There’s a huge difference between having a meaningful conversation and merely exposing your lack of self-awareness.
This contrast boils down to content: Talking about certain topics can unintentionally reveal more about you than you’d like, particularly your level of self-awareness.
Discussing certain subjects, on the other hand, demonstrates a high level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence—those in the know realize that there are specific topics that can act as red flags for low self-awareness.
In this piece, I’ll be unveiling these seven conversation topics that might suggest a person has low self-awareness.
Now, this isn’t a definitive measure of someone’s emotional intelligence, but it sure says a lot:
1) Endless chatter about personal achievements
We all have those moments in life when we achieve something great and want to share that joy with others.
However, there’s a fine line between sharing joy and incessantly talking about personal achievements.
Folks with high self-awareness understand the importance of balance in a conversation.
They enjoy sharing their accomplishments but also appreciate and value the accomplishments of others; they know that excessive self-promotion can lead to a one-sided conversation, which is neither enjoyable nor productive.
But when someone constantly talks about their achievements, it can indicate a lack of self-awareness.
This habit often stems from an inner need for validation or applause, which can be a sign of low emotional intelligence.
Remember, a good conversation is like a game of tennis—it’s all about the back and forth.
If you find someone constantly serving their achievements without giving you a chance to play, they might just be revealing their low level of self-awareness.
2) Constant complaints about others
I once had a friend, let’s call her Jane.
Jane had a knack for turning every conversation into a complaint session about others.
Whether it was her colleagues, friends, or even her family members, Jane always had something negative to say about them.
I soon realized that Jane’s constant complaints about others were more than just casual gripes—they were a clear indication of her low self-awareness.
Instead of looking inward and recognizing her own flaws and areas for improvement, she found it easier to project onto others.
This isn’t to say that we can’t vent or express dissatisfaction with someone’s actions.
However, when it becomes the main theme of our conversations, it’s an alarm bell for low self-awareness.
After all, high self-awareness involves recognizing and understanding our own feelings and behaviors first before judging others.
3) Excessive focus on material possessions
It might surprise you to know that there’s a psychological phenomenon called ‘materialism,’ where individuals place a high value on acquiring and owning physical possessions, and is often linked to low self-awareness.
People who constantly talk about their latest purchases, the cost of their new gadget, or the brand of their clothes might be revealing more than just their shopping habits.
They’re potentially showing a lack of understanding about what truly matters in life.
Sure, it feels good to own nice things but, when material possessions become a dominant conversation topic, it can indicate a lack of self-awareness.
Truly self-aware individuals usually realize that happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from what they own.
4) Lack of empathy in conversations
Empathy plays a crucial role in our interactions with others.
It allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, making conversations more meaningful and heartwarming.
However, when someone consistently fails to show empathy in their conversations, it likely signifies low self-awareness.
This could manifest as an inability to understand others’ perspectives, dismissive behavior, or an apparent lack of interest in other people’s experiences.
A truly self-aware person understands that every individual has their own unique journey and respects that by showing empathy.
They make an effort to see the world from the other person’s perspective.
If this quality is lacking in someone’s conversation, they might just be revealing their low level of self-awareness.
5) Inability to accept criticism
Growing up, I struggled quite a bit with accepting criticism.
Every piece of feedback felt like a personal attack, and I would instantly become defensive.
It took me a while to realize that this was a reflection of my low self-awareness.
People with high self-awareness understand that constructive criticism is a vital tool for growth and improvement.
They can separate their self-worth from the feedback and see it as an opportunity to learn.
On the other hand, if someone consistently gets defensive or upset when faced with criticism, it’s likely they have low self-awareness.
This inability to accept feedback can hinder personal growth and strain relationships.
Trust me, learning to accept and learn from criticism made a huge difference in my life.
6) Dominating every conversation
Ever had a chat with someone who just won’t let you get a word in? It’s like trying to jump into a moving train—nearly impossible and quite exhausting.
People who habitually dominate conversations often fail to realize that communication is a two-way street.
They might talk over others, interrupt, or simply hog the spotlight without giving others a chance to express their thoughts.
This behavior often indicates low self-awareness.
A truly self-aware person values the input of others and understands the importance of listening in meaningful conversations.
If you encounter someone who can’t seem to pause and listen, they might be revealing their low level of self-awareness.
7) Ignorance towards personal growth
The journey of self-improvement and personal growth is a lifelong one.
It requires constant learning, unlearning, and relearning.
If someone consistently brushes off the importance of personal growth or dismisses the idea of self-improvement, it’s likely they’re exhibiting low self-awareness.
They might not realize their potential for growth or might be resistant to change.
Highly self-aware individuals understand that they are works in progress.
They embrace the concept of lifelong learning and are open to new experiences and ideas.
Ignoring the need for personal growth can be a clear sign of low self-awareness.
Reflection: The mirror of self-awareness
The fascinating labyrinth of human interactions and conversations often serve as mirrors, reflecting our level of self-awareness.
At the heart of this reflection is the concept of ‘metacognition,’ where it is essentially thinking about thinking, and it’s a crucial aspect of self-awareness.
When someone frequently brings up these seven topics in their conversations, they might be unknowingly revealing their low level of metacognition and hence, self-awareness.
Whether it’s an excessive focus on material possessions, inability to accept criticism, or ignorance towards personal growth, these conversational tendencies could be subtly hinting at the individual’s lack of understanding about their own thoughts and feelings.
But remember, self-awareness is a dynamic process, constantly evolving with introspection, feedback, and personal growth.
The next time you’re in a conversation, whether as a speaker or a listener, take a moment to reflect: What are your words saying about your level of self-awareness?
