We’ve all been in conversations that suddenly take a weird or uncomfortable turn. One minute, you’re having a nice chat, and the next, someone brings up a topic that makes everyone shift in their seats.
The truth is, some topics just aren’t great for casual conversation. Bringing them up at the wrong time—or with the wrong people—can make things awkward fast. And if someone does it often, it might be a sign that their social skills could use some work.
If you’ve ever wondered why certain conversations feel off, here are some topics that people with below-average social skills tend to bring up.
1) oversharing personal problems
We all go through tough times, but not every conversation is the right place to unload personal struggles. People with strong social skills understand when and where to share, while those with weaker social skills might bring up their problems too often or with the wrong audience.
It’s one thing to confide in a close friend, but oversharing with casual acquaintances or in group settings can make others uncomfortable. Most people don’t know how to respond, and it can quickly turn a normal conversation into an awkward one.
If someone constantly brings up their personal drama—especially with people they don’t know well—it’s usually a sign they struggle with social awareness.
2) controversial opinions at the wrong time
I’ll never forget the time I was at a casual dinner with friends, and someone I had just met decided it was the perfect moment to go on a rant about a highly divisive political issue. The mood instantly shifted. People exchanged awkward glances, some tried to change the subject, but he kept pushing his opinion, completely unaware of how uncomfortable everyone felt.
There’s nothing wrong with having strong opinions, but socially aware people know when to bring them up—and when to keep them to themselves. A friendly gathering or a casual conversation isn’t always the right place to debate heavy topics.
If someone regularly forces controversial opinions into conversations without reading the room, it’s usually a sign that their social skills are lacking.
3) money and personal finances
Talking about money can be tricky, and socially aware people understand that it’s not always a welcome topic. Asking someone how much they make, bragging about expensive purchases, or criticizing how others spend their money can make conversations feel uncomfortable or even competitive.
Studies have shown that people tend to feel more stress and anxiety when discussing personal finances, even more than when talking about relationships or health issues. It’s a deeply personal subject, and bringing it up casually can put people on edge.
Of course, money discussions have their place, but if someone frequently brings up their salary, debt, or investments in casual conversation, it’s often a sign they lack social awareness.
4) insulting someone as a “joke”
Some people think they’re being funny when they make sarcastic or cutting remarks about others, but in reality, it often just makes them look socially unaware. There’s a fine line between friendly teasing and saying something that makes people uncomfortable.
Psychologists call this type of humor “aggressive humor,” and while some might laugh along to be polite, it usually creates tension rather than genuine connection. People with good social skills know how to joke without putting others down.
If someone frequently disguises insults as jokes and then says, “Relax, I’m just kidding,” it’s often a sign they don’t fully understand how their words impact those around them.
5) extreme conspiracy theories
There was a time when I thought I could have a normal conversation with someone, only for them to suddenly start explaining how the moon landing was faked or how a secret group controls everything in the world. At first, I tried to engage, maybe ask questions or offer a different perspective, but it quickly became clear—they weren’t interested in discussion, only in convincing me.
Bringing up conspiracy theories in casual conversations can make people uncomfortable, especially when the person sharing them refuses to consider any other viewpoint. It can come across as dismissive of facts and unwilling to engage in balanced discussion.
People with good social awareness understand that certain topics require the right setting and audience. If someone constantly steers conversations toward extreme conspiracy theories, it’s often a sign they struggle with reading the room.
6) overly personal questions
Good conversation flows naturally, but nothing kills the vibe faster than someone asking a question that’s way too personal. Things like “Why are you still single?” or “How much do you weigh?” might come from curiosity, but they often leave the other person feeling uncomfortable or put on the spot.
Socially aware people understand boundaries. They know that just because they’re curious about something doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to ask. If someone wants to share personal details, they will—without being pressured.
If a person frequently asks intrusive questions without realizing how awkward it makes others feel, it’s usually a sign they have below-average social skills.
7) bragging about intelligence
There’s a big difference between being smart and needing everyone to know you’re smart. People with strong social skills don’t feel the need to constantly mention their IQ, how well-read they are, or how much more they know than everyone else.
True intelligence shows through actions, not constant self-promotion. Bragging about intelligence often has the opposite effect—it pushes people away rather than impressing them.
If someone frequently brings up how smart they are, corrects minor mistakes just to prove a point, or looks down on others for not knowing something, it’s usually a sign they lack social awareness more than anything else.
bottom line: social awareness matters
Human connection thrives on unspoken rules—reading facial expressions, sensing when a topic makes someone uncomfortable, knowing when to listen instead of speak. These skills aren’t just about being polite; they shape how people perceive us and how well we navigate relationships.
Research in social psychology suggests that emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize and manage emotions in ourselves and others—plays a significant role in social success. People with high emotional intelligence tend to pick up on subtle cues, adjust their approach, and foster more meaningful interactions.
Bringing up the wrong topics at the wrong time isn’t just a harmless mistake; it can push people away and create barriers in communication. The good news? Social awareness is a skill that can be learned. A little self-reflection and observation can go a long way in making conversations smoother, more engaging, and ultimately more rewarding.
