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Social Blunders That Sabotage Your Likability
Most people fall foul of ill-conduct on occasion
Whether at a business meeting or when posting on Facebook, you want people to like you. All you need to do is make a good impression and they’ll accept you. However, watch out. The following blunders might sabotage your social life. You can look forward to many lonely weekends in front of the television unless you avoid them.
Insults camouflaged as compliments
“What! Did you pass that test? Really? Well done!” you say. The inference is that you considered your friend’s success improbable. You gave a backhanded compliment and burst their happy bubble. Also, since you disguised the insult as praise, your friend couldn’t easily protest and now harbors a grudge.
No one likes backhanded commendation; it comes across as disrespectful and implies the speaker is superior. If you can’t give genuine praise, it’s best to button your lip.
Self-importance when masked as humility
“I’m so happy to get this Oscar. It’ll look terrific on the shelf next to my other one.” You make it clear you already have an award while beaming about your latest acquisition. You suggest that the event is mundane.
