I sounds arrogant/ pompous

Generally arrogance isn't about verbiage alone, it's about how you treat other people.

You need to make sure that you're listening to your friends and giving their opinions and experiences/knowledge respectful consideration even if you think you disagree. You also need to make sure you are cognizant of the areas that they are more knowledgeable than you and respect the effort that goes into those areas.

Additionally it's things like making sure you don't interrupt or that if you do use a word the group doesn't recognize you explain it without adding judgement about things the group doesn't know.

And before you just say "I don't do any of that" you may want to self-reflect about why you came to the internet to ask how to make yourself seem less arrogant instead of going to your friends and asking them. They're the only ones who actually know what behaviors of yours are bothering them, rather than internet strangers guessing.

/r/socialskills Thread