First impressions matter—a lot. And sometimes, without even realizing it, we can do things that instantly turn people off.
It’s not always about being rude or offensive. Sometimes, small habits or behaviors can make others feel uncomfortable, uninterested, or even annoyed.
The good news? Once you know what these behaviors are, they’re easy to fix.
Here are nine things to avoid if you want to make a great first impression.
1) Dominating the conversation
We all want to make a good impression, but talking too much—especially about yourself—can have the opposite effect.
When you dominate the conversation, it can make the other person feel like their thoughts and opinions don’t matter. And let’s be honest, no one enjoys feeling ignored.
A great conversation is a two-way street. Ask questions, show interest, and give the other person space to share. That way, they’ll walk away feeling heard—and more likely to want to talk to you again.
2) Forgetting someone’s name immediately
I used to be terrible at remembering names. I’d meet someone, shake their hand, and within seconds, their name was gone from my mind. I didn’t mean to be rude—it just never seemed to stick.
But then I noticed how awkward it felt when I had to ask for their name again (or worse, avoid saying it altogether). It made the other person feel unimportant, like I hadn’t cared enough to remember.
Now, I make a conscious effort to repeat a person’s name right after they say it. Something as simple as, “Nice to meet you, Sarah!” helps it stick—and makes the other person feel valued right from the start.
3) Not making eye contact
Eye contact is one of the fastest ways to build trust with someone. In fact, studies have shown that just a few seconds of eye contact can create a sense of connection between two people.
On the flip side, avoiding eye contact can make you seem disinterested, nervous, or even untrustworthy. If you’re constantly looking around the room or staring at your phone, the other person might feel like you don’t really want to be there.
You don’t need to stare intensely, but maintaining natural eye contact shows confidence and helps create a more engaging conversation.
4) Checking your phone
Few things are more frustrating than talking to someone who keeps glancing at their phone. It sends a clear message: whatever’s on the screen is more important than the person in front of you.
Even if you’re just quickly checking a notification, it can make the other person feel ignored or unappreciated. And if it happens repeatedly, they might assume you’re not really interested in the conversation at all.
If you want to make a good first impression, put your phone away and give the person your full attention. It’s a simple gesture that goes a long way.
5) Standing too close
Personal space matters, and standing too close to someone—especially when you’ve just met—can make them feel uncomfortable.
Everyone has their own comfort zone, but as a general rule, keeping about an arm’s length of space is a safe bet. If you notice the other person leaning away or stepping back, it’s a clear sign you might be too close.
Giving people enough space shows respect and makes interactions feel more natural. Plus, it helps avoid that awkward dance where they keep stepping back—and you unknowingly keep stepping forward.
6) Not listening
Few things feel worse than opening up to someone, only to realize they’re not really listening. It’s disappointing, even a little hurtful, to feel like your words don’t matter.
Good listening isn’t just about staying quiet while the other person talks—it’s about being present. Nodding, reacting, asking follow-up questions—these small gestures show that you care about what they have to say.
Everyone wants to feel heard. Giving someone your full attention in a conversation is one of the simplest ways to make them feel valued and respected.
7) Complaining too much
It’s easy to slip into negativity, especially when you’re having a rough day. But when you meet someone for the first time, constantly complaining can set the wrong tone.
Nobody expects you to be overly cheerful all the time, but if the first thing someone learns about you is how much you hate your job, the weather, or the people around you, it can be draining.
We all go through struggles, but the way we talk about them matters. A little positivity or even just a balanced perspective can make conversations feel lighter and more enjoyable—for both people.
8) Interrupting
Cutting someone off mid-sentence might not seem like a big deal, but it can make them feel like what they’re saying isn’t important.
Sometimes, we interrupt without realizing it—maybe because we’re excited, we think we know what they’re going to say, or we’re eager to share our own thoughts. But no matter the reason, it can come across as impatient or dismissive.
Letting someone finish their thought shows respect and makes conversations more meaningful. Plus, you might hear something unexpected if you take a moment to truly listen.
9) Failing to show basic kindness
More than anything, people remember how you make them feel.
A simple smile, a warm greeting, or a small gesture of kindness can set the tone for an entire interaction. On the other hand, being dismissive, indifferent, or cold can instantly push people away.
Everyone wants to feel respected and valued. The easiest way to make a good first impression is to treat people with genuine kindness—because that’s what truly lasts.
