We’ve all been in conversations that suddenly turn awkward. One moment, everything is flowing naturally, and the next, someone brings up a topic that makes you cringe.
The truth is, some people just don’t have great social skills. They don’t realize that certain topics can be uncomfortable, off-putting, or even a little inappropriate in casual conversation.
While it’s not always intentional, bringing up the wrong subject at the wrong time can make things weird fast. And if someone keeps doing it? Well, chances are, their social skills could use some work.
Here are some topics that, when brought up in conversation, are usually a sign of below-average social awareness.
1) Overly personal questions too soon
We’ve all met someone who skips the small talk and jumps straight into deeply personal territory. It can feel intrusive, awkward, and just plain uncomfortable.
Good social skills involve understanding boundaries. Asking about someone’s salary, relationship status, or private struggles too soon can make people feel like they’re being interrogated rather than having a normal conversation.
Of course, close friends can discuss personal matters—but that trust is built over time. If someone you just met is already asking you about your biggest regrets or how much money you make, they probably don’t realize how off-putting it is.
A good rule of thumb? Let personal topics come up naturally and only when both people seem comfortable sharing.
2) Controversial opinions just to get a reaction
I once met a guy at a party who, within five minutes of talking, decided to go on a rant about how he thought tipping servers was pointless. He wasn’t even making a thoughtful argument—he was just trying to stir the pot.
It was obvious he wanted to sound bold and different, but instead, it just made the conversation exhausting. No one was in the mood for a debate, yet he kept pushing, as if waiting for someone to challenge him.
Bringing up controversial topics isn’t always bad, but doing it just to provoke people is a sign of poor social awareness. A good conversation flows naturally, without one person forcing hot takes just to see how others react.
If someone constantly brings up divisive opinions for no real reason, they probably don’t realize how annoying they’re being.
3) Bragging disguised as complaints
Some people have a habit of turning every complaint into a humblebrag. They’ll sigh about how exhausting their latest international vacation was or how frustrating it is that so many people keep hitting on them.
At first, it might sound like they’re just venting, but after a while, it becomes clear—they’re not looking for sympathy. They’re fishing for admiration.
Studies have shown that humblebragging is actually less effective than outright bragging. People see through the false humility, and instead of being impressed, they find it annoying and insincere.
If someone constantly complains in a way that still makes them look good, they might not realize how transparent (and irritating) it really is.
4) Graphic details about their health issues
Talking about health is normal, but there’s a difference between mentioning you have a cold and giving a detailed rundown of your latest medical procedure—especially in casual conversation.
Most people don’t want to hear about infections, surgeries, or digestive problems while they’re eating lunch or making small talk. It’s not that health issues aren’t important, but oversharing graphic details can make others uncomfortable.
Unless someone specifically asks for more information (or you’re talking to a doctor), it’s usually best to keep the details to yourself. Knowing when to share and when to hold back is a key part of good social awareness.
5) How much everything costs
Some people have a habit of bringing up money in every conversation. They’ll tell you exactly how much they paid for their car, their watch, or even their dinner—whether you asked or not.
It’s not always about bragging, either. Sometimes, it’s the opposite. They’ll complain about how expensive everything is or how much debt they’re in, putting everyone else in an awkward position.
Money is already a stressful topic for a lot of people. Not everyone grew up learning how to handle it well, and not everyone is in the same financial situation. Constantly bringing up prices—whether to show off or to vent—can make conversations feel transactional rather than personal.
Unless money is relevant to the discussion, most people would rather not hear a running commentary on what everything costs.
6) Insulting themselves for validation
Self-deprecating humor can be funny in the right context, but some people take it too far. They’ll constantly put themselves down—calling themselves ugly, stupid, or a failure—just to get others to reassure them.
At first, people might respond with kindness, telling them they’re not as bad as they say. But after a while, it becomes exhausting. No one wants to feel like they have to hand out compliments just to keep the conversation going.
There’s a difference between being humble and fishing for validation. If someone constantly insults themselves just to hear others disagree, they might not realize how draining it is for everyone around them.
7) Complaining about how “fake” everyone is
Some people love to go on and on about how everyone around them is fake, how no one is “real” anymore, and how they’re the only honest person left. Ironically, this usually says more about them than the people they’re complaining about.
Most socially skilled people understand that being polite, showing tact, and choosing the right time for honesty isn’t being fake—it’s just part of interacting with others in a respectful way. Constantly accusing others of being insincere often comes across as bitter and makes it harder to form real connections.
If someone keeps bringing up how “fake” everyone else is, they might not realize that they’re the common denominator in all their bad interactions.
