Have you ever been in a conversation that just felt… off?
Maybe the person kept bringing up topics that made things awkward, uncomfortable, or just downright boring.
The truth is, some topics instantly reveal a lack of social awareness. And when someone repeatedly brings them up, it’s a sign they might not have the best social skills.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a conversation flow smoothly—or what ruins it—pay attention to these seven topics. If someone keeps mentioning them, chances are they’re not as socially skilled as they think.
1) Oversharing personal problems
We all go through tough times, and it’s completely normal to need support.
But unloading all your personal struggles onto someone—especially if you don’t know them well—can make the conversation feel heavy and one-sided.
Good social skills involve knowing when and how to share personal issues. If someone constantly brings up their problems without considering the other person’s comfort or interest, it can push people away rather than bring them closer.
Deep conversations have their place, but forcing them too soon or too often can make interactions feel more like therapy sessions than casual chats.
2) Bragging about money or status
I once met someone at a party who, within minutes of introducing himself, started talking about his expensive watch, his high-paying job, and the luxury vacations he takes every year.
At first, I thought he was just really excited to share. But as the conversation went on, I realized he wasn’t interested in getting to know me—he just wanted to impress me.
Constantly bringing up money or status in conversations makes it seem like someone is trying too hard to prove their worth.
People with strong social skills don’t need to rely on bragging; they let their actions and personality speak for themselves.
3) Complaining about everything
We all have bad days. Sometimes, you just need to vent. But there’s a difference between sharing frustrations and making negativity your entire personality.
Nobody enjoys being around someone who complains about everything—the weather, their job, the slow Wi-Fi, the price of coffee. It drains the conversation and makes it hard to connect on a deeper level.
Worse, chronic complainers rarely realize how exhausting they are to be around. They think they’re just “keeping it real,” but in reality, they’re pushing people away.
A little perspective goes a long way. If someone is always focusing on the negatives, people will eventually stop listening.
4) Controversial topics just to provoke
There’s a time and place for deep discussions, but some people bring up politics, religion, or other hot-button issues just to stir the pot.
You can tell when it’s not about genuine conversation—it’s about getting a reaction. They drop a bold statement, sit back, and watch the chaos unfold.
This doesn’t make someone interesting or edgy. It just makes them exhausting to talk to. People with good social skills know how to read the room and choose their topics wisely.
5) Talking about how smart they are
Genuinely intelligent people don’t go around announcing it—they let their thoughts and actions do the talking.
Interestingly, studies have shown that people who constantly boast about their intelligence are often perceived as less intelligent by others. Why? Because true confidence doesn’t need validation.
If someone frequently brings up their IQ score, how many books they’ve read, or how much smarter they are than “most people,” it’s not a sign of high intelligence—it’s a sign of insecurity.
The smartest people in the room are usually the ones asking questions, not the ones showing off.
6) Judging other people’s life choices
Everyone is on their own path, making the best choices they can with what they have.
But some people feel the need to criticize others—how they spend their money, what job they have, whether they want kids or not. It’s as if they believe their way of living is the only “right” way.
Conversations should make people feel understood, not defensive. When someone constantly judges others, it doesn’t make them look wise or experienced—it just makes them seem closed-minded.
The best connections happen when people feel accepted for who they are, not pressured to justify their choices.
7) Making everything about themselves
A good conversation is a two-way street, but some people treat it like a stage.
No matter what the topic is, they find a way to turn it back to themselves—their experiences, their opinions, their achievements.
Even when someone shares something personal, they respond with, “Oh, that happened to me too!” and steer the focus back to their own story.
People remember how you make them feel. If someone constantly dominates conversations, others will eventually stop wanting to talk to them at all.
The bottom line
Conversations shape the way people connect, and the topics we choose reveal more about us than we realize.
Social skills aren’t about being perfect; they’re about being aware—of how we make others feel, of when to listen, and of what truly brings people closer.
If you recognize yourself in any of these habits, don’t take it as criticism. Take it as an opportunity. The best communicators weren’t born that way—they learned, adjusted, and grew.
Real connection comes from curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to share the spotlight. The more we focus on understanding others rather than just being heard, the more meaningful our conversations—and relationships—become.
