Don’t Face Your Back to Others in a Group Setting
One of the rudest things you can do in a group setting is to face your back to others.
It makes them feel left out.
The problem is that you probably have no clue that you’re doing it.
You likely already know that it’s impolite to cut someone off in conversation.
If you understand that, then why not consider the physical elements of it?
Don’t physically cut someone off in a conversation.
This often happens by default, but it’s something you should actively avoid.
Why You Shouldn’t Face Your Back Towards Someone
There was a time I was in a group circle.
We were all having a good conversation.
Out of nowhere, the guy next to me got really into his story.
But as he spoke, he kept turning his back towards me.
He was so involved in his storytelling that he constantly edged me out of the conversation.
I started feeling annoyed.
I snapped when I felt excluded.
So, I put my hands on him and pulled him to the side.
He got mad at me and pushed me.
I pushed him back.
He was confused.
“Why are we fighting, Armani?”
I just felt rage.
“Don’t cut me off like that again.”
What to Do Instead
Instead of cutting someone out of a conversation, do the opposite.
Keep your body language open.
You should be able to see everyone’s eyes with a slight adjustment of your body.
You don’t want to twist your head just to see someone.
It’s disrespectful.
In restaurant settings, no one wants to sit at the end of the table.
But if someone is sitting next to you at the end, make space for them.
Lean back slightly, open up your posture.
When everyone is included, the conversation flows smoothly.
The same principle applies in a group setting.
Keep your body open rather than closed off.
I believe that when you keep everyone involved, they subconsciously appreciate you for it.
They will view you as socially intelligent.
The Back in Public Speaking
This issue isn’t just about social skills.
It also happens in public speaking.
A long time ago, I gave a speech at Toastmasters.
No lie, I only looked at the front and my left side the entire time.
It was like the right side of the audience didn’t exist.
I had no clue I was doing something wrong until the evaluator told me at the end.
That’s when I felt embarrassed.
Most of the time, when our backs are facing someone, it’s not out of disrespect.
It just happens because our attention is being pulled elsewhere.
But people do get annoyed by this social quirk.
How People Feel When Your Back is Facing Them
When your back is facing someone in an interaction, they feel excluded.
They feel like you are edging them out of the conversation.
At first, it’s just a slight disappointment.
Then comes the anger.
They start thinking you’re doing it on purpose or that you don’t value them.
That’s when they may give you the silent treatment for the rest of the interaction.
If you try to engage them later, they might only give one-word responses.
They don’t even know how to vocalize this issue.
If you ask what’s wrong, they often draw a blank.
They’re not sure if they should bring up how isolated you made them feel.
Especially since you likely weren’t doing it on purpose.
How to Fix This Rude Behavior
If you tend to cut people off physically in conversations, here are a few suggestions:
- Monitor Your Own Behavior
Now that you’ve read this, you’re aware of the issue. In social settings, make a conscious effort to keep others involved. - Be Told
I once told someone I was dating that it was rude to physically cut someone off in a group conversation. She had no clue she was doing it. After I brought it up, it never happened again because she immediately adjusted her behavior. - Reflect on Your Own Experiences
Think about when this has happened to you. How did you feel when someone physically excluded you from a conversation? Chances are, you felt isolated and annoyed. Remembering that feeling makes it easier to avoid doing it to others.
Fixing Your Social Intelligence
A socially intelligent person builds bridges, not walls.
I see a lot of social mistakes happen when people accidentally create walls in their interactions.
For example, when someone introduces a friend, they just say the person’s name and stop there.
Instead, they should say the name, share a fun fact, and integrate them into the group.
That’s building a bridge.
When you realize that the purpose of social skills is to connect people, these small quirks will fade away.
You won’t make the mistake of having your back facing someone.
You’ll become more aware of your surroundings.
So from here on out, aim for excellent social intelligence.
Get everyone involved…not just yourself.
For more insights into social skills, check out the Charisma King eBook
– ArmaniTalks 
