9 things low quality people do in public settings (without even realizing it)

From the Personal Branding Blog

There’s a fine line between behaving appropriately and being completely unaware of one’s own public demeanor.

This unawareness often stems from a lack of self-awareness or consideration for others. Low-quality people, as harsh as it may sound, often exhibit behaviors in public that they don’t even realize are inappropriate or disrespectful.

Spotting these behaviors and understanding why they’re problematic is the first step towards personal growth. And trust me, we’ve all been guilty of at least one of these at some point.

Let’s get started.

1) Speaking loudly on phones

Public spaces are shared environments for everyone to use. But sometimes, people forget about the ‘shared’ part.

We’ve all experienced it – someone blaring their personal affairs into their phone, oblivious to the discomfort they’re causing those around them. It’s as if they’ve forgotten they’re not in the privacy of their own homes.

This behavior, while common, is often a sign of low self-awareness. The person on the other end of the call can hear you just fine without you broadcasting your conversation to everyone else in the vicinity.

It’s important to remember that public spaces demand a certain level of shared respect and consideration for others. Keeping your voice down when on the phone is one simple way to show that respect.

When you find yourself reaching for your phone in public, take a moment to check your volume. It’s a small step towards being a higher quality person in public settings.

2) Leaving a mess behind

I distinctly remember an incident from several years ago where I was sitting in a public park enjoying my lunch. As I sat there, a family had gathered at a nearby picnic table. They had quite the spread — sandwiches, chips, drinks, the works.

Once they finished their meal, they simply stood up and left. No effort was made to clean up the litter they had created. Empty food wrappers, drink bottles, and leftover food were all left behind on the table and surrounding area.

This is another prime example of low-quality behavior in public settings. It’s a clear lack of respect for public spaces and for the people who have to clean up afterwards.

It’s essential to remember that public spaces are for everyone’s use and enjoyment. Leaving them in the same condition as you found them is a basic courtesy that everyone should observe.

3) Not giving up seats to those who need them more

Public transport is often a battleground of survival for the fittest. But it’s also a place where small acts of kindness can make someone’s day.

Not giving up your seat to someone who needs it more – such as an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or someone with a disability – is a classic example of low-quality behavior.

Empathy and consideration go a long way in public spaces. Offering your seat isn’t just about following societal norms, it’s about demonstrating kindness and respect for others’ needs.

4) Speaking over others

Have you ever been in a conversation where you can’t seem to get a word in? It’s as if the other person is so engrossed in their own thoughts and opinions that they forget it’s a two-way street.

Speaking over others or interrupting them mid-sentence is another behavior that low-quality people often display in public settings. It’s not only disrespectful, but it also sends a clear message that they consider their own thoughts and opinions to be more important than anyone else’s.

In a healthy conversation, every participant should have an equal opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas. It’s essential to listen as much as you speak, if not more.

When you’re engaged in a public discussion, remember to let others have their say. You might just learn something new.

5) Ignoring service staff

Whether it’s at a restaurant, a movie theater, or a retail store, service staff are there to help and make your experience better. But sometimes, people treat them as if they’re invisible.

Ignoring service staff or treating them poorly is another sign of low-quality behavior. They deserve the same level of respect and courtesy as anyone else.

A simple ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ can go a long way. And acknowledging their help with a smile or a nod can make their day.

After all, they’re humans too. And treating them with kindness and respect is the least we can do.

6) Not respecting personal space

We all have an invisible bubble around us, a zone of personal space that we consider our own. It’s an unspoken social contract that we instinctively understand and respect.

But some people seem to be oblivious to this concept. They stand too close, lean over your shoulder, or even touch you without permission. It can feel intrusive and uncomfortable.

Respecting personal space is not just about physical boundaries, it’s about emotional boundaries too. It shows that you respect the other person’s comfort and individuality.

7) Being rude to children

Children are still learning about the world around them. They’re going to make mistakes, be a little loud, and sometimes act in ways that adults might find annoying. But that’s just part of growing up.

I recall a time when a child accidentally spilled their drink on me in a restaurant. Sure, it was inconvenient and a bit messy, but the child was already mortified. The last thing they needed was an adult berating them for an honest mistake.

Being rude or impatient with children in public is a clear sign of low-quality behavior. It shows a lack of understanding and empathy. Remember, they’re still learning. Our role as adults should be to guide them, not intimidate them.

8) Making fun of others

Public spaces are meant for everyone, regardless of our differences. But sometimes, people use them as a platform to make fun of others, often at their expense.

Making fun of someone’s appearance, accent, or any other personal characteristic in public is a low-quality behavior. It’s disrespectful, hurtful, and frankly, it’s just not cool.

Everyone has the right to be in a public space without feeling judged or ridiculed. Celebrating our differences rather than mocking them makes public spaces much more enjoyable for everyone.

When you’re tempted to make a joke at someone else’s expense, think twice. Kindness always wins.

9) Not picking up after pets

Pets can make our lives so much more enjoyable. They’re our companions, our friends, and sometimes, they feel like part of the family. But with pet ownership comes responsibility.

Leaving your pet’s mess behind in public spaces is not just a nuisance to others, it’s also a health hazard. It’s an obvious sign of low-quality behavior and a lack of responsibility.

If you’re a pet owner, always clean up after your pet. It’s a simple act that shows respect for others and the environment we all share.

Final thoughts: It’s about respect

At the core of all these behaviors is a fundamental concept: respect. Respect for others, for public spaces, and for social norms.

Harvard University’s Making Caring Common project found that 80% of youth reported their parents were more concerned with their achievement or happiness than whether they cared for others. This underlines the importance of instilling respect and consideration in our younger generations.

Remember, public spaces are shared spaces. They belong to everyone and should be treated as such. Every time we step outside our homes, we have a responsibility to contribute positively to these spaces.

It’s not about being perfect or never making mistakes. It’s about being aware of our actions and their impact on others. It’s about making the effort to be better.

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