Are there certain things about people that get your antenna up-
whether it's a certain profession, personality trait, mannerism?
What can make you skeptical, leery, or on edge about another person?
I once worked with a lady, whom I did actually like. But, I had a hard time trusting her. She was "sweet" and "fun"... she loved just about every new person she met. They were like her best friend. She talked so good about them. Seems admirable to just love other people like that, right?
That overt love for new strangers made me wonder about her sincerity. After getting to know her over the years, she let slip a few times how she was good at "buttering people up" and "laying it on thick."
I've always been leery of overt optimism or over "sugary" speech.
Is there anything that puts you on guard about people?
two-faced assholes who run with the fox and hunt with the hounds. in fact most people.
Dishonesty/phoniness. Those who will say anything to be popular or get over on people.
Everything. I have met a lot of people who will tell you what they think you want to hear. And [most] people put their best foot forward at first. It takes a while for them to let their guard down and show their true selves.
Bragging is the one thing that I really HATE! Probably the reason that I've never liked Trump since I saw him in the 80's. To me it tells me that person is super insecure and I think insecure people are not reliable, trustworthy, or decent. They would throw you under the bus if they thinks it will help them. Bragging tells me that you think you are shallow and unworthy so you are not able to just show me who you are and be OK with yourself. I love humble people, they are good with themselves and being able to be true to themselves they will be honest with you.
Gossipers, again not trustworthy and are showing you they really aren't secure enough with themselves to show you who they are without thinking they have to tear others down.
Controllers, they don't care what you think because they want it all their way.
What you are describing is what I would refer to as a gushy person I don't trust people like that at all. Experience has shown me time and time again that under that overtly friendly shell is a black heart.
One other group of people that put me on edge are those that profess to be good christians, hearing that pronouncement makes me put my hand firmly on my wallet where it never leaves, again experience has taught me that they are slim.
One of my best friends is a pathological liar. I can be friends with him because I don't believe anything he says, especially if it would affect me personally. I guess I just try to accept people as they are. If they are unpleasant, I don't waste my time with them.
Notice; My buttons are on the blink again. I can't like, vote or reply. All I can do is Post and Comment. Really sucks that I can't join in a conversation. Maybe they will get it fixed in a week or so like last time.
I am like you and much more accepting of all kinds of friends. I actually have a friend that is also a pathological liar. When it comes to relationships, cleanliness and honesty are a must.The gushy guys that say they love me on the first date are also rejects.
My religious daughter-in-law told me she was a "sinner" because she was so good at manipulation. But that's ok, because her god will forgive her. Yuck I hate all that stuff.