Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone’s thoughtless behavior? You know, like when the person behind you in the checkout line is yapping on their phone so loudly the whole store can hear their conversation. Or when a friend invites you over for dinner but spends the entire time scrolling through social media instead of actually talking with you. Rude and inconsiderate behaviors are everywhere, making life more annoying for the rest of us.
In this article, we’ll review some of the most Inconsiderate Behavior Examples People Should Stop Doing , like texting during meetings, not using headphones in public, blocking doorways and walkways, and more. Read on to find out if you’re guilty of these social faux pas and how you can make the world more courteous with just a few simple changes. Let’s all try to be a bit more considerate – your friends, family, co-workers, and everyone else sharing this world with you will thank you for it!
Table of Contents
Inconsiderate Behavior Examples
Inconsiderate behavior is any action that shows a lack of respect or concern for others. For example, someone who interrupts another person who is speaking or working is being inconsiderate. Another example is someone who makes loud noises or plays music at inappropriate times or places, disturbing others who are trying to sleep, study or relax.
1. Poor Personal Hygiene in Shared Spaces
We get it; sometimes, personal hygiene slips when you’re busy or in a rush. But it’s common courtesy to make an effort when you’re sharing spaces with others, like an office or gym locker room.
Body odor is unpleasant for everyone within sniffing distance. Shower regularly, especially after intense workouts, and wear deodorant or antiperspirant. If you sweat a lot, reapply as needed or try prescription-strength products.
Oral hygiene matters, too. Brush your teeth at least twice daily to prevent bad breath that can make close encounters awkward for others. Carry mints, gum, or mouthwash for quick fixes.
Wash your clothes, towels, and gym gear after every use. Bacteria build-up causes odors that linger in fabrics and spread to surfaces. No one wants to smell your week-old workout clothes or use a machine after you’ve coated them in old sweat.
Grooming habits like clipping your nails, combing hair, and shaving also help you make a good impression. Unruly facial hair, uncombed hair, and long nails are off-putting and unprofessional. Trim and style yourself appropriately before heading out.
Conserving shared spaces means making an effort with your hygiene and grooming. Your co-workers, gym buddies, and all those within scent’s reach will appreciate your politeness, and you’ll feel more confident knowing you’re making a good impression.
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2. Taking Up More Than One Seat on Public Transportation
We get it; public transit can be crowded. But taking up more than one seat is just rude. Have a little consideration for your fellow riders.
Keep your bag on the seat next to you when the bus or train pulls up, especially during rush hour. Move it to your lap or the floor so someone else can sit. The same goes for any shopping bags or backpacks. Be prepared to make room for others.
If the vehicle starts filling up, don’t pretend to be asleep or avoid eye contact so no one will ask you to move your stuff. Just do the polite thing and make the extra space available. You’ll be creating good transit karma.
Man-spreading, or sitting with your legs far apart so that you take up the seats on either side of you, is another inconsiderate habit. Give others enough room to sit comfortably, too.
The bottom line is to think beyond yourself. Remember that public means shared by all, so do your part to make the experience a little better for everyone. Being courteous to your fellow commuters will get you where you need to go with less frustration and annoyance. Now, isn’t that worth making an effort?
3. Inconsiderate Driving Behaviors Like Tailgating and Cutting People Off
We’ve all encountered rude drivers who make dangerous maneuvers without regard for others sharing the road. These selfish behaviors put everyone at risk and should stop.
Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is unsafe and anxiety-inducing. Maintain a safe distance between you and other cars so you have enough time to react in an emergency. Riding someone’s bumper won’t get you to your destination any faster and could cause a collision.
Cutting people off by changing lanes abruptly in front of other drivers is discourteous and threatens safety. Check your blind spots, use your turn signal, and ensure you have plenty of room before merging. Refrain from assuming other drivers will slam on their brakes to accommodate you. Aggressive driving endangers lives, and there’s no excuse for it.
Inconsiderate behaviors like these have no place behind the wheel. We all deserve to feel safe while driving and should extend basic courtesy to our fellow motorists. Follow the rules of the road, be patient, and share the streets responsibly. Let’s make the daily commute less stressful for everyone.
4. Talking Loudly on the Phone in Public Places
Talking loudly on the phone in public places is one of the most annoying behaviors. Have you ever been enjoying your coffee at a café when someone’s loud phone conversation interrupts your peace? Or are you trying to concentrate on your work at the library only to have your focus broken by an absurdly loud chat? Come on, people.
Lower Your Voice
Keep your voice down when talking on the phone in public. No one else wants to hear your conversation. Speak hushedly, especially in enclosed spaces like trains, buses, elevators, and waiting rooms. Your fellow patrons will appreciate your courtesy. Excuse yourself if you must take a call and step away to a more private area.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to where you are and who is around you. Talking on the phone loudly in quiet zones like libraries, places of worship, hospitals, or memorials is disrespectful. The same goes for late at night in residential areas or hotels. Have some situational awareness and take the call elsewhere.
Keep It Brief
If you have to make a call in public, keep the conversation short. For example, don’t have a long, drawn-out phone call in a restaurant. Say what you need to say and end the call quickly. The people around you will be less annoyed if your call lasts only a few minutes versus an hour.
Being mindful of your volume and location when chatting on the phone in public is just a common courtesy. Follow these tips, and you’ll avoid being “that person” engaging in rude behavior that irritates everyone within earshot. Keep your calls quick, quiet, and considerate. Your fellow community members will thank you.
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5. Letting Your Kids Run Wild in Restaurants
Letting your little ones run unattended in restaurants significantly annoys other diners and staff. Kids will be kids, but that doesn’t mean they should be permitted to disturb everyone else’s meal.
- Keep your children seated at the table. Constantly getting up, wandering, and exploring will disrupt the other patrons. Ask your kids to use their “Inside voices” and avoid excessive noise. Keep kids from playing with restaurant equipment like menus, napkin dispensers, or condiments. These items are not toys, and removing or damaging them causes extra work for the staff.
- Avoid screens and electronics, which can be distracting for others. Engage your kids in conversation, play games together, or bring books, toys, and coloring supplies to keep them occupied.
- Monitor your children’s bathroom trips. Don’t let them go unaccompanied, where they may make a mess that has to be cleaned up.
- Apologize and take responsibility if your little ones cause any disturbance or damage. Offer to pay for anything they break or spill to show courtesy for the trouble.
- Be prepared to cut the meal short if your children’s behavior gets out of control. It’s better to leave early rather than subject everyone else to a prolonged unpleasant experience.
Giving your kids extra patience and guidance in restaurants will improve the experience. A little consideration for your fellow diners will be greatly appreciated so everyone can enjoy their meal peacefully.
6. Taking Up Extra Seats on Public Transportation
We’ve all encountered that inconsiderate person on the bus or train who thinks their bags deserve their seat. While public transit can get crowded, that doesn’t give anyone the right to take up more space than necessary.
Have some courtesy and move your belongings so others can sit down. No one wants to stand for their entire ride because you couldn’t be bothered to make room for fellow passengers. Keep your bags, packages, and other items on your lap or between your legs – don’t place them on the seat next to you.
If the vehicle is complete and others are left standing, you should offer extra space to someone else. Don’t make people have to ask you to move your things. Pay attention to your surroundings and be proactive. Make eye contact, smile, and gesture for them to take the seat. It’s just common decency.
Transit riders come from all walks of life, and some may have conditions that make standing difficult or even painful. Do the kind and considerate thing – make room for others and only take up what you need. Your bags and personal items can share your seat or sit on the floor. Leave adjoining seats open for passengers unless necessary due to overcrowding.
We all have places to be, so let’s make the journey easier for each other. Keep your belongings contained to a single seat on public transit and free up space for fellow riders whenever possible. It’s the thoughtful, courteous thing to do.
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7. Interrupting Others When They’re Speaking
Interrupting someone when they’re speaking is rude and inconsiderate. No one likes being cut off mid-sentence or having their train of thought derailed. Yet some people seem to barge into conversations or abruptly change the subject habitually.
Interrupting others conveys that what you have to say is more important than what they are saying. It’s disrespectful and frustrates the speaker. Constant interruptions disrupt the flow of communication and make meaningful dialog nearly impossible.
Some tips to avoid being “that person” who incessantly interrupts:
- Listen actively and be engaged in the conversation. Pay attention to the speaker’s nonverbal cues and pauses to determine if they’ve finished speaking before you jump in.
- Avoid finishing other people’s sentences or thoughts. Let them express themselves fully.
- Refrain from assuming you know what someone is going to say. Even if you think you have an idea of their point or story, let them share it in their own words.
- Ask questions to clarify instead of interrupting. Say something like, “Can you explain that further?” or “What did you mean by that?”. This allows the other person to continue speaking while ensuring you understand them.
- Wait two seconds after someone stops talking before responding. This brief pause enables the speaker to finish their thought or continue speaking. It also gives you a moment to evaluate if what you will say is relevant and appropriate.
- Apologize if you interrupt. Say, “Sorry, please continue,” or “My apologies, I didn’t mean to cut you off. Taking responsibility for interrupting and allowing the speaker to resume will make the conversation flow more smoothly.
- Stay engaged and listen for a natural pause or opportunity to contribute constructively. Look for openings where you can build on what the other person said or share a related experience. But do so respectfully and avoid abrupt subject changes.
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8. Not Returning Your Shopping Cart
Not returning your shopping cart is one of the most common inconsiderate behaviors that grinds people’s gears. We’ve all been there, walking through a busy parking lot and narrowly avoiding runaway carts as they roll by.
Leaving your cart strewn about is rude and lazy. Someone else has to collect the cart to prevent vehicle damage, and it’s often left up to store employees as an added task. It only takes a minute of your time to walk the cart to a designated cart return, corral, or cart holder so the next shopper can quickly grab it.
Whether you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like it, try to return your cart. Your fellow shoppers and the store staff will appreciate your courtesy. And who knows, your good deed will inspire others to follow suit. If everyone did their small part in cleaning up after themselves, parking lots would be safer and more pleasant for all.
So next time you finish shopping, don’t be that inconsiderate person who leaves their cart out. Bring it back to the cart return. Your mom doesn’t work there, and it’s simply the thoughtful thing to do. Let’s make cart returns great again!
9. Parking in Handicap Spots Illegally
Parking in handicapped spots when you don’t have a valid placard or plate is one of the rudest, most inconsiderate behaviors. These spots are expressly set aside for those with disabilities or limited mobility. Yet, many non-disabled drivers illegally park in them for convenience.
Have some respect for those who genuinely need these spots. Walking just a few extra steps from a regular parking spot is easy for most of us. Still, it can be difficult or even painful for someone with a disability. By parking illegally in a handicapped space, you are directly inconveniencing and disrespecting these individuals.
Handicap parking violations are also subject to hefty fines, and for good reason. According to the official Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, striped and marked handicap spots must be kept available for those who need them. When you park illegally in one of these spots, you are breaking the law and can face penalties of $250-$1,000 or more per violation.
In addition to fines, some repeat or egregious offenders may face license suspension or jail time. It’s not worth the risk for a slightly closer parking spot. Have some basic decency and find an appropriate, legal parking space. Handicap spots are reserved for those with legitimate needs. If you don’t have a disability placard or license plate, keep looking.
Rude and inconsiderate behaviors like illegal parking in handicapped spots demonstrate a lack of empathy and respect for others. For the benefit of all community members, follow the rules and leave these spots open for those with disabilities. It’s a minor inconvenience that can make a big difference.
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10. Playing Music Without Headphones
We’ve all encountered that inconsiderate person blasting their music in public without headphones. It’s rude and annoying.
Have you ever been on a bus or train, and someone near you is playing their music out loud for all to hear? Not only is it distracting, but it’s disrespectful to those around you. Using headphones is a common courtesy in public spaces.
When you play your music for all to hear, you’re subjecting everyone in the vicinity to your musical tastes, whether they like it or not. People may be trying to read, work, or enjoy peace. Blaring your playlist disrupts that and ruins the experience for others.
It’s pretty easy to bring a pair of headphones or earbuds with you. They’re inexpensive and compact and allow you to enjoy your music without bothering anyone else. If you need to remember them, turn off your piece until you get to a place where playing it aloud won’t be a nuisance.
Ultimately, it comes down to the golden rule – treat others how you want to be treated. Empathize with those around you, and be considerate with your music. Keep it to yourself by using headphones in public, and you’ll avoid being labeled as one of those rude, inconsiderate people that everyone hopes to avoid.
11. Cutting in Line
Cutting in line is rude and inconsiderate. We’ve all been there, standing patiently in a queue, when someone decides their time is more valuable than everyone else’s and cuts to the front.
This behavior shows a blatant disregard for others and a sense of entitlement no one appreciates. Everyone’s time is equally precious, so don’t assume you’re the exception to the rule. Have some empathy and consider how you would feel if someone cut in front of you after you’ve been waiting.
Rather than causing a scene, approach the line cutter politely yet firmly and say, “Excuse me, the end of the line is back there.” If they refuse to move, involve an authority figure like security or a manager. They may feel embarrassed when called out on their actions, but that discomfort results from their poor choices.
Waiting in line is an inevitable part of life, so we should make the best of it. Strike up a friendly conversation with someone next to you, or use the time to check your phone or read a book. Getting irritated or impatient rarely makes the wait go by faster. It often makes the situation worse for yourself and others.
Everyone is just trying to go about their day, so do your part by being patient and courteous. Follow the rules and don’t cut the fine. Your fellow customers will appreciate your consideration, and you’ll feel better about yourself knowing you took the high road.
12. Not Holding Doors or Letting Others Exit First
Not holding doors open or allowing others to exit before entering is a small action that can make a big difference. Taking a moment to extend this small courtesy shows you’re considerate of others.
When approaching a door, check if anyone is about to go through or come out. If so, hold the door open for them with a smile. It’s an easy way to make a good impression and brighten someone’s day. Saying “please, after you” or “go ahead” lets them know you’re holding it for them.
Hold the door for anyone exiting inside a building before going through yourself. Don’t just breeze on by while the door closes in their face. Take a second to open it for them. Common spaces like offices, stores, and elevators are perfect opportunities to practice this habit.
Are you getting into an elevator? Hold the door and ask “going down?” or “room for one more?”. Let anyone outside enter first before selecting your floor. When you reach your floor, pause before exiting to allow others out first. Simple courtesies like these create a more pleasant shared experience for all.
Holding doors and letting others exit before entering is an easy way to spread courtesy in small moments of your day. People will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness. And who knows, it inspire you to pay it forward! Common spaces where we cross paths with strangers daily could use more of this type of inconsiderate behavior. Why not start today?
13. Having Lengthy Personal Conversations in Shared Office Spaces
Having lengthy personal conversations in shared office spaces is inconsiderate to your co-workers. Think about how distracting it can be when someone is chatting away loudly on the phone or with another co-worker for an extended time in an open area you share.
- Keep calls brief. Take longer personal calls in a phone room or empty office. Your co-workers will appreciate you keeping chatter to a minimum in communal areas.
- Be mindful of your volume. There’s no need to shout at your phone or the person you’re speaking with. Use an inside voice and be courteous to those around you.
- Take your time sharing. While quick hellos and short updates with colleagues are nuanced, lengthy discussions about your dating life, family issues, or other personal matters should be saved for phone calls or meetups outside of work. Keep things professional in shared workspaces.
Awareness of how your actions might affect others is essential to creating a considerate work environment. Do your part by limiting disruptive personal interactions in common areas, and your office-mates will thank you. Courtesy and restraint can go a long way in cultivating goodwill and harmony with the people you share space with daily.
14. Letting Your Dog Bark Excessively
Letting your dog bark excessively is one of the most frustrating behaviors for neighbors and passersby. As much as you love your furry friend, constant barking can annoy others.
First, determine why your dog is barking so much to curb excessive barking. They may be barking out of boredom, anxiety over being left alone, or in response to outside noises. Try going with interactive dog toys, a TV, or music to keep them occupied when you’re not home. You should also avoid reinforcing the barking by not giving them attention when they’re being noisy.
When your dog starts barking, avoid yelling at them. Stay calm, distract them, or redirect their attention to an appropriate toy or treat. Once they stop barking, reward and praise them. You can also teach them the “Quiet” command by saying “Quiet,” waiting for them to stop barking, even briefly, then rewarding them. Practice this regularly and be patient through the training process.
It may also help to limit access to outside views and sounds that trigger excessive barking by closing blinds or playing white noise. In severe cases of anxiety or compulsion, you may need to consult a vet about medication or behavioral therapy options to help alleviate the underlying cause of the barking.
Being inconsiderate to neighbors by allowing constant barking is unfair and disrespectful. Try to determine why your dog is barking and take steps to remedy the behavior. Your neighbors will thank you, and your dog will be better for it!
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15. Not Cleaning Up After Your Dog
You are not cleaning up after your dog is one of the rudest behaviors. No one wants to step in or smell what your puppy left behind. Do the right thing, that business!
Pick it up
Carry dog waste bags with you on walks, and be sure to scoop the poop. No excuses. Tie off the bags securely and dispose of them properly in the trash. In many places, leaving droppings in public areas is unhygienic and against the law.
Have some courtesy for others using sidewalks, trails, and grassy areas. Kids play outside, and no one wants to deal with dog doo-doo stuck to shoes or bike tires. Do your part to keep recreational spots clean and contaminant-free.
It’s common decency to clean up after your canine companion. Take responsibility for your pet, and don’t subject the community to health hazards and foul odors. Your neighbors will surely appreciate not having to dodge landmines in their yards or on the street. Do the right thing for your dog. Yourself and everyone else. Bag that business!
Conclusion
So there you have a few common rude behaviors that grind people’s gears and need to stop. We all slip up and act inconsiderately at times, but being more mindful of how our words and actions affect those around us can go a long way.
Next time you’re tempted to yell into your phone in a quiet area or not return your shopping cart, pause and think about the impact. Your small acts of consideration will be appreciated more than you know. And if you see others engaging in these rude behaviors, try not to judge too harshly-just do your part to spread more kindness and courtesy in the world.
References
- Health and Hygiene at Work :Encouraging Good Habits for a Cleaner Workspace By the Mind Tools Content Team
- Ask Amy: How do you deal with someone speaking loudly on the phone in a public place
- Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Behavior
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