Daily writing prompt

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

SHOP NOW WITH THE LINK/IMAGE ABOVE AND HELP US EXPAND OUR SITE!

People tend to characterize me with words like “nice”, “friendly”, “helpful”, “good guy” and the like. That, of course, makes me think of the old adage “nice guys finish last”, which initially leaves me feeling disappointed, as if those words are something to be ashamed of.

But when I really think about it, wouldn’t that be the way most people would want to be remembered? Somehow our society has flipped what are good characteristics to what doesn’t make sense.

Examples?

You get the “dark”, rebooted interpretation of classic films and tv shows, as if that alone makes the presentation worthy of watching.
Pop stars and rappers work hard on those lyrics (“WAP” anyone?) to earn a “parental advisory” sticker on their album release, which translates into higher sales and platinum records.
Alternatively, friends may look at you like you’re the epitome of lame should you actually like something with wholesome roots or music and movies that don’t cross the line into gratuitous sex, violence or language that doesn’t forward the story in a logical and necessary manner.
The head cheerleader (who is usually less than pure and comes from a very rich family) is dating the football quarterback (he’s a “bad boy” of course whether rich or from the wrong side of the tracks).
Politically, it’s always dark vs. light, with both parties thinking they’re the “light” side in the equation, when honestly, they’re both so very dark these days.

So, within those examples, what are some of the obvious red flags that contribute to negative personality traits?

ARROGANCE

Seriously, who died and made you king of the world?

NARCISSISM

Who’s the fairest of them all? There are so many people in front of most of us. Get a clue.

IGNORANCE

They often say ignorance is bliss, but when I say ignorance, I’m thinking someone who knows better but pretends to be clueless to avoid doing something they don’t want to do.

MANIPULATION

This is the worst of all. Every person has that one “friend” who tries to manipulate you emotionally to achieve their nefarious ends. They seldom think of anyone but themselves (see “Narcissism”).

DISHONESTY

The lies that kill you the most are the ones that don’t even matter. It’s just become a natural habit.

NEGATIVITY

This one is especially heinous at work. The colleague that know matter what you do or have an idea to do, it’s never good enough or as good as their own.

PERFECTIONISM

Although most of us strive for perfection, to be perfectionist is just plain annoying to others. For those perfectionists, I’ll use circular structure (sort of) and say “who died, and made you king of all that is right?”

That would be my list off the top of my head of those traits that make me crazy in others!