Some people just get social situations.
They know what to say, when to say it, and—just as importantly—what to avoid.
Others? Not so much.
We’ve all been in conversations where someone brings up a topic that instantly makes things awkward.
Maybe it’s oversharing personal details, constantly bragging, or steering every discussion back to themselves.
Whatever the case, these moments make it clear: social awareness isn’t their strong suit.
The truth is, the way we communicate says a lot about us; if someone frequently talks about certain topics without realizing how they come across, it can hold them back—both socially and professionally.
If you notice these eight conversation habits in yourself or others, it might be time for a little self-awareness check:
1) About themselves
We all know someone like this.
No matter what the conversation is about, they always find a way to bring it back to them.
You mention a recent trip? They’ve been somewhere better.
You share a personal challenge? Theirs was way worse.
Even in group settings, they dominate the discussion with stories about their own experiences, barely acknowledging what others have to say.
Sure, sharing personal stories is normal—it’s how we connect.
But when someone does it all the time, without considering whether others are engaged or interested, it’s a clear sign of poor social awareness.
Conversations should be a two-way street, not a never-ending monologue.
2) Controversial opinions
I’ll never forget the time I was at a friend’s birthday dinner, and someone at the table suddenly launched into a heated debate about politics—completely unprompted.
One minute, we were laughing and enjoying our food, and the next, the entire mood had shifted.
People got uncomfortable, some tried to change the subject, and a few even left early.
It wasn’t that the topic itself was bad, but there’s a time and place for certain discussions—and a casual social gathering isn’t one of them.
People who lack social awareness often don’t pick up on these cues.
They’ll bring up divisive topics—politics, religion, money—without considering whether it’s appropriate or how it might make others feel.
Instead of reading the room, they double down, completely oblivious to the tension they’ve created.
3) Oversharing of personal details
Deep conversations can build strong connections—but only when the timing is right.
Some people, however, skip all social boundaries and dive straight into highly personal topics with people they barely know.
Talking about past traumas, medical issues, or relationship struggles within minutes of meeting someone can make others feel uncomfortable or even trapped.
While vulnerability can be a sign of confidence, in many cases, it’s actually linked to low self-awareness and a poor understanding of social boundaries.
Strong relationships develop in stages, with trust and intimacy building gradually over time.
When someone rushes that process by oversharing too soon, it often pushes people away rather than bringing them closer.
4) Complaints about life
We all go through tough times, and venting to close friends is completely normal.
But some people turn every conversation into a personal pity party, constantly complaining about their job, relationships, health, or just life in general—without ever considering how it affects those around them.
Negativity is surprisingly contagious; being around constant complaining can actually increase stress levels and lower overall mood.
When someone makes whining their default mode of communication, they’re not just bringing themselves down—they’re dragging everyone else down with them.
Socially aware people understand that conversations should be balanced.
They know when to share frustrations and when to shift the focus to something more positive, making interactions feel lighter and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
5) Unsolicited advice
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve casually mentioned a minor problem, only to have someone jump in with a long-winded solution I never asked for.
Sometimes, people just want to vent or share an experience—not be handed a step-by-step guide on how to “fix” it.
But those who lack social awareness don’t always realize this.
Rather than listening and empathizing, they immediately offer advice, often assuming they know best even when they have no real expertise on the topic.
I’ve learned that the most socially aware people don’t rush to solve every problem they hear about.
Instead, they ask simple questions like, “Do you want advice, or do you just need to vent?”
That small difference can completely change how a conversation feels—and whether people actually enjoy talking to you.
6) Proof of their intelligence
You’d think that showing off your intelligence would make people admire you—but more often than not, it does the opposite.
People who frequently drop obscure facts, use overly complex words in simple conversations, or correct minor mistakes just to “educate” others usually don’t realize how they come across.
They create distance, making interactions feel more like a competition than a genuine exchange.
The smartest people don’t need to prove how smart they are.
They listen just as much as they speak, explain things without condescension, and know that a good conversation isn’t about sounding intelligent—it’s about making a real connection.
7) Finance
Money is a part of life, but how someone talks about it says a lot about their social awareness.
Some people brag endlessly about how much they make, what they’ve bought, or how expensive their lifestyle is—without realizing that it can come across as tacky or out of touch.
Others do the opposite, constantly talking about their financial struggles in a way that puts pressure on those around them.
Conversations about money aren’t inherently bad, but socially aware people know when and how to approach the topic.
They understand that not everyone is in the same financial situation and that bringing it up too often—or in the wrong way—can make others feel awkward, frustrated, or even judged.
8) Any other uninteresting topic
The surest sign of poor social awareness isn’t what someone talks about—it’s their inability to realize when no one cares.
They’ll keep rambling even when people give short answers, avoid eye contact, or shift their body language away.
They miss the subtle cues that say, “This topic isn’t landing.”
Instead of adjusting or steering the conversation elsewhere, they push forward, completely unaware that they’re losing their audience.
Great communicators aren’t just good talkers—they’re good listeners.
They pay attention to how people react, pick up on unspoken signals, and know when it’s time to change the subject or wrap things up.
Why social awareness matters more than you think
Hopefully, if you’ve read this far, you’ve started to notice just how much social awareness shapes our interactions.
Because being socially aware isn’t about following a rigid set of rules—it’s about understanding how our words affect others.
It’s about knowing when to speak, when to listen, and when to shift gears to keep a conversation flowing naturally.
People who have this skill aren’t just easier to talk to—they build stronger relationships, earn more trust, and leave a lasting positive impression.
And if someone doesn’t have it? Well, they may never realize why people start drifting away!
