There are times people come into my office with deep theological questions or life-altering problems. Honestly, most counseling revolves around relationships. Let me offer some of the issues that constantly come up. You ready? Here are five reasons people don’t like being around you.
1. You’re a dominator.
You may be influential at work, but have a hard time finding real friends because you monopolize group interaction and have to constantly be the “expert.” I guess it’s okay if you’re a boss at work, but it’s not doing you any favors if you want long-lasting friendships.
2. You’re always negative.
Your life is one long sad country song, or you may be a perfectionist who isn’t satisfied with anything. Either way, you knock out optimism like a mixed martial arts fighter. Stop it.
3. You are a recognition seeker.
I get it, you’re awesome. We don’t need to hear it every time we meet.
4. You are constantly selling your products.
Multi-level marketing rarely generates real relationships. You may be avoided because your friends are out of cash! Stop asking for it.
5. You are a gossip.
Okay, let’s just clear the air. If you talk bad about others, we all wonder if you are talking bad about us behind our backs too. People are awkwardly nice around you because they are afraid of what ammunition they may accidentally give you. Let me say this clearly: YOU AREN’T SAFE! You need to change or you will be manipulating people to be nice to you the rest of your life.
So what can you do about it?
The old adage is quite true, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.