15 Things People Do Around Others That Make Friends Cringe
Everyone has experienced that cringe-worthy moment when a friend’s actions in public draw unwanted attention. Sometimes, it’s a quirky habit or a slip-up that instantly makes everyone around feel awkward.
Knowing what behaviors can embarrass your friends helps you navigate social situations with more ease. Here are some common culprits and tips on how to handle them.
Loudly arguing over trivial things
When you start loudly arguing about small matters, it can make your friends feel uncomfortable fast. They might wonder why such minor issues need so much energy and noise.
Keeping calm and talking quietly helps you avoid embarrassing your friends. It shows respect for everyone around and keeps the mood lighter in public.
Forgetting to zip up pants
You might leave the house feeling confident but forget to zip your pants. It’s a small thing, but it can cause a lot of awkwardness for your friends around you.
People usually notice quickly, and while some might quietly tell you, others might point it out loudly, adding to the embarrassment.
If it happens, just fix it as soon as you can. Your friends will appreciate your reaction more than the mistake itself.
Burping without excusing themselves
If you burp in public without excusing yourself, it can catch your friends off guard. Many people find it awkward or embarrassing when someone lets out a loud burp and doesn’t acknowledge it.
Taking a moment to excuse yourself shows respect for the people around you. Even if burping happens unexpectedly, a quick apology helps keep the mood light.
Dancing wildly alone
You might spot your friend breaking into a spontaneous dance in the middle of a crowd. When someone dances wildly alone, it often surprises everyone nearby and can make people around feel a little awkward.
It’s a mix of freedom and disregard for judgment that makes this behavior embarrassing for friends. You may want to join in, but at the same time, you’re hoping no one’s filming it.
Singing off-key loudly
If you start singing loudly and off-key, it can catch everyone’s attention—and not always in a good way. Your friends might cringe a little, especially if the tune is familiar and you’re way off the notes.
Just try to keep the volume down and maybe save your solo for a less crowded spot.
Talking on speakerphone
When you talk on speakerphone in public, your conversation suddenly becomes everyone’s business. People nearby don’t want to hear your personal calls, especially loud or emotional ones.
If you need to chat out loud, using headphones is a kinder choice. It keeps your calls private and shows you respect your surroundings and friends.
Trying to pick up something stuck in teeth
You know the feeling when something gets stuck between your teeth in public. It’s tempting to use your fingers, a napkin, or even a sharp object to get it out fast.
Instead, try rinsing your mouth with water or subtly using dental floss if you have it. If you can’t fix it quickly, it’s okay to excuse yourself and take care of it privately.
Over-sharing personal stories
You might think sharing your stories helps others connect with you. But when you reveal too many personal details in public, it can make friends feel uncomfortable or caught off guard.
Pause before you speak and consider if the people around you want to hear this part of your life. Keeping some stories for close friends can save everyone from awkward moments.
Making public phone calls with family drama
You might think your family problems are private, but loud phone calls in public say otherwise. When you air out personal issues where strangers can hear, it puts everyone around in an awkward spot.
If you need to call, try to keep your voice low and avoid sharing too much. This helps you respect others and keeps your friendships comfortable.
Telling embarrassing jokes that fall flat
You might think a silly joke will lighten the mood, but sometimes it just doesn’t land. When your joke gets no laughs, it can make everyone around you feel awkward.
If your joke falls flat, a quick smile or a simple change of subject can save the moment. Your friends will appreciate that you’re aware of the vibe and don’t push the humor too far.
Tripping and falling awkwardly
You know that moment when someone suddenly trips in public? It’s like time slows down, and everyone notices.
It’s not just the fall—it’s the awkward scramble to recover that makes your friends cringe.
Sometimes, the reactions of bystanders add to the cringe. Whether it’s a surprised look or a suppressed laugh, those little details make it even more memorable—for better or worse.
Interrupting conversations constantly
When you interrupt others mid-sentence, it can make your friends feel ignored or disrespected. It often comes across as if you’re more interested in talking than listening.
If you catch yourself cutting people off, try to pause and listen fully before jumping in. Showing respect for others’ words helps everyone feel valued and keeps conversations flowing smoothly.
Bragging loudly about achievements
When you loudly boast about your achievements in public, it can make your friends feel uncomfortable. People often appreciate modesty more than constant self-promotion.
Even if you’re proud of what you’ve done, sharing it too aggressively can come off as showing off. Sometimes, it can make others think you’re trying too hard to impress.
Let your actions speak instead of shouting about your wins. That way, your friends won’t feel embarrassed to be around you.
Fixing food stuck in teeth with fingers
Noticing food caught between your teeth can be uncomfortable. Many people instinctively use their fingers to try and remove it.
Always wash your hands before touching your mouth to prevent introducing bacteria. Be gentle when using your fingers to avoid hurting your gums.
If this method doesn’t work, rinse your mouth with water. You can also try dental floss for safer and more effective removal.
Applying makeup in public mirrors
When you start applying makeup in a public mirror, like in a small bathroom, it can quickly cause awkwardness. Others might need to use the sink or mirror, and taking up space while doing a full makeup routine can feel inconsiderate.
Simple touch-ups like a quick lipstick swipe are often fine. But if you spend several minutes highlighting or contouring in shared spaces, your friends might cringe a bit.
