Have you ever found yourself stuck in a conversation that seemed to revolve endlessly around the other person?
If so, you might have been dealing with someone who is deeply self-centered.
Self-centered individuals often capture our attention with their dominant presence, sometimes leaving little room for anyone else’s narrative.
This article explores 8 typical behaviors of deeply self-centered people, offering insights into why they behave the way they do and how it impacts their relationships.
1) They monopolize conversations
One of the most common behaviors of deeply self-centered individuals is their tendency to dominate conversations.
It’s not always intentional, and it doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in others.
However, they have a knack for steering the conversation back to themselves, their experiences, and their achievements.
This behavior stems from a deep-seated need for attention and validation.
For them, conversations are often platforms to highlight their own importance rather than a two-way exchange of ideas.
It’s important to note that everyone loves a good listener.
Being aware of this behavior in deeply self-centered individuals can help us navigate conversations more effectively.
2) They struggle with empathy
Another telltale sign of deeply self-centered individuals is their struggle with empathy.
They often find it difficult to put themselves in other people’s shoes and understand their feelings.
I remember a friend of mine, let’s call him John.
John was quite successful in his career, charismatic, and always the life of the party.
However, when it came to understanding the struggles of others, he often fell short.
I recall a time when I was going through a difficult breakup.
As I shared my feelings with John, he immediately shifted the conversation to his own past relationship woes.
It wasn’t malicious, but it was clear that he struggled to genuinely empathize with my situation.
This lack of empathy is not always intentional, but it’s a common trait among those who are deeply self-centered.
3) They have a strong sense of entitlement
Deeply self-centered individuals often carry a strong sense of entitlement.
They believe they deserve more than others, be it attention, resources, or special treatment.
This sense of entitlement can be linked to narcissism, a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance.
According to research, narcissists tend to feel more entitled to resources and special treatment than others.
This entitlement can translate into behavior like cutting in line, disregarding others’ time, or expecting preferential treatment.
4) They rarely admit they’re wrong
Admitting wrong is a tough pill to swallow for many of us, but for deeply self-centered individuals, it can feel close to impossible.
They often have a hard time accepting blame, making excuses, or deflecting the responsibility onto others.
This behavior is not only about protecting their ego but also about maintaining a certain image in front of others.
They fear that admitting their mistakes might make them appear weak or less competent.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes.
It’s the ability to admit and learn from those mistakes that truly shows strength and growth.
5) They struggle with deep, meaningful relationships
Deeply self-centered individuals often find it challenging to form profound, meaningful relationships with others.
They might have a wide social circle and appear popular, but their connections often lack depth.
This struggle is not because they lack the capacity to love or connect.
It’s just that their focus on their own needs and desires often overshadows the needs of their partners or friends.
This can lead to feelings of loneliness, both for them and for those around them.
It’s a poignant reminder that true connection comes from mutual respect, understanding, and the ability to put someone else’s needs before your own.
6) They often seek validation
It’s quite common for deeply self-centered individuals to continually seek validation from others.
This behavior stems from a desire to reaffirm their self-worth and importance.
I once had a colleague who would always go above and beyond in his work, often working late hours and taking on more tasks than he could handle.
On the surface, it seemed admirable, but it was clear he was seeking constant validation for his efforts.
This incessant need for validation often led to burnout and stress, not just for him but also for those around him who felt pressured to keep up.
It taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of self-validation and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
7) They tend to be competitive
Self-centered individuals often have a competitive streak.
Whether it’s a friendly game or a professional project, they often feel the need to outdo others.
This competitive nature stems from their desire to prove their worth and superiority.
While healthy competition can drive growth and innovation, when it’s driven by self-centeredness, it can lead to unnecessary stress and conflict.
Recognizing this trait can help us manage our interactions with such individuals, promoting cooperation over competition and fostering a more harmonious environment.
8) They often lack self-awareness
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of dealing with deeply self-centered individuals is their lack of self-awareness.
They often fail to recognize how their actions and behaviors affect others around them.
This lack of self-awareness can make it difficult for them to understand why their relationships might be strained or why others might react negatively to their actions.
So there we have it, eight behaviors of deeply self-centered people.
Understanding the behaviors of these individuals is more than just a way to label or critique others; it’s a tool for better interpersonal relationships.
Whether it’s in personal interactions or professional environments, recognizing these behaviors can help us set boundaries, communicate more effectively, and foster environments where mutual respect and understanding prevail.
By acknowledging these traits, we not only navigate our social landscapes more effectively but also offer the possibility of growth and awareness to those who are deeply self-centered.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to change others, but to manage our interactions with them in a way that preserves our well-being and respects their perspectives.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
