Five Surefire Ways to Offend Your Friends

Even if you consider someone a "close" friend, make an effort to respect their personal space. Some people are naturally affectionate, and find any reason to touch, hug, or stand within one foot of another person. However, the other person may not appreciate the closeness. To be on the safe side, keep about two feet distance between you and the other person. Also, pay attention to specific cues. For example, if the person starts to backup a little or appears uncomfortable, you've likely invaded their personal space.

2. Be Attentive

If your mind constantly wonders and you find it difficult to stay focus in a conversation, you might try a little harder. Appearing distracted or bored in a conversation may tick off the other person, especially if this behavior becomes a habit. For example, do you continually shift your eyes, as if always looking for someone. Are your responses impersonal? In other words, you may routinely throw-in a "yeah," or "uh-huh." However, if the person were to ask you a question or stop talking mid-sentence, you wouldn't even notice.

3. Don't Flip the Conversation

If someone starts to vent about their day, don't interrupt them and make the conversation about you. For example, if your co-worker says, "I had a really bad day," and you reply, "It can't be as bad a mine," and then you proceed to rant for the next twenty minutes about your horrible day. This is a definite turn-off, and the number way to offend a friend.

4. Don't Brag

No one likes a braggart. If you make a habit of always boasting about clothes, income, and other new purchases, the jokes on you. I once read an editorial titled, "Feel Sorry for the Braggart." According to the article, these persons spend too much time worrying about the opinions of others. Braggarts are characteristically insecure persons whose self-worth is defined by money and material possessions.

5. Mind Your Own Business

There is nothing wrong with having an open relationship with someone. As a result, you may know personal details about their life. However, close friends should respect boundaries. If the person doesn't reveal a private tidbit, don't ask. Examples of personal questions might include, "are you taking birth control? How much do you earn a year? What is your credit score? Also, if a friend shares personal information with you, don't run and tell others.