12 things people with high social intelligence never do

Social intelligence—it’s the secret sauce that makes certain individuals shine brighter in social settings.

They’re the ones who effortlessly glide through conversations, make friends at the drop of a hat, and exude an aura of approachability that’s hard to ignore.

But what sets these socially savvy individuals apart isn’t just what they do… It’s also what they don’t do.

So, if you’re eager to boost your social prowess and win friends with ease, here’s a glimpse into the ‘don’ts’ of the socially intelligent.

Buckle up…as we delve into the 12 things people with high social intelligence never do.

Keep reading!

1) Automatically interpret their opinion as fact

Now: let’s talk about folks with high social intelligence.

They know the world isn’t just an echo chamber of their own thoughts, but a buzzing hive full of different ideas. 

They get that their views, no matter how strongly they hold them, are just that – views. They’re not hard facts. 

They don’t go around pushing their beliefs on others as the be-all and end-all. 

Instead, they’re all about open minds and open discussions. They want to hear what others think and they’re cool with their own ideas being challenged. 

This kind of open-mindedness doesn’t just make them good to be around, it also creates a vibe where everyone feels they can speak up and be heard. 

Because, let’s face it—the best chats aren’t one-way streets, they’re back-and-forths that bring all sorts of perspectives into play.

2) Interrupt someone speaking

Highly socially intelligent people know the score when it comes to conversation.

It’s not just about getting your two cents in. It’s about hearing others out too.

They’re not into interrupting people mid-flow.

It’s not just bad manners, but it kinda sends the message that you think your opinions are more important than theirs.

That’s a no-go for the socially smart crowd.

They’ll sit back, listen, and let others have their say. They make sure everyone gets a chance to express themselves, creating a space where everyone feels comfortable chatting.

They believe everyone’s got something worth saying and every story, however humble, deserves a listening ear.

3) Overlook their surroundings

Being observant is like second nature to socially intelligent people.

They’re not just wrapped up in their own bubble. Instead, they’ve got their eyes and ears on their surroundings.

Picking up on body language, feeling the room’s mood, spotting the little things – they’re tuned in!

This means they can respond right and show sensitivity when it matters.

They know every social setting has its own vibe, its own unwritten rules, and they’re quick to adapt.

Ignoring the environment is a bit like driving with your eyes shut, and trust me, the socially savvy wouldn’t dream of making that mistake.

4) Disregard others’ feelings

People with a high level of social intelligence? Yeah, they’ve got empathy in spades.

They’re not the types to brush off other people’s feelings like lint on a jacket. They know that everyone’s emotions are important and deserve to be taken seriously.

So, they’re always careful to consider how their words and actions might make others feel.

It’s not about walking on eggshells, it’s about treating people with kindness and respect.

They understand that we all have our own battles, and they make sure they’re adding to the positivity, not piling on the pressure.

And you know what? That empathy doesn’t just make them good friends, it makes them good human beings.

5) Criticize someone publicly

Ever seen a socially intelligent person put someone down in public?

No, and you’re not likely to either.

They understand that criticism, when it’s necessary, should be delivered privately and constructively.

Humiliating someone or pointing out their faults in front of others? That’s just not their style. 

They believe in lifting people up, not tearing them down.

And if they’ve got some tough feedback to give, they’ll do it one-on-one, and always with the aim of helping the other person grow.

Because in their book, respect isn’t optional, it’s essential.

6) Get obsessed over trends

Socially savvy folks know that trends come and go, but authenticity is always in style.

They’re not about to jump on every new fad just because it’s the “in” thing. They’d rather be true to themselves than be a carbon copy of everyone else.

Sure, they might dip a toe in the trend pool now and then, but they never let it define them.

They understand that being unique is far more interesting than being a clone of the latest fashion or lifestyle trend.

So, they focus on being the best version of themselves, not a second-rate version of someone else.

For them, at the end of the day, originality beats imitation every time.

7) Assume their experience is universal

Here’s the thing about socially intelligent people: they know their life experiences aren’t the blueprint for everyone else’s.

They get that we all walk different paths, face different challenges, and see the world through our own unique lenses.

So, they don’t go around assuming that their way of doing things or seeing things is the only way.

They know better than to say, “Well, if I can do it, anyone can.”

Instead, they listen to other people’s stories, appreciate their struggles, and respect their journeys.

They understand that empathy isn’t about saying “I know how you feel”, it’s about saying “I’m here for you”.

8) Exaggerate issues

Ever met people who turn a molehill into a mountain?

Well, that’s not the socially intelligent crowd. They’re pretty good at keeping things in perspective.

They understand that not every setback is a disaster and not every disagreement is a relationship-breaker.

They don’t blow things out of proportion or let minor issues take up major headspace.

Instead, they focus on finding solutions, resolving conflicts, and keeping the peace.

Because they know that life’s too short to spend it stressing over the small stuff.

9) Get demotivated easily

Socially intelligent folks are a resilient bunch. They don’t crumble at the first sign of difficulty or throw in the towel when things don’t go their way. 

Sure, they have their off days like everyone else, but they don’t let setbacks keep them down for long. 

They understand that failure isn’t the end of the road, it’s just a detour on the way to success. 

They dust themselves off, learn from their mistakes, and keep going. 

Because they know that true strength isn’t about never falling, it’s about always getting back up. 

And that’s a quality that makes them not just socially smart, but also pretty inspiring.

10) Make promises they can’t keep

Socially intelligent people, they’re all about integrity. They’re not the types to make grand promises they know they can’t keep just to win brownie points. 

They believe that trust is earned through actions, not just words. 

So, if they say they’re going to do something, they’ll move mountains to make sure they do it. 

Because they know that breaking promises is like breaking trust – it’s hard to repair. 

They’d rather under-promise and over-deliver than leave someone hanging. 

And that’s why people know they can rely on them.

11) Go out of their way to prove they’re right

The socially smart crew, they’re not in it to win every argument. They don’t feel the need to prove they’re right at every turn. 

They’re okay with agreeing to disagree, and they don’t see every discussion as a battle to be won. 

They know that being right isn’t always what’s important. 

Sometimes, what’s important is understanding, respecting, and accepting different viewpoints. 

They’d rather preserve relationships than their ego. Because they know that at the end of the day, no one likes a know-it-all.

12) Engage in senseless small talk

People with high social intelligence, they value meaningful connections. 

They’re not into idle chit-chat that skims the surface. 

They’d rather dive deep into conversations that matter. They want to know what makes people tick, what they’re passionate about, what their dreams are. 

They’re more interested in quality interactions than quantity. 

Sure, they can do small talk if they need to, but they prefer conversations that leave both parties feeling enriched. 

Because they know that the best conversations are the ones that make you think, feel, and connect on a deeper level.

Final words

When you meet someone who is socially intelligent, you’ll see that they’re not just about knowing what to do, they’re also about knowing what not to do.

They’ve mastered the art of social navigation, and it’s not because they’re superhuman. It’s because they’re attentive, they’re respectful, and they’re genuine.

But remember: none of us are born socially savvy.

It’s a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and improved. 

So don’t be too hard on yourself if you’ve slipped up on some of these points. We all have.

The important thing is to keep learning, keep growing, and keep striving to be the best version of yourself.

Social intelligence isn’t about being the most popular, the most talkative, or the most outgoing. It’s about treating people with kindness and respect.

It’s about making people feel heard, valued, and understood. 

And that’s a skill worth mastering.

So go ahead, take these lessons to heart, and watch your social skills soar. Trust me, your future self will thank you.