18 Common Behaviors That Scream Someone is “Self-Centered”

Written By Lisa Marley

Humans are social beings who interact with each other in many circumstances. However, our behavior can be very different. Some people are very considerate and aware of how they behave towards another person, while others are selfish and always think and act in their own interest. Here are 18 behaviors usually found in self-centered people.

Constantly Talking About Themselves

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Bid Wiconnect reports that listening improves your communication, learning, and relationships. People who are self-centered often steer every conversation back to themselves, which limits their knowledge of others. They find ways to relate to any topic of discussion and sometimes even interrupt and change topics to share their stories.

Lack of Empathy

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In order to feel for another person and understand their perspectives, one has to be aware of what is going on in their life. If people only care about themselves, they rarely ask about others’ lives or feelings and often have no concern for them.

Never Admitting Fault

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Accepting responsibility for your mistakes takes courage and self-awareness. Some people always find ways to blame others for their mistakes. They never accept when they’re wrong and refuse to apologize. If corrected or given any negative feedback, they get defensive and see it as mistreatment.

Manipulative Behavior

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People who are self-centered often use manipulation to get what they want. They might guilt-trip others or pressure them. Playing the victim is a tactic to make others feel sorry for them. Additionally, they may lie or exaggerate situations to get sympathy and keep things in their favor.

Inconsiderate of Others’ Time

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Keeping time is a good quality that we should all have. However, it requires effort and is not always convenient. Indeed says timekeeping shows respect and regard for others. If you have a plan or an appointment with someone, arriving late wastes their time and frustrates them.

Ignoring Boundaries

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Some people don’t understand the concept of boundaries and limits. They invade others’ personal space without permission, even when constantly told off. Sometimes, even when the other person puts restrictions on what they don’t want, they push them to share more than they are comfortable with.

Disregard for Rules

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Those who are self-centered often act as if rules don’t apply to them. They break promises and commitments without considering the impact on others. You find they even expect others to understand or forgive them without complaint. Any pushback they get is somehow turned around as if they’re the victim.

Taking Credit for Others’ Work

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Working in a team can be challenging, but if every member contributes to the output, they deserve credit no matter how little they contribute. Some people put more value on what they do and downplay the work of others. They claim credit for group efforts without proper acknowledgment for others.

Constant Comparisons

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Let’s Talk About Mental Health says that comparing yourself to others can demoralize you and affect your mental well-being. Self-absorbed people always compare their achievements to others and feel the need to compete or belittle others’ accomplishments to elevate themselves. We’re built differently from each other and we should all be more accepting of this fact.

Entitlement

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Self-absorbed people often feel a sense of entitlement. They believe they deserve special treatment and demand privileges others don’t get. This attitude shows little gratitude for what they already have. They expect to be treated exceptionally without earning it, often leading to frustration and disappointment when reality doesn’t meet their expectations.

Lack of Genuine Interest

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Faking interest in others without genuine engagement is a telltale sign of self-centered behavior. You pretend to listen without participation and quickly change the subject back to you. You have no concern for others’ problems and little curiosity about anyone’s life besides yours.

Only Calling When They Need Something

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According to healthcare professionals at CareDocs, good communication is a way to show care for others. Selfless people keep in touch with their loved ones to show affection and because they’re interested in what is going on in their lives. People who are self-centered rarely reach out unless they need a favor.

Being Unreliable

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Self-centered individuals frequently break promises and commitments and still expect sympathy. Their actions and words are inconsistent, making it difficult to trust them. In times of need, they can’t be counted on, as their priorities always come first, leaving everyone else feeling let down.

Focusing on Their Own Problems

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Certain people often believe their problems are more important than anyone else’s. They discuss any obstacles they face constantly, even when they’re insignificant. Sometimes, they even exaggerate issues to make them seem important and challenging. This can be extremely difficult for the people close to them.

Lack of Reciprocity

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Good relationships aren’t particularly transactional but mindful that people want to reciprocate love. On the other hand, selfish individuals expect help and support from others but hardly offer the same in return. If you’re not ready to give to your partner, then you’re probably not ready to be in a healthy relationship.

Dismissing Others’ Opinions

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What makes the world more interesting is that we think differently and have varying perspectives or opinions on things. A sign of self-centeredness is dismissing others’ opinions and thinking yours matters more. You interrupt or talk over others, showing little interest in viewpoints that are different from yours.

Always Needing Attention

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Healthline says seeking attention is sometimes due to low self-esteem, which makes you more self-absorbed. As a result, you always find ways to get constant validation and praise. If the interest is diverted to anybody else, you might feel upset. This situation is usually seen in people who don’t understand that not everything can be about them.

Always Wanting to Win

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Winning feels good, and we all want it, but you shouldn’t always expect it. You learn so many lessons from times of loss, and this is how you grow in character. If you turn everything into a competition and struggle to celebrate others’ successes, you’re likely very self-centered.

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