I have igoogle as my homepage on my computer and included on the page are "how to's". They're always random (yesterday's was something like "how to make a visor out of a baseball cap"... WHAT?!) I don't think I've ever actually clicked on the article to further pursue details but today's made me laugh. I don't know if it's worse that people need this in order to avoid being annoying (which by reading it, they would have knowledge of their annoying tendencies) or that people (like me) actually take the time to read it. So, for all of you annoying people, (who apparently know who you are) please read below:
[edit] Steps
- Build self confidence. Sometimes someone will find you annoying because you happen to do something that they associate with a negative trait, such as anxiety, stereotypes, or slovenliness. You shouldn't have to change something about yourself just because someone interprets your behavior inaccurately (presuming it is an inaccurate judgment). But other times, we can be annoying because we're insecure or we're trying too hard. In such cases, you can examine why you do certain things and perhaps realize that the only reason you're doing them is to make a good impression, and it's backfiring on you!
- Break counterproductive habits. Let's say you've found that you laugh loudly at everyone's jokes, even if they're not all that funny, or perhaps you've gotten in the habit of laughing at inappropriate times. Maybe you started doing it subconsciously because you thought being jubilant and quick to laugh made you more likable, but now all it's doing is annoying everyone you spend time with. Try a different approach - be genuine and be yourself. If people find you annoying when you're being true to yourself, then you need to find new, more accepting people to be around.
- Respect boundaries. Everybody has boundaries--you need to learn what they are and try to avoid crossing them. Boundaries vary widely from culture to culture and even from individual to individual.
- Do not poke people constantly or tap their heads. In fact, don't touch them at all if they don't like it. Some people like having their personal space and don't take well to touchy-feely behavior.
- Mind your own business. Avoid butting into a conversation by (for example) saying, "What are you talking about?" If you hear someone talking about something with another person, and you only catch the last sentence, leave it be.
- Be humble. Just because you're confident doesn't mean you have to act like you're better than anyone else. Don't do or say things that might let you appear to be arrogant, like bragging about your wealth or success.
- Do not correct grammar/spelling or accurateness of others. Big words make you seem intelligent, but most people don't like being corrected all the time.
- The world does not revolve around you, so stop whining or complaining all the time. That will be tiring for those around you. This also goes for constantly putting yourself down, which is not humble - it's another form of self-absorption. It's normal to feel bad once in a while, and to express your discontent, but you also need to know when to get over it and move on. Read up on how to be optimistic.
- Learn to listen. Other people have things to say too and they will get very annoyed very quickly if you're the only one who talks and will eventually stop talking to you all together.
- Be conscious of your surroundings. Believe it or not, other people have to live their lives too. Be aware if you are standing in doorways while having a conversation, driving 20MPH in a 40MPH zone, or if your children are being obnoxious in a public place. Likewise, imposing a bad smell to the surroundings is interpreted by most to be quite annoying. Be hygienic.
- Learn to read facial reactions and body movements. People will usually let you know that they're becoming exasperated with your behavior. If you care about not being annoying, you can make a lot of progress simply by paying attention to these signals and considering how what you're doing might be testing others' patience.
You're getting on my nerves...
If you think that you don't suffer from any of these things, take a look again- maybe you'll find that you DO have a problem! If nothing more, I hope that you had a laugh as I did and the irony of an article like this being written!!!
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