Do you ever get that feeling that you are the lead actor in a soap opera you didn’t sign up for? Do you think you are dealing with someone who is petty, by any chance?The signs of a petty person aren’t always neon-lit, but once you spot them, you’ll wonder how you missed it.
From holding grudges longer than your Netflix subscription to being the Sherlock Holmes of social media stalking, petty people have a unique way of spicing 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 with trying to understand who is a petty person.
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Who is a Petty Person?
Let’s keep it real: a petty person is someone who can’t let the little things go. They’ll hold onto minor slights like their life depends on it and turn tiny issues into full-blown sagas.
Maybe they are insecure, or maybe they just love the drama. Whatever the reason may be, their behavior more often than not screams, “It’s not that serious!”
However, for them, oh, it’s VERY serious. Think of them as drama queens or kings for the small stuff.
Okay, now that we know who is a petty person, let’s explore the characteristics of a petty person.
8 Signs Of A Petty Person That You Might Be Ignoring
1. They always make a huge deal out of everything.
Petty people thrive on turning molehills into mountains. A minor inconvenience to you becomes a melodrama for them. Did you forget to text them “good morning” because you were in a hurry? Well, for them, you have done something unforgivable.
Simple mistakes are not that simple for them – in their eyes, you have wronged them and for that you deserve to be punished. So be ready for a week of sulking and whispered complaints.
They’re not just upset; they’ll bring it up again and again, each time with more dramatic flair. Every small incident feels like the end of the world.
They are not interested in resolving the issue, it’s all about prolonging the drama, just to ensure you and everyone know they’re the victim.

2. They hold grudges as if their life depends on it.
One of the biggest signs of a petty person is this. For them, grudges are like prized possessions. They don’t just hold onto them; they nurture them, replaying the offense like it’s their favorite song.
Instead of openly addressing the issue, they’ll drop sarcastic hints, muttering under their breath or posting cryptic social media statuses. “Some people never learn,” they might tweet, but you know it’s about you.
Petty people love the power of ambiguity; their grudge becomes a subtle yet constant reminder of how they feel you wronged them.
Their passive-aggressiveness can make you second-guess your every move, leaving you tiptoeing around their unresolved, silent grievances.
3. They are extremely judgemental.
One of the major signs of a petty person is this. One of their favorite things to do is pass judgement on everything, no matter how trivial and irrelevant.
The clothes you are wearing? Not stylish enough. Did you order the tiramisu instead of the chocolate fondant? Too basic. The way you pronounced a word? Definitely worth an exaggerated eye-roll.
Their judgments aren’t constructive at all, and they’re designed to make you feel small and elevate themselves. What’s worse, they’ll often disguise these critiques as “just being honest” or “looking out for you.”
The truth is, their nitpicking stems from their insecurities. They are judgemental because they are always comparing themselves to others, and by putting you down, they feel better about themselves for two seconds.
4. They’re experts at snooping around on social media.
This is probably one of the funniest as well as disturbing characteristics of a petty person. Their favorite hobby is to obsessively scroll through social media. They don’t just glance at your posts; they analyze every like, comment, and follow.
Did you comment on someone else’s post but did not show any love to them? Well, expect silent treatment or passive-aggressive comments.
They track everything—from who you interact with to the frequency of your likes. Social media isn’t just a fun platform for them; it’s a stage where petty dramas unfold.
Screenshots, subtweets, and passive-aggressive posts are all part of their arsenal, ensuring they can amplify their petty grievances with an audience.
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5. They are terrible listeners.
Having a conversation with a petty person can feel one-sided because they’re rarely paying attention. Instead of actively listening to you, they’re impatiently waiting for their turn to talk, and make everything about themselves.
If you confide in them regarding something challenging you are going through, they will respond with, “Well, this reminds me of the time you did…”
They often twist the discussion to highlight how you’ve inconvenienced them or how your issue isn’t as important as theirs. Their inability to truly listen isn’t just frustrating—it’s draining.
Over time, you will find yourself trying to avoid meaningful conversations, because you never feel safe and understood to do so.
6. They expect everyone to adjust as per their needs and convenience.
Petty people think that the universe should revolve around them and their preferences. Whatever plans have to be made, it must suit their schedule, group decisions must align with their tastes, and any deviation is treated as a personal betrayal.
They’ll cause a scene if you choose a restaurant they don’t like or will complain endlessly if a social gathering is not as per their tastes. Compromise is a concept they don’t understand, and they often make others feel guilty into bending to their will.
They are extremely entitled and arrogant, and it can feel exhausting dealing with them on a regular basis. It’s either their way or the highway.
7. They always have to have the last word.
One of the biggest characteristics of a petty person is that they can never leave a conversation without ensuring that they have the final word. Whether it’s a simple disagreement or a heated argument, they’ll cling to the dialogue like it’s a battle to be won.
They are interested in finding a solution, for them it’s all about asserting dominance, even if it means repeating the same thing over and over again. Add to that some passive-aggressive comments, and voila, they have “won”.
Sometimes, this behavior extends to written exchanges—expect late-night texts or unnecessary follow-ups just to drive their point home. For petty people, silence isn’t golden; it’s a missed opportunity to one-up you.

8. They make you feel as if you are treading on eggshells.
Being around petty people can feel like walking through a minefield; you never know what is going to set them off. Maybe talking about the weather can offend them in some way, or not speaking to them for 10 seconds can make them go ballistic on you.
Everything you say or do is scrutinized, and they’re constantly searching for hidden meanings or opportunities to take offense. A joke can be misinterpreted, a simple gesture can be misconstrued, and suddenly, you’re the villain in a narrative you didn’t write.
Calling them hypersensitive is an understatement, and the way they overreact is something that should be written about. You are always vigilant and apprehensive, and it starts to get emotional draining after a point.
Nothing is ever simple when it comes to petty people.
Now that we have talked about the signs of a petty person, let’s about how to deal with them.
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How To Deal With A Petty Person?
1. Don’t stoop to their level.
How to deal with a petty person? Stay calm and composed. Try to avoid passing sarcastic remarks and showing passive-aggressiveness, as it only fuels the drama. Keep your responses the the point and polite, denying them the satisfaction of conflict.
2. Cut back on your interactions as much as possible.
When you reduce your communication with petty people, they lose out on exploiting you. Protect your energy, set boundaries and spend time with people who add positivity to your life.
3. Try to understand why they are the way they are.
Petty behavior often stems from insecurities or frustrations. Understand that it’s not about you, and detach yourself emotionally to avoid getting triggered. When you understand where they are coming from, you will feel calmer.
4. Rely on people who genuinely love and care about you.
Vent to trusted friends or family for perspective. Laughing about their behavior can relieve stress, but make sure your confidant won’t escalate things. A solid support system helps you navigate tricky situations.
5. Learn to be more patient.
If you are wondering how to deal with a petty person, then keep this in mind; don’t let them provoke you. Stay cool, take a few deep breaths and respond with class and grace. Choosing your battles wisely will reduce their ability to ruin your peace.
6. Know when to walk away.
If the relationship drains you or becomes toxic, step back. Walking away doesn’t mean weakness; it means prioritizing your peace over unnecessary drama.

Bottomline
Life’s too short to let petty people ruin your vibe. Now that you know the signs of a petty person, and you know how to deal with a petty person, set some boundaries and live your life the way you want to.
Related: 8 Types Of Toxic People You Should Not Tolerate In Your Life
Because you know, you’ve got better things to do than stress over someone else’s drama.

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