11 social habits that are more annoying than we realize

Ever find yourself rolling your eyes at a social habit that everyone else seems to accept without a second thought? You're not alone. Reddit users recently weighed in on a thread asking about those common behaviors that drive them crazy. Here's a roundup of the top offenders:

One of the most agreed-upon annoyances? People who gather in doorways, making it difficult for others to pass through. As u/Oil8524 put it, "People congregating in doorways, particularly when there is plenty of non-doorway space available." Another user, u/Tired_dragon_16, vented, "Me too, then they have the audacity to look at me like I'm the one being impolite."

u/Dontlookimnaked highlighted the frustration of people who rush onto elevators or subway cars without giving others a chance to exit first. "Let people off before you get on, it’s not that f***ing hard," they wrote, pointing out that it's not just a matter of courtesy but also common sense.

Not everyone is on board with the trend of recording every moment. u/CraftyAttitude1321 summed it up: "Not everything has to be filmed." This sentiment resonated especially with those who have experienced this during intimate moments, like funerals, where constant filming can feel intrusive and insensitive.

Whether it’s kids in restaurants or adults on public transport, the sound of videos, games, or music blaring from a phone without headphones is universally irritating. As u/SecretProgramor put it, "Kids blasting whatever TV show on their iPads in the middle of a restaurant while I’m trying to eat." And u/avocado-v2 added, "Playing shitty music on their phone speakers. Headphones. Use them."

It’s baffling how often people stop abruptly in crowded places, whether to check their phones or just because. As u/NotBeginningAnew described it, "It's like they think they've hit pause on the world." Others added that this behavior extends to grocery stores and escalators, where it can create unnecessary congestion.

In our hyper-connected world, there’s an expectation to always be available. u/p0ndfaerie expressed how overwhelming this can be: "Being expected to be constantly available via social media chat, text, call at any & all hours. If you try to ‘opt out’ it’s seen as weird or antisocial." The pressure to respond immediately, even to work-related messages, has led many to feel burned out.

Few things are more irritating than trying to have a conversation with someone who’s glued to their phone. u/Hot_Potential_5732 shared their frustration: "Being on your phone while having an in-person conversation with someone. Like hello, I’m right here not in your screen!" This lack of presence is often viewed as a sign of disrespect and a lack of interest.

Spreading out in public spaces, whether it’s on a bus, a sidewalk, or in a café, is another habit that’s more irritating than people realize. u/True-Passage-8131 didn't hold back, saying, "Taking up as much space as physically possible for no reason. Move your f***ing ass!"

People talking loudly on speakerphone in public spaces, whether on buses, in waiting rooms, or in restaurants, is a social habit that many find annoying. u/LushStellarNebula47 shared this frustration: "People who talk loudly on speakerphone in public places." This behavior not only invades others' space but also makes it impossible for them to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Punctuality can be a contentious issue, especially when it’s enforced unevenly. As u/GammaDoomO observed, "At work, if someone leaves early no one bats an eye, but if you’re just a few minutes late you can get in hot water." The fixation on strict punctuality often overshadows the quality of work being done, leading to unnecessary stress and resentment.

The internet can feel like a bottomless pit of negativity, where people are quick to criticize anything and everything. u/Actual_Ad_1367 vented: "It’s actually depressing to read comments on anything, especially news or pop culture stuff because it’s always a stack of critics responding." Another user echoed this frustration, saying, "A movie just came out? Sucks. Music just dropped? Sucks. Someone made some food? Sucks... There is nothing positive on the internet now. Everything 'sucks.'" And if you dare to enjoy something, as u/Actual_Ad_1367 added, "some s***head will certainly try to break you down over it."

These habits might be accepted by many, but they clearly get under the skin of those who have to endure them. Perhaps the next time we’re about to engage in one of these behaviors, we should consider how it might affect those around us. After all, a little consideration can go a long way in making our shared spaces more pleasant for everyone.