. The look on their face told me everything—I had completely misread the moment.
People with poor social skills sometimes laugh at the wrong time without realizing it. It’s not because they’re trying to be rude, but because they don’t always pick up on the emotional tone of a conversation. Sometimes, laughter is just a reflex when they feel awkward or don’t know how to respond.
The best way to avoid this? Pay close attention to the other person’s tone and facial expressions. If they seem serious, it’s usually best to stay neutral and listen rather than trying to lighten the mood with laughter. Trust me, I’ve learned this one the hard way.
3) Talking too much (or not enough)
Conversations are all about balance, but people with poor social skills often struggle to find it. Some end up dominating the discussion, unaware that others can’t get a word in. Others barely speak at all, making interactions feel awkward and one-sided.
Studies show that in a typical conversation, people should talk for about 40-50% of the time to keep things engaging for both sides. But when someone talks too much, it can come across as self-centered or exhausting. On the other hand, saying too little can make the conversation feel forced or uncomfortable.
The key is to notice how others are responding. If they seem distracted or disengaged, it might be time to let them speak. If they’re asking lots of follow-up questions, they probably want to hear more from you. Finding that balance takes practice, but it makes a huge difference in social interactions.
4) Missing social cues
A lot of communication happens without words, but people with poor social skills often miss these unspoken signals. Things like facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language can completely change the meaning of a conversation—but if you’re not paying attention to them, you might not realize when someone is bored, annoyed, or uncomfortable.
For example, if someone keeps checking their phone or giving short answers, they might be trying to end the conversation. If they’re backing away slightly, they probably want more personal space. Ignoring these cues can make interactions feel awkward or even frustrating for the other person.
The best way to improve? Start observing people more carefully. Pay attention to their expressions and gestures, and try to match their energy in conversations. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to pick up on these subtle but important signals.
5) Not knowing when to end a conversation
Ending a conversation at the right time seems simple, but for some people, it’s not. They either keep talking long after the other person has lost interest or exit too abruptly, leaving the interaction feeling unfinished.
One of the hardest things is recognizing when someone is ready to wrap things up. Maybe they start giving shorter responses, glancing around, or shifting their body away. These little signs mean it’s probably time to say, “Well, it was great talking to you!” and move on.
But sometimes, there’s also the fear of cutting things off too soon—of walking away and then realizing the other person wasn’t done talking. That lingering doubt can make every social interaction feel like a small puzzle you’re constantly trying to solve.
6) Struggling with eye contact
Eye contact is one of the biggest ways we connect with others, but for people with poor social skills, it can be tricky to get right. Some avoid eye contact altogether, making them seem disinterested or even rude. Others overcompensate by staring too intensely, which can feel uncomfortable or intimidating.
The challenge is finding a natural rhythm. Too little eye contact can make conversations feel disconnected, while too much can make the other person uneasy. Experts suggest holding eye contact for about 3-5 seconds at a time before briefly looking away—it keeps things natural without feeling forced.
If eye contact feels awkward, try focusing on the space between someone’s eyes instead of staring directly into them. It helps create the illusion of eye contact without the pressure, making interactions feel smoother and more comfortable.
7) Not realizing how they come across
One of the biggest struggles for people with poor social skills is that they often don’t see themselves the way others do. They might think they’re being friendly when they’re actually interrupting, or believe they’re just explaining something when they’re actually dominating the conversation.
Social awareness isn’t just about understanding others—it’s also about recognizing how your own behavior affects them. The way you speak, your tone, your body language, and even your silence all send messages, whether you intend them to or not.
The hardest part? You don’t always know when you’re getting it wrong. Unless someone points it out, it’s easy to assume everything is fine while others feel awkward or frustrated. But the more you pay attention, the more you start to notice—and that awareness changes everything.
