The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

In my life, I’ve encountered all kinds of people, and over time, I’ve become pretty clear on what really rubs me the wrong way. A lot of this comes down to personality traits that are not just annoying, but deeply revealing of a person’s values—or lack thereof.

One thing that immediately raises a red flag for me is arrogance. Specifically, I can’t stand people who look down on others because of their perceived superiority in terms of hierarchy, wealth, looks, or status. This kind of attitude says a lot about someone’s character, and none of it is good. It feels like they are constantly trying to play a power game, positioning themselves as “better than” rather than treating people with respect, no matter their background.

This ties in with another trait I absolutely despise: bullies. Whether it’s in the workplace or in casual settings, people who push others down just to feel big are the lowest of the low. They forget that true leadership or influence comes from lifting people up, not from throwing your weight around.

Another trait that gets under my skin is pessimism, especially when it becomes someone’s default way of seeing the world. Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand that life has its challenges and setbacks, but there’s a balance to everything. If you’re always looking at the dark side, never finding hope or positivity, it drags everyone around you down. There’s something to be said for maintaining a hopeful outlook, even when things aren’t perfect.

Overthinking everything is a close relative of this. Sure, thinking things through is necessary, but when it becomes obsessive or paralysing, it stops people from actually living. I’ve found that this kind of behavior not only affects the person doing it but also those around them, creating an environment of constant uncertainty and stress. It’s exhausting.

Lateness and laziness are other traits I find deeply frustrating. There’s something to be said about respecting people’s time, whether it’s in a professional setting or a casual meet-up. Being late signals that you don’t care enough to make an effort, and that’s just disrespectful. The same goes for laziness—if you can’t be bothered to try your best or at least stay clean and presentable, it’s hard for me to take you seriously.

But what really drives me up the wall is rudeness. Some people believe in being “direct,” but there’s a huge difference between being straightforward and being downright rude. Manners cost nothing. You can communicate effectively without making others feel small or hurt. People who are rude under the guise of “honesty” or “being real” often fail to understand that kindness and respect are just as important as being clear.

In short, arrogance, pessimism, rudeness, lateness, laziness, and a need for power are traits I can’t stand. Life is challenging enough without adding these toxic elements into the mix. We’re all on a journey, so why not take everyone with us, instead of trampling over others to get ahead.