We all know someone who seems to orbit around their own world, right?
That’s probably because they’re deeply self-centered. But here’s the kicker: they might not even realize it.
Being self-centered is more than just loving the mirror a bit too much. It has to do with a disregard for others and a fixation on self-interest.
And guess what? There are certain behaviors these folks tend to exhibit, often without a clue.
In this article, we’ll delve into 7 such behaviors.
1) They’re the stars of their own show
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who only seems interested in talking about themselves? No matter what the topic, it always seems to circle back to them.
That’s a classic sign of self-centeredness.
These folks believe they’re the main characters in this grand play called life. They dominate conversations, often turning the focus back to their own experiences, achievements, or problems.
They might not even realize they’re doing this. After all, to them, their life is the most interesting subject there is.
However, this behavior often leaves little room for others to share, express, or connect. It’s a one-way street where others are expected to play supporting roles in their drama.
2) They lack empathy
I’ve experienced this one firsthand and let me tell it’s not pleasant.
There was this one time I was dealing with a particularly difficult situation. I turned to a friend, hoping for comfort and understanding. But instead of showing empathy, he brushed off my concerns, focusing instead on his own problems.
This is another common behavior of deeply self-centered people – they often lack empathy. This is well backed up by experts like therapist Emily Simonian who has noted that “Self-centered people usually lack empathy, maybe not entirely, but at least enough that they struggle to put themselves in others’ shoes,”
Basically, their world view is so focused on their own needs and desires that they find it hard to comprehend that others might have different experiences or perspectives.
This lack of empathy can make it difficult for self-centered individuals to maintain meaningful relationships, as they struggle to provide the emotional support that is often needed.
3) They have a strong sense of entitlement
This is a big one.
You know the type of person; they expect others to always agree with them and believe they should always be the first to receive good news or rewards.
Essentially, they believe they deserve more than others, simply because they are who they are. They feel entitled to special treatment, privileges, and benefits – and they’re not shy about demanding them.
As noted by the folks at WebMD, this may be due to the environment they grew up in or the way their parents treated them. Whatever the source, this sense of entitlement can be incredibly difficult to deal with.
This behavior can create a lot of tension, as others begin to feel taken advantage of or undervalued. And over time, it can erode trust and goodwill, leaving the self-centered person isolated or struggling to maintain meaningful connections.
4) They struggle with criticism
Another behavior you might observe in deeply self-centered individuals is their inability to handle criticism. Even the slightest negative feedback can be perceived as a personal attack.
Why? Because their self-image is often inflated, and any challenge to this image is seen as a threat. They might react defensively, dismiss the criticism outright, or even attempt to undermine the person giving the feedback.
Constructive criticism is a vital part of personal growth. But for these individuals, it’s a tough pill to swallow. They prefer to live in their bubble where they are always right and beyond reproach.
5) They’re poor listeners (unless you are talking about them)
I remember once sharing my dreams and fears with a close friend. I poured my heart out, only to realize she hadn’t heard a word I said. She was too busy scrolling through her phone.
This brings me to another behavior of these folks – they’re often poor listeners. They might be physically present, but they’re not really “there”. Their minds are preoccupied with their own thoughts and concerns.
Listening requires effort, attention, and a genuine interest in others – things that self-centered people often struggle with.
They don’t lend their ears easily…unless the conversation revolves around them.
6) They constantly seek validation
Another telltale sign is their constant need for validation. They crave acknowledgment, praise, and reassurance to reinforce their inflated self-image.
Whether it’s fishing for compliments or going to great lengths to prove they’re right, their actions are often driven by the desire to be seen in a positive light. They might even exaggerate their achievements or downplay their mistakes to maintain this image.
But it’s not just about looking good. It’s about feeling superior, special, and important.
7) They lack genuine interest in others
Perhaps the most telling sign of a deeply self-centered person is their lack of genuine interest in others. They rarely ask about your day, your feelings, or your experiences unless it somehow relates back to them.
The world, as far as they’re concerned, revolves around them. Other people are merely satellites in their orbit, only interesting if they serve their needs or boost their ego.
Remember, a healthy relationship involves a mutual exchange of interest and care. If you find someone consistently showing little to no interest in you or others around them, it’s likely they’re more self-centered than they realize.
Final thoughts: It’s unconscious, not deliberate
Recognizing self-centered behaviors can be eye-opening, especially when you realize how these traits can strain relationships and create barriers to meaningful connections.
While self-centered individuals might not even be aware of their actions, their behaviors can leave others feeling unheard, undervalued, or even drained.
If you’ve identified these tendencies in someone you know—or even in yourself—consider this an opportunity for growth. Self-awareness is the first step toward fostering empathy, improving communication, and creating stronger, more balanced relationships.
After all, life is better when we share it with others—not as the star of our own show, but as equal participants in a world filled with diverse stories and perspectives.
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