We all manifest one or more behaviors that push people away at least once, if not more times in life. It’s human nature and nothing anyone has to be ashamed about.
The mere recognition that you’ve possessed one or more of these traits is a good step towards eliminating them from your life and allowing positivity to enter. Most of the time, people may not even realize that they’re pushing others away. There are several reasons for that, and this article will focus on what they are and how to reverse them.
6 Behaviors That Push People Away (And How To Reverse Them)
“Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
1. Selfishness
There’s no doubt that the world could use more considerate and thoughtful people. A small gesture of selflessness can go a long way in keeping people you care about the most in your life. Humans, by nature, are intuitive creatures and can sense if you are doing something with selfish intent. Just because people may not always act on that intuition, doesn’t make taking advantage of them okay.
In order to live a happy life, you have to learn how to live and thrive with others, and that requires giving away part of yourself without seeking anything in return. Ironically, when you give of yourself without expecting, you are returned that back and more. So if you need a blessing, switch your focus and just go be a blessing.
2. Conceitedness
The display of conceited behavior is sure to push people away in any social situation. Nobody likes story after story of self-edification consistently communicated via an over-inflated ego. Talking about yourself is great when it’s light and authentic. It’s easy to tell the difference.
Despite what mainstream media may portray, there isn’t a single person in the whole world who is the center of everyone’s entire Universe.
It is always a good idea to let other people into the spotlight and consider the implications of your decisions and actions towards them in order to foster a healthy relationship. Pop any self-inflated bubble that you may be living in and try to communicate and understand the needs and happiness of those around you.
3. Self-Righteousness
Sometimes people tend to think highly of themselves and their beliefs… too highly, actually. This can lead to looking down on other people and their decisions without even knowing it. In certain cases, some people’s egos go so far that they may intentionally want others to feel degraded. But, this is a false way to live and gain respect.
To transform this, one must understand that each individual sets a different standard of how they want to live their lives – and that’s okay. We all have unique values and no one is better than anyone else. Respect that and honor others as you honor yourself.
4. Perfectionism
Humans are not perfect. They are bound to make mistakes and that’s exactly what makes humans special. They are capable of using failures as a learning experience. Expecting perfection from others is unfair when you yourself have no way of guaranteeing that everything you do is perfect.
Allow for a little leeway and acknowledge that people will make mistakes. Aiming for perfection is unrealistic, but aiming for excellence in all things can provide a life of fulfillment.
5. Chronic Complaining
Happy and successful people do not complain much. On the other side, it seems that chronic complainers always have something negative to say… even when those around them are happy! The bottom line: we all have different circumstances that we are given in this lifetime, but in the end, these circumstances are ours – fair or unfair, wanted or unwanted. Instead, seek solutions to problems instead of complaining, which leads to nowhere.
6. Cynicism
One of the most burdensome behaviors that people tend to display is cynicism. There is no way of finding out the outcome of anything without giving it a chance first. Remember to give people the benefit of the doubt without jumping to conclusions. Positive thinking can bring new ways of thinking and living to any cynic. It may even completely transform their life, because when you believe in more possibilities, they will be created.