Some people truly think the world revolves around them, and they usually don’t realize how self-centered they are. With a heightened sense of self-importance, it’s hard to view yourself from an outsider’s perspective, but here are 17 habits that might indicate you’re self-centered.
You dominate conversations
If the conversation is always about you and your life, you’re likely self-centered. When you talk to someone who is self-centered, you feel like they only care about their life and have no interest in yours. Talking the most and interrupting people is a top trait.
You avoid responsibility
Appearance means a lot to self-centered people, and they will not take responsibility for any actions that will put them in a negative light. We all make mistakes; it’s only natural, but self-centered people often don’t even realize that they have done something wrong.
You blame others
As part of avoiding responsibility, a self-centered person is always quick to pass the book. They don’t see themselves as to blame in any situation and will always find ways that they can blame others instead. VerywellMind says that playing the ‘blame game’ is a cycle to protect your reputation.
You take more than you give
If you develop relationships purely for your own gain, you’re self-centered. Both friendships and romantic relationships are about reciprocation; you give as much as you take. If you’re only ever taking, it is clear you only care about the relationship in terms of what you can benefit from it.
It always has to be your way
Ever feel like things always have to go your way? Relationships involve compromise, and things can’t always be exactly the way you want them to be. It is common for self-centered people to have difficulty doing things in someone else’s way.
You lack empathy
Empathy involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand how they are feeling, but if you can’t comprehend someone’s viewpoint, it’s a sign that you lack empathy. Self-centered people find it hard to view things from another’s perspective and are dismissive of emotions.
You always have to be the center of attention
There is a fine line between being the life of the party and being completely self-centered. If you need to be the center of attention in any situation, it’s clear you think the world revolves around you. You’ll always shift the focus back to you, even in situations that have nothing to do with you.
You often feel rejected
While not all rejection means that you’re self-centered, if you feel rejected frequently, it might be because your sense of self-importance is very high. If every minor inconvenience feels like a personal insult and that you’re being rejected, you need to remember that it’s not all about you.
You disregard the rules
If you truly believe rules are made to be broken, you’re probably a little self-centered. Rules are in place for a reason, and although there is wiggle room for some, completely disregarding all rules shows that you feel like you’re above them.
You don’t reciprocate effort
When other people always reach out to you, and you don’t do the same, it’s a sign you only care about yourself. This is matched by Business Insider’s insights, who claim that a clear sign of being in a relationship with a self-centered person is when time and effort are not reciprocated.
You’re inconsiderate
Self-centered people will rarely consider how their words and actions may impact someone else. This inconsiderate behavior shows that they only care about their thoughts and feelings. Also, not considering their actions may affect someone else shows that they’re self-absorbed.
You’re controlling
Taking control of any situation shows that you want it done your way. You think people should act exactly how you want them to, and you want events to play out exactly how you imagine them. If you’re self-centered, you have a deep need to adjust situations to meet your own needs.
You control the narrative
Controlling the narrative can be seen as highly manipulative behavior commonly found in self-centered people. It involves twisting words, making up lies, and restricting information to make yourself look good. PsychologyToday points out that constantly controlling the narrative also deprives others of their voice, respect, and social power.
You can’t receive feedback
Constructive feedback is vital to our personal development, but when you’re self-centered, you struggle to take feedback on board. Rather than positively receiving it as something to proactively work on, you will instead take offense, get defensive, and disregard feedback.
You make everything a competition
Sometimes, having a competitive streak is a sign of a strong personality, but if absolutely everything is turned into a competition, you sound rather self-absorbed. Not only do you make it a competition, but you always have to win, too. If you’re constantly trying to one-up other people, you’re certainly self-centered.
You give backhanded compliments
Another common indicator of being self-centered is a genuine belief that you are better than everyone else. When you do give out compliments, they’re usually backhanded. You can’t say something positive without saying something negative to knock the compliment down a peg or two.
You’re very open
Openness can be very refreshing when so many people are closed off. However, you’re likely just seeking attention if you’re too open. Your openness may be charming initially, but airing your dirty laundry for attention is never a good idea.
You always play the victim
Finally, a self-centered person would never let themselves be viewed as the villain. You will either portray yourself as the hero or the victim to foster attention. According to PsychCentral, playing the victim is a sign of narcissistic personality disorder, a deeper issue than just being self-centered.
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