Have you ever witnessed someone do something so awkward in public that you felt secondhand embarrassment? It’s one of those moments where you want to look away, but curiosity glues your eyes to the scene.
The truth is, social skills aren’t always easy to master, and some people—particularly men—end up committing subtle (and not-so-subtle) social missteps without even realizing it, mainly because they struggle with reading social cues.
I’ve been there too, cringing silently as a friend said something completely out of place or wondering if I’ve unknowingly done the same thing at some point.
In this article, we’ll explore seven behaviors that often go unnoticed by men with poor social skills and offer practical tips to help anyone navigate public interactions more smoothly.
Small changes can make a big difference in how you’re perceived socially. Hopefully, this list can get you started on that. Let’s dive in!
1) Miscalculating personal space
We’ve all had those uncomfortable moments when someone stands just a little too close. For men with poor social skills, understanding the unspoken rules of personal space can be a real challenge.
They might lean in too close during a conversation, or stand uncomfortably close to you in a queue. This isn’t a deliberate attempt to invade your space – they simply don’t realize what they’re doing.
This lack of spatial awareness can make others feel uneasy and intruded upon. It’s not their intention to make you uncomfortable, but their poor social skills often lead them to do just that.
Understanding this behavior can help you handle these situations more effectively. And remember, it’s okay to politely ask for some space – they might not even realize they’ve made you uncomfortable.
2) Over-sharing personal details
Here’s an odd one – you might think someone who’s shy or socially awkward would keep to themselves, right?
Surprisingly, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, men with poor social skills can overshare, spilling personal details that most people would keep private.
It could be about their health issues, family drama, or even their past relationships. The topic doesn’t really matter – it’s the fact they’re sharing too much too soon that makes it cringe-worthy.
They don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, they’re just trying to connect with you in the only way they know how.
3) Failing to maintain eye contact
Eye contact is an essential part of any conversation. It shows that you’re engaged and interested in what the other person is saying. But for some men with poor social skills, maintaining eye contact can be challenging.
They might frequently look away or even avoid eye contact altogether. This can come off as disinterest or even rudeness, leaving the other person feeling ignored or unimportant.
Interestingly, avoiding eye contact is often a sign of social anxiety. It’s not that they don’t care about the conversation, it’s just that making eye contact can feel intensely uncomfortable for them.
Understanding this can help you be more patient with their behavior, and even help them feel more at ease.
4) Struggling with small talk
Small talk might seem inconsequential, but it’s actually a crucial social skill. It helps us break the ice, build connections, and fill awkward silences.
But for men with poor social skills, small talk can feel like a Herculean task.
They might stumble over their words, bring up strange topics, or even resort to controversial subjects just to keep the conversation going.
It can make for some cringe-worthy moments, but again, they don’t mean to be awkward. They’re just doing their best to connect in a situation that feels overwhelming to them.
With a little patience and understanding, we can help them navigate these tricky conversations and maybe even transform that awkward small talk into meaningful dialogue.
Have you ever found yourself laughing a little too loudly at a joke that wasn’t that funny, or completely missing the point when someone is being sarcastic?
We’ve all done this at one point or another, but for men with poor social skills, these situations can be a regular occurrence.
For instance, they might laugh at inappropriate times, not realise when they’re the butt of a joke, or fail to pick up on subtle cues that the conversation has moved on.
It’s these little missteps that can make interactions with them feel awkward and cringe-worthy.
But let’s be honest, reading social cues can be tough for anyone at times. While their mistakes might be more frequent or noticeable, they’re simply trying to navigate the complex world of social interaction, just like the rest of us.
6) Overcompensating with loudness
If you’ve ever been trapped in a conversation with someone who seems to think the louder they talk, the more interesting or impressive they’ll sound, then you know how uncomfortable it can be.
Men with poor social skills sometimes default to being overly loud as a way to mask insecurity.
Whether they’re trying to dominate the conversation or come off as confident, the result is usually the opposite: people start inching away or exchanging glances that say, “Why is this guy yelling?”
The tricky part is, these guys often don’t realize how off-putting it can be. A booming voice might feel like a way to stand out, but in reality, it makes them seem unaware of social cues, like tone and setting.
Loudness becomes even more awkward in quiet places—think cafes or waiting rooms—where their volume unintentionally demands attention.
The key takeaway here? Confidence isn’t measured in decibels. A calm, well-timed comment says way more than shouting over everyone else.
If anything, it’s the quieter, self-assured people who tend to make the biggest impact.
7) Dominating the conversation
Speaking of loudness, another cringe-worthy habit is taking over the conversation entirely.
Some men with poor social skills have a tendency to make every discussion about themselves—whether it’s hijacking the topic or steering things back to their own stories, opinions, or achievements.
What’s frustrating is that they often don’t notice how quickly they lose the interest of everyone else. Conversations should feel like a game of catch, but with these guys, it’s more like a one-man show.
The irony is, dominating a conversation rarely has the intended effect. Instead of coming across as interesting or engaging, it makes people feel talked at instead of talked with.
It’s exhausting to interact with someone who doesn’t leave room for anyone else’s thoughts or experiences. The truth is, being a good conversationalist is about balance—listening as much as you speak and showing genuine interest in others.
When you give others space to talk, it not only makes you more likable but also makes your contributions feel more meaningful.
Patience and understanding are key
At the end of the day, we’ve all had our share of awkward moments and social missteps. For men with poor social skills, these moments just happen to be more frequent and noticeable.
It’s easy to judge or feel embarrassed by their cringe-worthy actions. But remember, they’re not doing it intentionally. They’re trying their best in a world that can feel overwhelming and confusing to them.
So, next time you witness one of these blunders, instead of cringing or turning away, offer a bit of patience and understanding. It might make a world of difference to them, and who knows – your kindness might just help them improve their social skills.
