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Well, maybe not you personally, of course! Know anybody who fits the bill?
Like it or not, this world is crawling with creeps. There are awkward creeps, weird creeps, obnoxious creeps and scary creeps. And what do they all have in common? They are creepy.
Are you one of them?
Take a look at the 7 most common symptoms of "creepery" and figure it out for yourself!
1. You stare
This should be a given. Staring at someone makes them feel uncomfortable. Even if they don't notice your searing gaze, it is almost guaranteed that someone else in the room will.
2. You ask awkward questions
Most people do not feel comfortable sharing personal things with anyone other than close friends and family. If you are that person that likes to pry personal information from others, you have most likely been labeled as a creep. Take the time to really get to know someone before you pop out super personal questions.
3. You won't give up
This is where knowing how to interpret social cues is vital. Here's a little secret: Usually when someone doesn't answer your phone calls, emails, letters, Facebook posts and texts they are trying to let you know that they are not interested in talking to you. This means stop. Not being able to take a hint just makes you annoying.
4. You stalk
We are all aware that modern technology makes virtual stalking practically effortless. Because of this, just about everyone does it. However, remember that there is a significant difference between looking at the profile of your friend's new boyfriend and keeping tabs on everything the cute pizza delivery guy does. You don't need to know everything that is going on in everyone's life all the time. Try just living yours.
5. You have no personal space
Did you know that scientists have defined the average size of someone's "bubble" and what distances are acceptable in certain situations? The standard distance people require in social situations is between 4 to 12 feet. Feet. Not inches. Closer friends and family usually are allowed to station themselves 1.5 to 4 feet away. If you are not a close friend or family member, do not cross that line. Most people feel extremely awkward when their personal space has been penetrated.
6. You ramble
Try to keep your remarks short and too the point. Things get uncomfortable when someone starts sharing a long and rather personal story that no one really cares about. Don't be that person. There is a time and a place for everything. Before sharing something, think about whether or not you are in a good setting and proper moment in the conversation to pipe in. And as a general rule, it is probably better to avoid telling people about the time you ate at a Chinese restaurant and had diarrhea for two weeks.
7. You are too eager
There is a difference between being friendly and being freaky. It is totally fine to ask someone if they would like to hang out. It is not okay to make that "hang out" last all day and then ask them if they would like to hang out the next day as well. This is what we call "being desperate." Avoid answering every text the minute after it was sent or showing a creepy amount of interest in someone. Tone it down a little bit and play it chill.
Hopefully you have been able to go through this list without relating to anything that was discussed. If not, don't fret. Acknowledging an issue is the first step towards fixing it. Remember the advice mentioned above and take it to heart. There is still hope.
