ADVERTISEMENT

It takes some time to get to know another person. And it’s not only about what they do and what they like, but also how they interact with you and others. Some small, insignificant comments or remarks can actually have a hidden meaning and reveal that someone you know does not necessarily have good intentions. Throughout time, by getting to know others better and by gaining experience, people start to see signs of others being manipulative or inconsiderate. Having this in mind, Reddit user u/neilnelly asked people “What is something subtle people say that is a red flag to you?”

This gave a green light for other users to share what they find annoying and alarming about other people’s behavior, from people complimenting others just to achieve personal gain to imposing their own views on others when it's unwanted. Here is the list of 55 things people say to trick you into something that should be taken into account as these are some major red flags.

What are other obvious signs you know that people use to trick or deceive others? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: Reddit

#1

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers I used to go to the bar after work with coworkers. One of the managers didn't go, but a coworker kept encouraging him to come out and party. He relented and said he'd come out for one drink. At the bar, he took a sip and said "ah, I haven't had a beer in 5 months". No one else took notice of that, but it struck me. He was gone a week later after coming into work drunk and doing something inappropriate.

To anyone reading this: If someone doesn't want to drink, accept no for an answer. They might have a very good reason to say no, and pressing them on it, especially when well intentioned, might make it much harder for them to say no.

BelowDeck , Lou Stejskal Report

Add photo comments
POST
ulrikesponagel avatar
Stephanie IV
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! accept a NO RIGHT AWAY! In any case! Would you like something to eat? No, thanks. OK! Would you like to join? No, thanks! OK! etc. So many potential triggers that people are desperate to steer clear of.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Idk if this is one, but when people say things like “I can say and do whatever I want” “it’s a free country. Ever hear of freedom of speech?” in order to justify s****y things they say or do. Like sure, you have the right to speak your mind, but people also have the right to judge you for what you say.

87319496 , prisca schmarsow Report

Add photo comments
POST
jencook avatar
JennyLaRue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They forget that Freedom of Speech works in both directions of an opinion

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Don't be so sensitive (or something to that effect). Big warning sign that they A- don't care about your feelings, and B- can't take responsibility for their behaviour

Heart_in_her_eye , micadew Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers It was just a joke. Where's your sense of humor?

chuchimumi , Aina Vidal Report

Add photo comments
POST
the_true_opifex avatar
Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Schroedinger's Douchebag: The person who says something cruel and nasty, then decides whether it was "just a joke" based on the reaction they get.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “Ok fine I’m sorry happy?” That’s not an apology.

Celq124 , Alan Levine Report

#6

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Anything that exposes poor morals. For example, "I'll just say I never got it so they send me another one."

When people show you who they really are, believe them. Love this quote.

emik7133 , Tracey Adams Report

#8

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “I’m brutally honest” or some other excuse to be an unbearable person.

mywifemademegetthis , Pedro Ribeiro Simões Report

Add photo comments
POST
jencook avatar
JennyLaRue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone can be brutally honest, but everyone else has probably worked out that people don't respond well to the lack of tact, sensitivity and empathy, so it doesn't bode well for the long term if you're just rolling round making people feel s**t about themselves.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Treating service staff poorly, then turning around and being disingenuous.

Ariandrin , Terinea IT Support Report

Add photo comments
POST
h125429 avatar
Carmen Sandiego
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Oh why are you being nice to them?" "I dunno, maybe, just maybe, they are also human?! Mindblowing, I know."

View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers If they wronged you and say something like, "I'm such a terrible person, you should leave me." It's them trying to force sympathy on them instead of genuinely apologizing to you. They're not going to change if you stay.

AnonyMissBliss , Alexey Dushutin Report

Add photo comments
POST
ilovecatz7 avatar
Nay Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my mother used to say this to me, leaving me feeling like i had no choice but to reply with 'no you're not, you're a good person' (FYI, she wasnt a good person, she was narcissistic and abusive)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers I personally move away from people who constantly one up someone's story or experience

Classic-Daikon-5448 , Pedro Ribeiro Simões Report

Add photo comments
POST
laurencaswell4 avatar
Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again putting this out there: some ppl genuinely have learned that sharing a common experience with someone is a good way to make social bonds. I only recently learned just how many people do not seem to feel this way. I already knew to rein in it and only share experiences sometimes, but I don't ever do it as oneupsmanship. I'm finding myself less sure nowadays about ever doing it at all, which sucks because it is one of my learned strategies and I don't have a big arsenal to choose from

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers I’m a guy but anytime I hear other guys say “friend zone” or “girls only date a**holes” or anything that sounds incel/misogynistic, I’m not going to be too fond of the person

OW2000 , Nick Gray Report

Add photo comments
POST
aliquida avatar
Aliquid A
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My response "if girls only date a**holes, why are you always single?"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “I try to be more like my kids’ friend than their mom.”

holyurushiol , Leonid Mamchenkov Report

Add photo comments
POST
viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes, you have to risk being hated by your kids to raise them into functioning adults. It sucks, it's hard, but being liked all the time should not be the primary goal of raising them.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “Yeah, but YOU don’t act black.”

The f**k?

cherenkov_light , Johnny Silvercloud Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is someone supposed to act an ethnicity/race. Don't give in to stereotypes.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Making rude comments about homeless ppl and being rude to waitstaff

LittleLulu333 , Carl Graph Report

Add photo comments
POST
73toppsmann avatar
Anthony Mann
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those people almost always feel like that could NEVER happen to them. It's always a failing of the waiter/homeless person's (morality/religion/class/race - take your pick) in their eyes, and only that reason.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Non-apologies.

“I’m sorry you got offended by what I said.”

SelfDiagnosedUnicorn , Guian Bolisay Report

Add photo comments
POST
karin_lange_1 avatar
K. Lange
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i learned this phrase while working for a callcenter. Because you shouldn*t apologize for what happened (for reasons of liability) but apologize for the feelings the caller has, so that he feels heard.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#18

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers If you can't handle me at my worst you don't deserve me at my best.

paperclip1213 , Robbert van der Steeg Report

#19

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers "Sorry I did this and that, It's just my inner zodiac sign."

Like, your zodiac sign doesn't define you, you're just being a s****y person and using that phrase as a cover up.

Tiredchopsticks , Peter Corbett Report

#20

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers When people talk s**t on their spouses. Like even in the most subtle way it’s still not appropriate small talk. If it’s my best friend and she’s telling me about a hardship or a fight, different. But when I’m meeting you for the first time I shouldn’t be able to pick up that you dislike your spouse/SO.

Unhappy-Addendum-759 , irisgazer Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like getting married but complaining about having to get married...we know deep down you're not joking.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers When they disagree with someone, they default to attacking the person's character instead of their actions. We all do this from time to time, but with some people it's every time. The guy who messed up their order is "an idiot". Their boss is "an evil sociopath". The person on Facebook who expressed a political view that opposes theirs is "a degenerate". That new intern at work is "hopeless". In the end, the final result is that anyone they disagree with for any reason is either an inherently bad person who doesn't really merit listening to.

Celestaria , Frederick Dennstedt Report

Add photo comments
POST
rcarson avatar
R Carson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Free speech has consequences-it would be nice to agree to disagree without personal attacks.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#22

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “I’m a nice guy” …. Sure you are. Why you gotta justify to me just show it.

littlecassowary , Andrij Bulba Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're a nice guy you don't need to keep reminding people. Your actions will show it.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers When they are the victim in all of their stories.

I had a colleague who didn't really have any friends outside of work. All of her stories were about how each of her friends had stabbed her in the back at one time or another. She went travelling to Australia with 6 girls and left early because they didn't want to do the things she wanted. It was glaringly obvious that she was the issue but still tried to play the sweet victim.

There is another girl from my high school who has gained quite a few followers on social media through sharing her stories of being bullied in school for being bald. No one can remember that ever happening, she was quite popular but had lost touch with her group as you do when you move away for college. Also, she was never bald.

Red flags when people enjoy pity.

POded99 , David Stanley Report

Add photo comments
POST
darkangelnickay avatar
DarkAngelNic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Also, she was never bald." How can someone make a blatant lie and think no one is going to know? So freakin' weird.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Maybe this is nitpicky but people who give nicknames or use a shortened version of your name without asking if you mind it. It's annoyed me my whole life and always seems to correlate with them not respecting more serious boundaries later on.

Jazz_Brain , Sascha Kohlmann Report

Add photo comments
POST
ealizabethane avatar
Lisa Shaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one bothers me too, has done since I was a child, I always use the name the person introduced themselves with, if they say David, I call them David, I never presume to call them Dave unless they specifically say "I go by Dave".

jerryt avatar
Jerry T
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's funny you chose "Dave." A guy in my friend group was introduced to me as "Dave." We never really got along. I just got a weird vide from him and we just rub each other the wrong way. For the sake of our group I always went out of my way to try and make friends but never got very far. Then one day he was speaking to someone else and I overheard him say he hated when people called him "Dave." I pulled him aside and apologized and explained that that was how he was introduced to me. We have been cool ever since.

Load More Replies...
miss-dianne avatar
Bored Silly
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My name is Diane. The number of complete strangers who call me lady DI ( work reception with name tag) is unbelievable. She has been gone for 24 years and it still happens weekly. Or they call me Di. which I despise. I correct them every time and the next time I see them its Lady Diiiiiiii. Just f**k off.

henrycheves avatar
Henry Cheves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People always call me Hank. When I first heard it, I was 7 and thought they had a hearing problem, so I tried yelling my name at them.

krystilmist avatar
Linda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read that's why Topher Grace goes by Topher. He'd introduce himself as Christopher, and people would say Hi Chris. Then he'd say, topher. He obviously wanted to be called by his full name.

teecee avatar
Tee Cee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find this very disrespectful as well, even worse, when you correct them and they do it anyhow!

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You never, ever mess with a person’s name. It. Is. Their. Name. It’s part of their identity. You better make a concerted effort to pronounce it correctly, or ask for the correct pronunciation if you falter at it. People are always so pleased if you make the effort to say their names correctly, as it indicates you have enough respect for them to care enough to get it right, and everyone likes to be respected and cared about. You also better call them what they want to be called. If Robert introduces himself as Robert, don’t go calling him Bobby. If you consistently call him Robert, he may give you permission to call him Bobby—-but HE gives permission, you do not take it. It’s his f*****g name, not yours!

bobbygoodson avatar
Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Other way around too. When I introduce myself as bobby don't call me Robert

jenny_pugh_14 avatar
tami_6 avatar
viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I go by context and person. I don't think my boss and colleagues call me Viv to make me feel bad, since they are very nice to me (I don't mind being called Viv). However, I do hate being addressed by endearments in the workplace. I can tell someone I don't care for it. If they go along with what I want, I'll assume they simply made a mistake. If they continue to call me endearments, I'll assume they're disrespectful assholes.

Load More Replies...
ctrteresa avatar
Teresa Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YES!! My name is Teresa. It is not Terry or Tess or anything else you decide it is. Another pet peeve is when someone insists on spelling my name with an "h" in it. This happens often even though my email address(es) clearly indicate there is no "h" and I SIGN every message with my (correctly spelled) name.

deannababy61 avatar
Deanna Crichley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always ask people what they like to be called, after being called Dee one too many times.

phil84vaive avatar
Phil Vaive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or the opposite. I always introduce myself as "Phil" and I hate it when people call me "Philip". There are only five people who get a pass on that: My mom, dad, 2 sisters and my great aunt. That's it.

carldombek avatar
Carl Dombek
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly. Listen to how a person introduces him/herself, then go with that unless/until invited to do otherwise. If someone says, "Hi, I'm James," don't presume to call him, "Jim." He just told you his name is James.

webmaster_8 avatar
Paul K. Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always, always, always attempt to learn to pronounce a person's name correctly. Even when they tell me to just call them some nickname I take that as they've just gotten used to people not making the effort. So I tell them I'll call them whatever they want but I really do want to know how to pronounce their name correctly just for my own education (but actually because I think it's just rude not to). When I was in the Army we had a soldier with a moderately difficult name and his direct superior officer kept saying his name all kinds of ridiculous ways. So one day I went to her office and tried to explain the correct pronunciation and she still didn't even try. Her entire response was, "Whatever". I lost all respect for her that day.

caroline_nagel avatar
Caroline Nagel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Dutch/Flemish some people tend to put '-tje' after names as a diminutive eg. Carolinetje, meaning little Caroline. These are adults talking to adults. It's ever so condescending.

viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you tell them to stop, do they listen? I wouldn't care for it. On the other hand, if two people want to use the diminutive with each other, not my business.

Load More Replies...
hip_chick_7 avatar
Jaymi Leigh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always seen nicknames as endearing. If someone gives you a nickname, they feel comfortable with you and like you.

acatnameddragon avatar
A Cat Named Dragon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed, but context is everything. If I like you and trust you, then you can call me whatever you want. But… everyone else should call me by the name I used at introduction.

Load More Replies...
elanorrosser avatar
Ellie Rosser
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Watch someone's face (usually a salesperson) if they say "you don't mind if I call you "nickname" do you?" and you say "actually, yes I do mind". Amazes me every time how offended complete strangers can get when I decline to let them treat me like their best friend.

viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my boss hired a new employee, I waited for a meeting and asked, "Do you prefer 'Sam' or 'Samantha'?" That way, I knew and so did the rest of the team.

Load More Replies...
katd_1 avatar
Malakai
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do this sometimes, though accidentally or without thinking. For example, I've known several people named "Stephen/Steven" who always went by "Steve", so I kind of default to that nickname bc my brain just replaces it more or less now. But if they correct me, I try to not do it again. It's certainly not by any means intentionally disrespectful

raigrant69 avatar
Rai Grant
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My name is Rachel and I go by my chosen shortened name Rai pronounced like Ray (when I chose the spelling aged 13, I didn't know about the music!). What I hate hate HATE is being called Rach pronounced like wretch, but when I moved here from London 7 years ago I was with a man who would never call me Rai, even though all my other friends and acquaintances in London did.. I am now stuck with 90% of the people I now know calling me wretch and I hate it. Did I say I hate it? I do :(

angelab_1 avatar
Angela B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I HATE beong called Angie! Some of my work colleagues call me that and it makes my skin feel like it is in need of crawling off! I have tried to mention it with subtlety.....still happens.

tyrapendragon avatar
Laura Mortensen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't stand it when people call me Lori. My name is Laura and I don't need you to make it cute. It doesn't even make my name shorter. I had a friend who did this despite my asking him not to. It still annoys me even though I haven't seen him in years.

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. I have a friend from Iran she speaks three different languages and holds degrees from higher education. She asked people to please use her full name that she spent the time learning or language in order to communicate effectively with us the least we could do is call her by her given name. I applaud that

lchaney36 avatar
Linny H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tend to do that but have also seen that it can be annoying. So I try not to. It seems natural to me when I know someone well. But I like it when people do that to me, it seems like "yeah, we are real friends"

drkbabs avatar
Keley Babs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll straight up ask them "your badge says Robert but so-and-so just called you Bobby. You've problem known them a while though. Remind me how you want me to call you please, I'll try very hard to remember from now on"

jan_moore_790 avatar
Jan Moore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is petty(?), but it brothers me more and more when I day my name(Jan) and they call me "Jane), they don't sound alike! And it's not short for Janet or Janice.

dodsonmichelle avatar
Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My name is Michelle & if you call me "Shelly' I won't answer. My REAL friends call me Mick.

michaelanndahlman avatar
Michaelann Dahlman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am very sensitive on this topic. I changed my name (first & middle) as a young adult & people can be so rude & disrespectful. I actually had to call out someone in my family who thought using my old name was okay. "If you don't respect the law & you don't respect me, then I was clearly mistaken in thinking we could continue to have a relationship." Took years to repair the relationship, when he finally pulled his head out of his ass.

alchristensen avatar
Al Christensen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people do that as a sign of acceptance. Meanwhile, others do it to establish dominance.

nekonekokawaii08 avatar
sylvanticx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i do that if i'm close with someone, and then ask if they mind. i also add diminutives to people's names, but only if i'm really close with them (and they don't mind)

neondisco avatar
NeonDisco
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always introduce myself as Michael, because it's my name, but everyone calls me Mike without asking which I don't really mind. It's when people call me Micky that I'll reply that I'm neither a Monkee nor a mouse.

stevecampitelli65 avatar
SCamp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh wow, no, I actually do that and for me it’s absolutely an endearment thing. I’d only ever do it with people i like. It might be an Aussie thing - we are well into nicknames here and constantly shorten peoples names - again, it’s endearment ; it’s with people we know and like

kimberlybuchanan avatar
Kimberly Buchanan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone's name is for example James, I ask if they prefer James, Jim, or Jamey. I prefer Kimberly, it seems to be to long to say for most people, but I don't get pissy if they say Kim. Some people will, so I always ask.

ii_3 avatar
I I
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i am useless at names , i could tell you where and when i first met you but 99% of the time i wont remember your name

janealexander37 avatar
Jane Alexander
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

-or they use the diminutive of your name like 'Janie' as though you're a child.

mariezellmer avatar
Marie
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend goes by V. Always introduce them that way, but got embarrassed when my mother insisted they tell her their real name (Virginia) Instantly didn't like my mom, for good reason. I don't care what people call me though, except "moose", mean girl picked it and always hated it.

alinatheowl avatar
Unnamed Hooman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate my nickname, and ALL my cousins and aunts and uncles use it -_- My mom just tells me to ‘get over it’. I would say it, but it could offend anyone who has it as a first name and loves it

lontri avatar
Marika Miettinen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Finland we have this saying "a beloved child has many names" and I love each and every one of my nicknames, and oh boy do I have a lot of them (I've tried to count them all, and I lose count at around 20). It makes me feel special when somebody gives me a new nickname, and if I give somebody a nickname or I pronounce their name in my own way, it's because they're special to me in one way or another. Sure, if somebody says that they don't want to have nicknames and go on a rant on how they only want to be called by one specific name, I'll try my best to call them that.

sobenna_kahill avatar
SobyKay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought I was the only one! It doesn't seem like a very big deal, so I never told anyone I disliked this. Ppl just always automatically shortened my name upon meeting me & it always bugged me for the reasons given. Only a couple ppl ever bothered to ask me what I prefer to be called. Isn't that the right way to go about it? Just ask??

iblowsheep avatar
iblowsheep
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this one used to bug me too until i realized asshole, f**k off, m**********r, dipshit and s**t bag are not nicknames

73toppsmann avatar
Anthony Mann
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just curious - when they use nicknames (Dave) and get caught doing something abusive, s****y, etc, do they say "I would never do that to David?". Just thinking that for some, it could be a self-denial method that they actually treat the 'real' person well.

mjw0sysascend_com avatar
lara
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

It "annoyed" you your "whole" life? THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SOMETHING?????????????

katd_1 avatar
Malakai
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because different people are doing it, not just one or two people they've known forever...? What an incredibly rude, ignorant, and unnecessarily aggressive response :/

Load More Replies...
brukernavn340 avatar
ctrteresa avatar
Teresa Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me. I care. It is MY name. MY personal identity. If a person cannot respect me enough to learn it and use it, how will they ever respect me on "the big" things?

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#25

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers But you're so good at it. Aka I'll compliment you in the hope that you'll take this task off my hands.

amelie_v , Jessie Pearl Report

Add photo comments
POST
dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worse yet is a family member (looking at spouse) who "volunteers" you to other family members or friends to "help" with something because you have some amount of knowledge/experience with it. No... just no. I don't want the responsibility if something goes wrong or doesn't work.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “I just tell it like it is…”

Is a red flag for me personally.

AnarchistWhiskey , Matus Laslofi Report

#27

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers If they compliment themselves often but rarely or never others, for me that's an obvious narcissistic trait.

newtypehero , Myllena Azevedo Report

#28

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers When they try to fish compliments. For example they say: ‘why am I so ugly?’

theDiscreetLurker , ErWin Report

#29

“Well then I guess I’ll never do / buy / say / ask anything / (normal okay thing that isn’t actually the problem) ever again.”

eternal_dancer Report

Add photo comments
POST
weronikakasperska avatar
Weronika Kasperska
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s such a toddler’s behaviour, but my husband sometimes doing this. Like when he have his night out, suppose to back Early and instead he Come home in the morning. And when I confront with him it’s allways 'FINE! So I will never go anywhere again!'. Like... dude, I don’t care, you can stay home forever, That’s not my point

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “I’m an empath” makes me want to get in my car and drive ten hours in the opposite direction while shoving wool in my ears.

My last roommate called herself an empath. Turned out to be a 30 year old emotionally abusive a** who let her dog s**t in our apartment. Empath my a**

aards , Tom Woodward Report

Add photo comments
POST
ealizabethane avatar
Lisa Shaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do find people use this term too freely, without actually knowing what it means, true empaths are on the rare side, however according to some social media pages they're averaging about 50% of the population. A true empath does not need to tell you, you will notice it in their personality and actions.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “I’m not (blank) but...(insert statement that affirms they are what they’re claiming not to be)

stokeszdude , Lachlan Hardy Report

#32

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Pretty much anytime somebody says something about themself when it's not prompted or necessary.

Like "I'm an honest person", "I'm a hard worker", or "I'd never hit a woman".

jrhawk42 , Didriks Report

Add photo comments
POST
73toppsmann avatar
Anthony Mann
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of the time, they are trying to plant that thought in your head, in case you hear the opposite from someone else. It's a 'preemptive' denial of something they think you will likely hear about.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers my s/o wont let me do so & so

beamergirl_66 , Gilles FRANCOIS Report

#34

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Asking what music you listen to, then immediately critiquing it, especially when you like main stream stuff. (I guess this applies to stuff other than music but that’s what annoys me the most)

keeper-of-calves , laura betancourt Report

Add photo comments
POST
viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One way to handle different tastes is to say, "I'm more into __. What's the appeal for you? What do you like about it?" The answers might turn out to be very interesting. If not, you've at least been courteous and avoided pissing off the other person.

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#35

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers “That’s just the way God made me,” as an excuse for being a b***h or d**k. Like it’s just their personally and they can’t help it so we should all just accept it.

slfraire , Eric Chan Report

#36

Anyone who tries to convince you that you can trust them.

"Come on man, you can trust me. I'd never do that to you."

People who are actually trust worthy don't need to convince anyone of anything and they also know that real trust isn't freely given to people you barely know and are not offended when they are not given it.

Oblique9043 Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trust, like respect, is earned. It’s not up to you to say you’re trustworthy; it’s up to others to consider you trustworthy based in your past trustworthiness. And you have to keep on proving your trustworthiness too.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers When someone says "they're my karma child" and implies their child makes their life so hard it must be payback for a mistake they made in the past. I usually discover this person has intense mental health or substance use history. It's a s****y way of mentioning their disdain for their kid.

thesensiblething , Tour The Triad Report

Add photo comments
POST
ulrikesponagel avatar
Stephanie IV
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

..maybe ask what their child could have done wrong to deserve them as their parent. Their proverbial karma isn't a one way street.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers "With all due respect."

I know a guy who says this so frequently that when he says it, I brace myself for the s**t to follow.

newenglandredshirt , Cydcor Report

#39

“I know what I’m worth.” Especially in a romantic setting, OLD or first date type stuff. It’s good to have a strong sense of self but I’ve found when this exact phrase is stated/listed something ain’t right.

serene_brutality Report

#40

Less a direct statement and more of a behavior, but I find myself becoming less able to hang out with the people I know who seem to have no respect for any type of input I have on a subject, despite me trying to always at least entertain what they're saying for the purpose of the discussion, even if it's absurd.

I'll have something to add, and they'll seem to not even hear what I've said, either ignoring it all together or immediately dismissing it as incorrect, sometimes even using the same arguments I just said in explaining why what I just said is nonsense.

And on the occasion that I actually decide to go through the effort of defending my stance, they usually end it with some dismissive statement like "well that's your opinion". Yes, that is my opinion, and considering the fact that I have been sitting here listening to and showing respect towards, even if not always supporting, your opinion, I think would justify me in asking for the same basic respect.

This turned into a rant, and I'm sorry about that. To put it shortly, I guess I'd say when a person seems to have a lot of difficulty with you disagreeing with them, and never seems to even pretend they are giving your position any real thought beyond "no, you're wrong because..." Then I'd say they aren't your friend, and you should consider no longer trying to be theirs.

MountainGloat Report

Add photo comments
POST
jenniferrobuccio avatar
Jennifer Gould
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is so frustrating to try to reason with someone who is so one sided. I find some people are just set in their ways and think they are always right. It makes friendship very difficult. I just avoid people who are so negative and like to argue. Being selective about who you interact with can be so helpful!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Recently had someone tell me "I hate being accused of lying." I'm sure we can all guess what he keeps getting caught doing...

InBtwixt , Simply CVR Report

Add photo comments
POST
sammyanne1_sh avatar
Helen Haley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get so nervous when being questioned about anything I look like I'm lying even if I'm telling the truth. Been that way forever.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

"I'm always open to debate."

I find most people that say that are open to lecture you, and closed to debate.

StringVar Report

Add photo comments
POST
jenniferrobuccio avatar
Jennifer Gould
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that....Open to lecture you, and closed to debate! Perfectly put!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers When I started my new job the bubbliest girl who was loved by most of the staff and was also a HR manager would act like this when me and her were totally alone.

She would whisper ever so softly (to herself but to me) "you get no thanks around here, no one cares. You just wait and watch the knives stabbing when you least expect it". This is something she did on my first DAY!! I said to her everyone seems lovely and accepting and she said "well wait until you get to know them".

This was a HR MANAGER!!

Edit I've just realised this isn't very subtle

Also Edit! Seems like alot of people see this girls actions as good. I don't, this was my first day and I really believe if people start talking about others they're setting the tone for YOU to perceive the person they are gossiping about, it made me nervous, your first day is bad enough. I was there for 7 months and not one person showed any signs of being a backstabber. Not one! Nothing even remotely shady.

Little_Hobbitt , Dan Taylor-Watt Report

#44

Try to say, "It could have been worse" (Or something to that affect) everytime they make a mistake. "Yeah, it could have been worse, but you still wrecked my car Rachel"

UrasnoFlake2 Report

Add photo comments
POST
dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many of these "red flags" are beginning to sound more like personally specific issues.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#45

"Can't you just do it?" instead of wanting to learn something.

mmm-pistol-whip Report

Add photo comments
POST
viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For me, it depends on context. If a colleague has a tight deadline and I can do something much faster than they can, I'll definitely help. I might even insist on it! If it's someone who never wants to learn, I'd find that annoying. If I can teach them, I'll try to do so. If they totally refuse, it depends on whether it's someone at work or a.. ahem... "friend".

View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Starting an argument for no reason and then not having the capacity to resolve it.

blippityblop , Iryna Yeroshko Report

#47

Referring to women as "females".

ChibiRedgrave Report

#48

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers Never asking a question. My husband realized his father never does this and now I can’t stop listening for this.

foofoofoobears , Quinn Dombrowski Report

Add photo comments
POST
leighm avatar
Dodo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't really ask questions, because I'm socially awkward and don't know what's considered acceptable/unacceptable to ask

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

User Of This Online Group Asked Others “What Is Something Subtle People Say That Is A Red Flag To You?” And Here Are The 50 Best Answers You'll know I like you when I make fun of every single thing you do maliciously.

Like wth

tsoro , Brieuc Saffré Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people use this in the whole "best friends who insult each other" way to make it seem okay but it's a completely different thing to do it maliciously.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Someone who frequently, in response to you telling them about a bad or inconvenient thing that happened to you, start with "Well what you SHOULD have done..." or "What I would have done..." and then argue with your reasonings for not finding their solution helpful. These people tend to be very opinionated and stubborn, even in situations they don't really know anything about. This is especially true if paired with a tendency to always win/have bad losing habits, are generally immature, or have a history of just not knowing what they're talking about but just want to assert themselves in the conversation anyways

Edit: To those who do this to a fault, it's a completely normal behavior! Sometimes it's hard to not begin searching for solutions to a loved one's problem. However it's different when you do it excessively, or to the point of making the other person feel stressed or incompetent. I'm mostly talking about this when it's accompanied by other red flags but can be a standalone depending on frequency/social context

solaris_eclipse Report

Add photo comments
POST
leighm avatar
Dodo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand this one. If I try something and it goes wrong, my mother is always there to tell me what I *should* have done instead. Even though my way was valid, she automatically assumes her way is better.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 55 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.