13 signs you have some edgy personality traits that intimidate others

People immediately tense up the moment you open your mouth to speak. 

In fact, you don’t even have to do anything—simply being there seems to have people holding their breath.

It’s clear that people are intimidated by you.

But how can that be when you’re a very kind and loving person?

Well, it’s likely that you have these edgy personality traits that intimidate others.

1) You’re unruffled and unbothered

You can have your professors threatening to fail the whole class or have people hurling slurs at you, and you simply shrug them off with an “oh, okay.”

Believe it or not, people find this kind of easy nonchalance intimidating.

By simply keeping your cool when faced with stressful situations, you’re putting yourself a level above them with your confidence and self-assurance.

People don’t like this—it means they couldn’t control or humble you if they tried… and some people will try.

2) You’re not shy to ask questions

For some reason, many people are intimidated by those who always ask questions. Some even find it offensive or rude!

It’s as if the people who ask are doing it simply to embarrass them or unnecessarily put them in the spotlight.

But to you, it would be a wonderful world if we shared our lives with each other…so you ask.

You don’t have bad intentions. You simply want to know…and sadly, some people get scared of people who ask questions.

3) You say things others are afraid to say

You’re the kind of person who doesn’t beat around the bush.

As far as you’re concerned, we all need to be more honest with each other if progress is going to happen.

So if someone cooks you some refried beans that were downright inedible, then instead of pretending that they’re actually quite good, you’ll tell them that it needs improvement.  You might even go on and tell them exactly how it could be improved.

While you don’t go out of your way to be especially mean, you’re not going to sugarcoat your words either. If people have an issue with that, then that’s their problem.

This is an admirable trait, without a doubt. But this also understandably intimidates those folk who are sensitive to criticism (and most people are).

4) You’re not a fan of pleasantries

Small talk bores you. It even makes you cringe sometimes.

You do still try to be as nice as you can be, of course, but you’d rather not talk about the weather with strangers or go along with your coworkers’ idle gossip.

Not only do you find it inane and a waste of time, it might even feel like a painful intrusion on your private space.

And this kind of mindset will show in the facial expressions you make and the way you carry yourself. You’re basically oozing with “Don’t go near me” energy.

There’s nothing wrong with this, of course. It might simply mean you’re just an introvert.

But unless you live where this kind of attitude is normal and expected, you’ll unfortunately have people thinking of you as some kind of edgy antisocial killjoy.

5) You’re transparent

When you like someone, you’ll say it loud and proud. You’re the kind of person that would candidly say “Hey, I like you!” or “Hey, you look great today!”

And when you don’t like someone, you won’t pretend that you do. You’ll distance yourself and even walk away if you really can’t stand them.

This scares people away because they’re not so used to people being too transparent and unapologetic with how they feel towards others. 

This can make insecure people tremble because they don’t like the possibility of not being liked. 

6) You cut to the chase

Most people make a very big deal about buttering people up with inane chatter before actually dealing with the topic at hand.

But not you!

If there’s something important that needs to be discussed, you’d rather get straight to the heart of the matter and be done with it then and there.

As far as you’re concerned, doing it this way saves everyone plenty of time and energy that are better spent elsewhere.

While it’s undeniably useful, it’s also intimidating for people who aren’t used to people being straightforward with them. 

7) You aren’t afraid to say “No”

There are few things that can cause as much emotional damage to the average human being as a simple “no.”

There’s a reason why so many cultures around the world have made up elaborate rituals around saying “no”, with some even considering it an offense of the highest order.

Nonetheless, you’re the kind of person who knows what you want and if you decide you don’t want something or simply don’t have the time to spare, then you’ll say no.

And this is something a lot of people find intimidating, especially if they’re the kind of person who isn’t used to having people decline them.

It’s not your fault, of course. But they’ll make you feel like it is.

8) You form your own opinions

You don’t just blindly parrot whatever you hear on the news.

It’s not lost on you that not everyone online is trustworthy, and that even the most “professional” news channels have some kind of agenda they’re trying to push.

So before you form your opinions on something, you would nerd out on the topic… and once you think you’ve learned enough, then you come up with your own opinions.

This intimidates others—especially if your opinion is opposed to theirs—because to them, it will feel like you’re simply trying to be a smart aleck.

They’re probably thinking “Uh-oh, they’re going to make me feel like an idiot again.”

Again, not your fault.

9) You stand up for yourself

You don’t really care what others think of you. 

But if they start to disrespect you or abuse you in any way, you don’t just roll into a ball, you hiss and even growl.

You know that you’re the best person to advocate for yourself, and so you speak up even if it could cost you your job or relationship.

This makes you seem intimidating to others because they think you’re aggressive. But really, you’re just assertive and you shouldn’t feel bad about it.

10) You’re raw and honest (in fact, too raw and honest)

You’re not afraid to show your true self and be totally naked (metaphorically, of course). 

You bare your soul to others because you think it’s the best gift we can give to each other—our real, unfiltered selves.

You’re not shy of your flaws and neither do you hide your wins.

Some people find this intimidating because they’re not ready for this kind of openness. They think that because you’re raw, you expect them to be the same…or else they’re not genuine enough.

Of course, that’s not what you want. But the ones who have a hard time being open find your presence too strong.

11) You don’t mind being the “bad guy”

You don’t give a damn what others think of you. And because of this, you’re more free than the average person.

You don’t go to church just to please your parents. You say no to parties if you just simply don’t want to go.

And if you don’t want to have lunch with your colleagues, you tell them you prefer to have some alone time.

You’re not being “difficult” or uncaring. You just know how to honor and prioritize yourself. This trait intimidates many people because they find you hard to control.

12) You’re extremely passionate

When you’re into something, you dive deep. You spend your hours nerding out about it and it’s pretty much everything you can think of and talk about.

You turn your passions into obsessions…and this makes you succeed in whatever it is that you’re doing.

So why is this intimidating to others?

It’s because you’re a strong force. 

People feel comfortable when others are below them. But when they can see you’re working your way up, or you’re trying to build something great, they’ll start to say “Hold on, what about me?”

Your lust for life and passion to do things make them feel they’re doing nothing with their lives. And so your presence alone is intimidating.

13) You’re a free spirit

You can’t be put in a box. And neither can you be chained.

It’s not because you don’t know how to commit. It’s just that you’re committed to having a free life.

So you find work that gives you control over your time, and you choose a lifestyle that’s more laid back and carefree.

This intimidates those people who have to sacrifice a lot in their life just because they think it’s how it’s supposed to be—from the corporate slave to the mother of three who’s questioning why you’re still not busy getting pregnant.

Freedom intimidates those who don’t have it. 

You make them question their life choices and this makes them always on defensive mode, even if you’re not doing anything.

Last words

So, can you relate to almost all of the signs above? 

Well, congratulations! You are someone with an edgy personality. 

It’s something to be celebrated and embraced.

As long as you’re not hurting anyone—as long as you are honest, kind, and considerate— you don’t have to change a thing.

Just accept the fact that you’re not like the average Jane or Joe…and because of this, it’s only normal that people can’t help but get intimidated by you.

Always remember— never dim your light just to make others feel comfortable.