15 habits that make people lose respect for you
Ever been in the middle of a conversation and suddenly felt the vibe shift? One moment, everything’s flowing smoothly, and the next, it’s like a switch flips—the energy drops, the warmth fades, and you can almost feel the distance growing between you.
You start replaying the interaction in your head, wondering, what did I say? Here’s the truth: respect isn’t something you demand; it’s something you earn through consistent behavior. And honestly, it’s way easier to lose than it is to gain.
For example, Gallup’s 2025 research found that only 37% of U.S. employees feel respected at work, a record low. That’s down from 44% just five years ago. It can be a careless comment, a broken promise, or a tone that lands the wrong way; little things add up fast.
So, to save you the slow-motion reputation crash, here are 15 habits that’ll tank your credibility faster than you can say “oops.” Ready to see if you’re accidentally sabotaging yourself? Let’s get into it.
Lying and Being Dishonest
Ever notice how one lie can unravel an entire relationship? A Wake Forest University report found that among 60 characteristics people value, honesty is number 1.
When you lie, even about the small stuff, you send the signal “you can’t trust me,” and once trust goes, respect follows. The fix: be straight with people, own it if you messed up, and remember your reputation survives honesty far better than it survives lies.
Having Zero Self-Control
You know the person who can’t resist checking their phone, interrupts constantly, or says whatever pops into their head? That’s poor self-control, and people notice. FYI, this runs from overeating to oversharing.
Blowing Up Over Small Things
We all get angry, but there’s a big difference between justified anger and a tantrum because your coffee order was wrong.
The PubMed Central report shows that unjustified anger stems from feelings of superiority and the pursuit of a higher status, making you look emotionally unstable rather than passionate.
Pro tip: before you explode, ask, “Is this about principles or my pride?” That question alone can save your reputation.
Never Saying Thank You
Gratitude might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often it gets overlooked. When you don’t recognize someone’s effort, it sends the message that their contribution didn’t matter.
And trust me, that can lead to frustration, disengagement, and eventually, people walking away. Don’t be that person—take a moment to say thank you, and make it specific. It’s such a small thing that goes a long way in showing people they’re valued.
Being Rude and Uncivil
Workplace rudeness is bleeding U.S. companies a jaw-dropping $2 billion every single day in lost productivity, according to the NeuroLeadership Institute’s 2025 report.
Yep, that “just joking” comment or impatient tone isn’t harmless banter, it’s literally costing money and morale. So if you think being snarky makes you look confident or calm, think again.
Being rude isn’t rebellious—it’s expensive, exhausting, and unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
Acting Entitled
Sorry, but nobody owes you anything. When you act entitled, you’re not just asking for special treatment; you’re setting yourself up for frustration and conflict. People who constantly expect more than they give end up draining the energy from those around them.
It’s exhausting for everyone, and eventually, people just stop wanting to be around you. Entitlement isn’t charming; it’s a fast track to becoming the person everyone avoids.
Trampling Over Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t just a nice idea; they’re a must-have for any healthy relationship. The American Psychological Association’s 2023 survey notes that 95% of employees think respecting work-life boundaries is critically important, yet 26% say their employers fail to do so.
So, when you’re texting someone at 11 p.m. about non-urgent work or popping up unannounced, you’re basically telling them, “My convenience is more important than your peace.” Spoiler alert: people remember that kind of disrespect, and it sticks with them long after the moment’s passed.
Breaking Promises
“I’ll call you back.” “Let’s do lunch.” “I’ll have that done by Friday.” Sound familiar? Broken promises shatter trust instantly, and when it happens again and again, you go from being seen as “reliable” to “all talk, no action.”
Your word is your currency, and when you devalue it, you’re left bankrupt in the respect department. Keep your promises, or prepare to watch your credibility evaporate.
Gossiping and Backstabbing
Think gossip is harmless? Think again. According to a BBC report, 73% of workers face unprecedented passive-aggressive behavior, including gossip, with 52% experiencing it weekly.
When you talk behind someone’s back, you don’t just hurt them. You broadcast that you can’t be trusted. If you gossip about Sarah, people wonder, what do you say about me when I’m not around?
Interrupting People Mid-Sentence
Interrupting isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a way of saying, “My thoughts are more important than yours.” It doesn’t matter who’s speaking; if you’re always cutting people off, people will start to see you as self-centered.
And honestly, they’re probably right. So, here’s a little challenge for you: try counting how many times you interrupt in your next conversation. You might be surprised at just how often it happens.
Complaining About Everything
We all know the chronic complainer: the weather’s too hot, the food’s too cold, traffic’s awful, the job is terrible.
A 2023 study by the American Marketing Association states that negative complaints reduce gratitude by 19% for every 1% rise in negative words. Occasional complaining is human; constant complaining is exhausting, and it drains respect.
Dodging Accountability
“It wasn’t my fault.” “I didn’t know.” “Someone else should have told me.” We’ve all heard (or said) these excuses, but here’s the truth: blame-shifting only makes things worse. It’s easy to deflect, but all it really does is make you look defensive and immature.
The simple solution? Own up to your mistakes. Admit when you’re wrong, fix it, and move forward. People respect you more when you take responsibility and handle things like an adult.
Making Everything About You
You mention your promotion; they mention a bigger one. You share a struggle; they one-up it. Narcissistic individuals create a massive gap between self-perception and how others see them, with friends rating them lower on likability and trustworthiness.
Self-focus kills curiosity, which kills connection, which kills respect, simple as that.
Being Passive-Aggressive
“I’m fine.” “Whatever you think is best.” Then they proceed to resent your decision. We’ve all seen or been there, right? The problem with passive-aggressive behavior is that it creates confusion and damages trust in ways that direct conflict doesn’t.
When you hold back or say one thing while doing another, it makes people wonder what you’re really thinking. Just say what you mean. Being upfront might feel awkward at first, but it earns you way more respect in the long run.
Checking Your Phone During Conversations
Just having your phone visible can be a huge distraction, and it’s enough to lower trust and decrease empathy. When you’re scrolling through Instagram or checking notifications while someone’s talking, what you’re really saying is, “This screen matters more than you.”
The fix is simple—put the phone away and give your full attention. It might seem small, but it’s one of the quickest and most effective ways to boost the respect you get in any conversation.
Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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