Social psychologist Mark Leary and his research team have conducted a series of studies into how people bore each other.
The research paper titled Boredom in interpersonal encounters: Antecedents and social implications asked participants to describe things that people do, that they found boring.
From these responses, the researchers were able to curate a list of 43 yawn-inducing behaviours, which they then used to create the nine categories of ultra boredom.
See the list below, beginning with the most tedious:
- Negative egocentrism – If you want to avoid this list-topping behaviour try not to constantly talk in a negative way about your problems.
- Banality – Don’t talk about superficial topics ad nauseum. Repeating the same old jokes or stories is a surefire way to get your friends and family members rolling their eyes.
- Low affectivity – Be enthusiastic! Talk in an animated way with expression in your face.
- Tediousness – “Talking slowly, pausing a long time before responding, taking a long time to make one’s points, and dragging conversations on.” Get on with it!
- Passivity – Don’t be afraid to have opinions, as people find it boring if you’re always agreeing with them.
- Self-preoccupation – Me! Me! Me-itis is a scourge I tell you! Careful not to talk “at” people all about yourself. Occasionally show an interest in what the person you’re talking to has to say.
- Seriousness – We all want to appear smart, but it’s okay to relax and not be too earnest. Don’t forget to smile too.
- Boring ingratiation – “Trying to be funny or nice in order to impress other people.” We all know how awkward this can feel when it’s happening
- Distraction – Focus on your conversation, and avoid getting sidetracked or doing things that might interfere with your interaction.
