How to Ignore Everybody Around You

Last Updated: November 11, 2019 References

You wish to be able to just block out everyone and everything around you and have people avoid conversations, or any form of contact, with you, but you just don't know how. Well, the purpose of this article is to teach you what you need to do to accomplish your goal.

Steps

1
Find an alternate mode of distraction. Carry a book or electronic device everywhere with you, and make sure to read or use it at all opportune moments.^{[1]
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2
Work on something that requires your concentration. Be sure that it's portable, and demands the use of two hands and your eyes. This will make the other person think you are busy and will try to avoid interrupting you.

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3
When spoken to, act as if you have been torn away from something of extreme importance, and answer curtly. When possible, answer with a "yes" or "no". Turn back to your work/book immediately afterward, and resume with faked enthusiasm.^{[2]
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4
If they continue to talk to you, use sarcasm and extensive vocabulary. Enunciate every word, as if speaking to a simpleton. Openly show your dislike of the constant chatting and end your part of the conversation with something like "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to what I was doing." and turn away before they have a chance to reply.^{[3]
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5
At all costs, avert your eyes from their face. Do not get caught staring at anyone, this will almost certainly encourage conversation. And when speaking, look away and go back to whatever you were doing before, unless that person is of a higher authority than you, or has connections with somebody that does.
6
Exhibit closed body language. If sitting, hunch over, curl in on yourself, keep your knees together, your feet tucked under you, and your elbows on your thighs. Whatever you are reading/working on should be placed in front of your face, as if to hide it. If standing, cross your arms over your upper torso, keep your gaze focused toward your feet, and shift from foot to foot, as if impatient to leave.^{[4]
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7
Whatever you do, don´t smile. Act as if a rain cloud is over your head at all times. Scowl a lot, even more if you truly are in a bad mood. If the situation demands it, have a closed-mouth-smile or a smirk. You may not gain any friends, but that's not what you're after anyway!
8
Listen to an iPod or stuff your face in a book. Live in your own fantasy world and sit in the corner by yourself. Use your phone for text messaging or calling. Go to the bathroom or out for a pretend smoke (Or real one if you do). Find a way to go home early or act tired.

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Community Q&A

Question

I want to be alone and I want people to leave me alone. How do I block the world out?

Community Answer

Avoid making eye contact and smiling. Wear headphones whenever possible to avoid people who want to start conversations with you.
Question

How do I block out sounds of many people who are being loud?

Community Answer

If you can't wear headphones and listen to music, try focusing on something like reading, writing, or going on your phone.
Question

I have hard time ignoring background noise/movements while studying in a public study place. How to cope?

Community Answer

You could try getting some noise cancelling or noise isolating headphones, or listening to some music through headphones to drown out other people's noise (assuming that doesn't also distract you). You could use earplugs as well. Some libraries also have quiet study rooms, where there should be less noise. If none of these are options or none of them work for you, then maybe studying in a public place just isn't for you. Some people study best in private at home.
Question

How do I deal with people thinking I'm angry?

Community Answer

The trick to this is smiling. Just because you're ignoring people doesn't necessarily mean you need to lose your smile. Train your resting face into a small smile.
Question

How can you stop letting people get you into trouble?

Community Answer

Say no. It's simple to say, but it's hard to do. If there is a small chance it could get you in trouble don't do it, however small it is. Also don't hang around these people, if you can. If it's something physical (using your hands), write in pen STOP and/or THINK. You'll think twice before doing.
Question

How do I be alone and not talk to people?

Community Answer

Go to a dark spot like a closet or rest room, put your head phones in, listen to music and do what you like.
Question

How do I avoid an annoying person who follows me wherever I go?

Community Answer

Tell them to back off. Look them in the eyes, and ask them nicely to please go away to maintain your cold attitude.
Question

It's kind of hard not to smile at all. Do you mean not to smile at a person?

Community Answer

If you must smile, a closed mouth smile is best. Let it flicker over your face for only an instant. Make it look strained if you want to smile in a rude or sarcastic way.
Question

How do I get rid of someone at school who keeps bothering me, even if I ignore him?

Community Answer

Ask him kindly to go away. Tell him you need some space. If necessary, tell him you don't like being surrounded by more than one or two people and it makes you feel crowded.
Question

How to stop caring about anything?

Community Answer

It's not possible. Human beings were wired to care about things. Perhaps the better question is "How can I care more about what really matters?"