Sometimes, the toughest person to understand is yourself. You might think you’re easy to get along with, but could you be missing some signs that suggest otherwise?
According to psychology, there are certain indicators that might reveal you’re more of a challenge to be around than you realize.
In this article, we’re going to dive into those 10 signs.
Let’s get started.
1) You’re often the center of drama
Psychology suggests that a common sign of being difficult to get along with is often finding yourself in the midst of conflict or drama.
Do you find that you’re frequently caught up in disputes or misunderstandings? Or maybe it seems like there’s always some sort of issue or controversy surrounding you?
This might not always be your fault, but if it’s a recurring theme in your life, it could indicate that you’re unknowingly contributing to these situations.
It’s crucial to understand that everyone encounters conflict from time to time. However, if you’re consistently at the epicenter of dramatic situations, it might be time for some self-reflection.
2) You struggle to maintain long-term relationships
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve noticed that maintaining long-term relationships can be a real challenge if you’re a difficult person to get along with.
I remember a time when I was friends with someone for years, but our relationship suddenly took a turn for the worse. Small disagreements turned into heated arguments, and our once close bond seemed to dissolve overnight.
Looking back, I can see that my inflexibility and inability to see things from their perspective played a part in the breakdown of our friendship.
This is a common sign of being difficult to get along with – having an array of short-term friendships or relationships but struggling to maintain them in the long run. It might be time to ask yourself if you’re the common denominator in these failed relationships.
3) You’re not open to feedback
Research shows that individuals who are difficult to get along with often have a hard time accepting feedback. They may see constructive criticism as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth.
If you find that you’re often defensive or dismissive when someone offers you feedback, it could be an indication that you’re challenging to get along with.
Being open to feedback is crucial for personal and professional development. When we can take on board the perspectives and suggestions of others, we create the opportunity for growth and improvement.
Notably, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who are open to feedback are more likely to experience success in various areas of life, from their careers to their relationships.
4) You struggle with empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a vital trait for maintaining healthy and harmonious relationships. However, if you’re a difficult person to get along with, you might struggle with empathy.
Do you often find it hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes? Or maybe you disregard others’ feelings because they don’t align with your own?
Struggling with empathy doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means you might need to work on developing this skill.
By practicing empathy, not only will you improve your relationships, but it will also enhance your understanding of yourself and others. After all, we all want to be heard and understood, and empathy is a huge part of making that possible.
5) You often feel misunderstood
Do you frequently feel like no one really gets you? Or perhaps you often feel judged and misunderstood by others? This could be a sign that you’re difficult to get along with.
While we all experience misunderstandings from time to time, consistently feeling misunderstood might indicate that you’re not effectively communicating your thoughts and feelings.
It could be that you’re not expressing yourself clearly, or perhaps you’re not giving others the chance to express their own perspectives.
Effective communication is a two-way street – it involves expressing your own thoughts and feelings clearly and also actively listening to others.
Working on improving your communication skills can greatly enhance your relationships and help reduce feelings of being misunderstood.
6) You often feel lonely
Despite being surrounded by people, do you often feel lonely? This could be a telltale sign that you’re difficult to get along with.
Feeling lonely doesn’t necessarily mean you’re alone. It can mean feeling disconnected or not feeling understood by those around you. It’s a heart-wrenching experience that can make you feel isolated even in a crowd.
The truth is, if you often feel lonely, it might indicate that your interactions with others are lacking depth and connection.
Connections are built on mutual understanding, respect, and empathy. If these elements are missing, it can lead to feelings of loneliness.
7) You have a tough time apologizing
I’ve always found it challenging to say “I’m sorry.” There’s a certain vulnerability that comes with admitting you’re wrong and it’s something I’ve struggled with.
If you find it hard to apologize when you’re in the wrong, or if you tend to shift the blame onto others, this could be a sign that you’re difficult to get along with.
Apologizing doesn’t mean you’re weak, in fact, it requires strength and courage. It shows maturity and the ability to take responsibility for your actions.
8) You’re always right
It might seem like a positive trait, always having the right answers and making the right decisions. But believe it or not, always being “right” could be a sign that you’re difficult to get along with.
When you constantly believe you’re right, it leaves little room for others’ opinions or ideas. It can make others feel dismissed or belittled, which can lead to friction in relationships.
Being open to the possibility of being wrong is not a weakness. It opens up opportunities for learning and growth, and it shows respect for other people’s perspectives.
9) You’re not flexible
Life is all about adaptability and flexibility. But if you find it hard to adjust to changes or other people’s preferences, it could be a sign that you’re difficult to get along with.
Do you find it hard to compromise? Or do you get upset when things don’t go according to plan?
Being rigid in your ways can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. It can make others feel unheard or unappreciated.
Being flexible doesn’t mean giving up on your principles or desires. It means being open to different perspectives and willing to find a middle ground. In fact, adaptability is a trait that’s highly valued in both personal and professional settings.
10) You don’t respect boundaries
Respecting others’ boundaries is paramount in maintaining healthy relationships. If you often find yourself crossing these lines, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it could be a sign that you’re difficult to get along with.
Boundaries could be physical, emotional, or even digital. They are essential for maintaining a sense of personal identity and mutual respect in any relationship.
If you’re often told that you’re too intrusive, or if you feel like your personal space is constantly being invaded, it’s time to reevaluate how you respect and establish boundaries.
It’s not always easy to navigate the complex world of personal boundaries, but making a conscious effort to respect them can dramatically improve your relationships and interactions with others.
