If someone displays these 6 traits, their presence can be quite intimidating

In my first job at a fashion magazine, I believe I encountered the most intimidating woman in the world. Well, at least in my world.

I was only 18, and it was a writing internship. I was from a small country town and had absolutely no experience in the world of high fashion!

I’m not going to drop names, but this magazine was essentially big news in the fashion biz.

Anyways, my boss, she was never mean or nasty to me, per se, but she sure spooked the hell out of me.

It’s not that I was quaking in her presence, but if I was coming up to an elevator where it would be just her and I inside, I would take the stairs. Uh huh, all 15 flights (I sure was fitter, in those days).

But what made her such a force to be reckoned with? Well I would say it came down to presentation. 

Every day, she dressed like she was going to a funeral. A chic one, no less. But it was all sharp aesthetic lines and black on black.

Also, the lady had cheekbones that appeared almost cat-like, and a bob that looked as if it was trimmed with a laser.

Maybe I’m exaggerating, but I was 18, so everything felt more extreme—and more intimidating!

If you’re looking for a few other traits that intimidating people tend to exhibit, read on. We’re starting with a major one: they tend to say very little.

1) They are a person of few words

My editor in those days often struck me as someone who took a monk’s vow of silence.

It’s not that she was anti-social or rude, it’s that she was simply discerning and exacting in her choice of words. But why?

To me, it’s a little like maintaining a poker face in a high-stakes game—they keep their cards close to their chest.

These stoic, silent figures instead speak volumes with their acts and deeds. They choose their words very carefully and exude a quiet confidence that doesn’t call for constant affirmation and validation.

Remind yourself that they are not necessarily standoffish—they’re simply strategic with what they put out into the world. It’s called being intentional.

2) They dress for the runway

My boss was also majorly intimidating because whenever she strolled on into the office she looked as if just walked off the runway. It was incredible.

With her power suits, blazers, and knee-high boots she emanated power, confidence, and a hint of mystery. It made me pick up my style habits a little!

This is because dressing sharply has the remarkable ability to boost confidence and influence how others view you.

Intimidating folks seem to get this, to the letter, and leverage it to their advantage.

For real, when my editor entered the boardroom—you could feel it! 

People subtly straightened up and hushed up. And I know deep down that her choice of attire had a whole lot to do with it.

3) They can be light on details, aka a little secretive or enigmatic

If somebody is a tad intimidating, they will usually leave loads to the imagination.

How will they do this? Well, you will find they generally give off a vibe of secrecy. 

They can be challenging and a bit perplexing to read.

This aura of mystery is maintained by them keeping things rather vague and revealing just enough to keep people intrigued.

By being selective with the personal details they share, enigmatic people create an air of authority. 

Who doesn’t want to be the one person everyone’s trying to piece together?

4) They might have severe and extreme takes on things

We’ve all met the fine people who have red-hot takes on things. And by red-hot, I mean intimidatingly fiery.

When someone is so set in their potentially controversial beliefs, engaging in a constructive conversation becomes a wee bit challenging. It’s not impossible, just care is advised.

By adopting an extreme stance, they also prompt people’s attention and make a bold statement when they chat. 

Their unyielding convictions can sometimes make them appear unapproachable and rigid, as if they’ve constructed a cage around their beliefs. So it can become real difficult for others to challenge or question them.

5) They make piercing eye contact

I kind of love those people who make it seem as if they are peering straight into your soul with a single look. 

You get that tell-tale shiver down your spine, and suddenly, you’ve got the urge to go and find the nearest hiding spot. Yep, we call it an “icy stare” for a reason.

Of course, eye contact is a major aspect of human interaction—but as we know, too much of it can be a little overwhelming and intimidating.

My editor back then had this penetrating gaze, this unyielding, laser-like focus. 

With this, she had this incredible means of asserting dominance without saying a single word. 

It took me a few months to muster the courage to meet her gaze, and hold it. But I did it. Win!

6) They are physically intimidating, so perhaps tall or broad

Some people are born to be a little bit more intimidating than the rest of us. What do I mean by that? Well, they might be extremely tall or maybe extremely jacked.

Yep, I’m talking about the surefire signs of physical intimidation.

They usually don’t mean to come across like this, it’s just that our brains are wired to link size and physical strength back to power, dominance, and authority.

This dates way, way back to our ancestors. Fast forward to the modern day, and this primitive instinct is still knocking around!

Remember, being physically intimidating doesn’t equate to being mean or unapproachable! Nope, not at all.

It’s just that tiny little hurdle of overcoming the visual intimidation factor.

After all, the seemingly imposing figure across the room might be the sweetest person you’ll ever meet! It’s up to us to go beyond surface-level judgments. 

Final thoughts

To sum things up, an intimidating individual might wear “I mean business” outfits, exude an icy stare, and say very few words (so that they speak with purpose).

Next time you encounter someone with this vibe, remember the deliberate choices they make—and don’t let them scare you off!