Do you sometimes feel like you’re the main character in a show you weren’t even in? Do you think you’re dealing with a petty person, by chance? The signs of a petty person aren’t always obvious, but once you notice them, you’ll wonder how you missed them.
From holding grudges longer than your Netflix subscription to being the Sherlock Holmes of social media stalking, petty people have a unique way of brightening up life (not always in a good way).
So, how do you know you’re dealing with petty people? Let’s break it down and start by trying to understand who a petty person is.
Who Is A Petty?
Let’s face it: a petty person is someone who doesn’t let the small stuff go. They cling to minor slights as if their life depended on it, turning small problems into full-blown stories. Maybe they’re insecure, or maybe they just love drama. Whatever the reason, their behavior often screams, “It’s not that serious!” Yet, to them, it is. Think of them as the drama kings or the petty queens. Okay, now that we know who a petty person is, let’s explore their traits.
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8 Signs of a Petty Person You Might Be Ignoring
- They always blow things out of proportion. Petty people thrive on turning ropes into mountains.
Any minor annoyance becomes a drama to them. Did you forget to send them a “good morning” text because you were in a hurry? Well, to them, you’ve made an unforgivable mistake.
Minor mistakes aren’t so minor to them—in their eyes, you’ve wronged them, and you deserve to be punished for it. So, prepare for a week of nagging and whispered complaints.
They’re not just annoyed; they’ll bring up the subject again and again, each time with a more dramatic tone. Every minor incident feels like the end of the world.
They’re not interested in solving the problem, they’re interested in prolonging it, just to make sure you and everyone else know they’re the victim.
- They hold grudges as if their life depends on it.
One of the most notable signs of a petty person is that for them, grudges are like precious possessions. They don’t just hold onto them, they feed them, replaying the abuse as if it were their favorite song.
Instead of openly discussing the issue, they make sarcastic innuendos, mutter to themselves, or post cryptic messages on social media.
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“Some people never learn,” they may tweet, but you know it’s about you. Petty people love the power of ambiguity; their grudge becomes a subtle but constant reminder of how much they feel you’ve wronged them.
Their passive-aggressiveness can make you reconsider every move you make, leaving you wallowing in their silent, unresolved grievances.
- They’re judgmental.
One of the most notable signs of a petty person is that they tend to judge everything, no matter how trivial or irrelevant. Your clothes? Not stylish enough. Did you order tiramisu instead of chocolate fondant? Very simple.
The way you pronounce it? It definitely deserves an exaggerated look of disapproval. Their judgments are not constructive at all; they are designed to make you feel small and to raise themselves up. Even worse, they often disguise these criticisms under the guise of “just being honest” or “caring about you.” The truth is, their criticism stems from their own insecurities.
They judge because they’re constantly comparing themselves to others, and by insulting you, they feel better about themselves for a second.
- They’re experts at social media sleuthing.
This is perhaps one of the most hilarious and annoying traits of a petty person. Their favorite pastime is obsessively scrolling through social media. They don’t just skim your posts; they analyze every like, comment, and follow.
Have you commented on someone else’s post and not liked them at all? Well, expect the silent treatment or passive-aggressive comments. They track everything—from the people you interact with to the number of likes you receive.
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Social media isn’t just an entertainment platform for them; it’s a stage where petty drama unfolds. Screenshots, sub-tweets, and passive-aggressive posts are all part of their arsenal, ensuring they can amplify their petty grievances to the public.
- They’re bad listeners.
Conversations with a bully can feel one-sided because they rarely listen to you. Instead of listening intently, they eagerly await their turn to speak and make everything about themselves.
If you confide in them about a difficult issue you’re going through, they’ll respond with, “Well, that reminds me of the time I…” They often twist the conversation to emphasize how you’ve upset them or how your problem isn’t as important as theirs.
Their inability to truly listen is not only frustrating, but exhausting. Over time, you’ll find yourself trying to avoid meaningful conversations because you never feel safe or understood doing so.
- They expect everyone to adapt to their needs and comfort.
Bullies believe the world should revolve around them and their preferences. Whatever plans are made must fit their schedule, group decisions must align with their tastes, and any deviation from them is considered a personal betrayal.
They’ll fuss if you choose a restaurant they don’t like, or complain endlessly if a social gathering isn’t to their taste. Compromise is a concept they don’t understand, and they often make others feel guilty about submitting to their will.
They’re extremely arrogant and pushy, and dealing with them can be constantly exhausting. It’s either their way or the highway.
- They always have the last word.
One of the most striking traits of a pushy person is that they can never leave a conversation without ensuring they have the final say. Whether it’s a minor disagreement or a heated argument, they’ll cling to the conversation as if it’s a battle to be won.
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They’re interested in finding a solution; for them, it’s about asserting dominance, even if it means repeating the same thing over and over again. Add in a few passive-aggressive comments, and voila, they’ve “won.”
Sometimes, this behavior extends to written correspondence—expect late-night text messages or unnecessary follow-ups just to get their point across. For petty people, silence isn’t golden; it’s a missed opportunity to outsmart you.
- They make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.
Being with ignorant people can be like walking through a minefield; you never know what will set them off.
Maybe talking about the weather bothers them in some way, or not talking to them for ten seconds can make them furious.
Everything you say or do is monitored, and they’re constantly looking for hidden meanings or opportunities to offend.
A joke can be misinterpreted, a simple gesture can be misinterpreted, and suddenly, you’re the villain in a story you didn’t write.
To call them overly sensitive is an understatement, and their overreactions are worth writing about.
You’re constantly on edge and apprehensive, and after a certain point, it starts to get emotionally draining.
Nothing is ever simple when it comes to ignorant people. Now that we’ve covered the signs of a ignorant person, let’s move on to how to deal with them.
How_to_Deal_with_a_Jerk_Person
- Don’t stoop to their level.
How_to_Deal_with_a_Jerk_Person? Remain calm and collected. Avoid sarcastic comments and passive-aggressiveness, as this only escalates the situation. Keep your responses purposeful and polite, and prevent them from enjoying the conflict.
- Limit your interactions as much as possible.
When you limit your contact with jerk people, they lose the opportunity to take advantage of you. Conserve your energy, set boundaries, and spend time with people who add positivity to your life.
- Try to understand why they behave.
Jerk behavior often stems from insecurity or frustration. Understand that it’s not about you, and detach from them emotionally to avoid getting emotional. When you understand their perspective, you’ll feel calmer.
- Rely on those who genuinely love and care for you.
Talk to trusted friends or family to get their perspective. Laughing at their behavior relieves tension, but make sure that the person you trust won’t escalate things. A strong support system helps you get through difficult situations.
- Learn to be more patient. If you’re wondering how to deal with a petty person, remember this:
Don’t let them provoke you. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and react with grace and tact. Choosing your battles wisely will reduce their ability to disrupt your peace. - Know when to walk away.
If a relationship is draining you or becoming toxic, step back. Walking away doesn’t mean weakness; it means prioritizing your peace over unnecessary drama.
Conclusion
Life is too short to let petty people ruin your happiness. Now that you know the signs of petty people and how to deal with them, set boundaries and live your life the way you want.
