There’s nothing worse than someone who’s all about “me, me, me!”
Of course, it’s important to know your worth, but there’s a fine line between that and becoming so self-absorbed that you think everyone in the world should cater to your every whim. Sadly, that’s exactly how self-obsessed people operate — and they often do these annoying things, too.
1. They constantly interrupt and talk over people.
It’s like their thoughts are the only ones that matter. They’ll interrupt mid-sentence, finish your thoughts for you (incorrectly, of course), or completely derail the conversation to talk about themselves. This can be incredibly frustrating and makes it difficult to have a meaningful exchange with them. It’s as if they have a one-person show going on in their head, and everyone else is just an audience member.
2. They always have to be the centre of attention.
Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal event, they always find a way to steal the spotlight. They might tell elaborate stories, make loud jokes, or even dress flamboyantly to ensure all eyes are on them. This constant need for attention can be exhausting for those around them, who might feel invisible or ignored in their presence.
3. They fish for compliments and reassurance.
They crave validation and constantly want compliments from other people. They might post selfies on social media and eagerly await likes and comments, or they might subtly brag about their achievements and possessions, hoping for praise and admiration. This constant need for external validation can be draining for friends and family, who are constantly expected to boost their ego.
4. They lack empathy and rarely ask about how anyone else is doing.
Conversations with self-obsessed people often feel like one-way streets. They talk endlessly about themselves, their problems, and their accomplishments, without showing any interest in your life. They rarely ask questions about you or offer genuine support or empathy. This can make you feel like your thoughts and feelings don’t matter to them.
5. They always have to be right and never admit their mistakes.
Self-obsessed people typically have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe their opinions are always correct. They’ll argue endlessly to prove their point, even if it’s clear they’re wrong. They never apologise or take responsibility for their mistakes, preferring to blame everyone else instead.
6. They make everything about themselves.
No matter what the topic of conversation is, they’ll find a way to relate it back to themselves. If you’re talking about your new job, they’ll talk about their own career accomplishments. If you’re sharing a personal struggle, they’ll tell you about a time they went through something similar, but somehow make it all about them. This self-centredness can be suffocating and make it difficult to connect with them on a deeper level.
7. They’re constantly chasing validation and approval.
They have a deep-seated need to feel admired and validated by other people. They post carefully curated photos on social media, brag about their achievements, or constantly fish for compliments. This constant need for external validation can be exhausting for those around them, who are always expected to boost their ego.
8. They have difficulty handling criticism or feedback.
Even constructive criticism can be seen as a personal attack by someone who is self-obsessed. They get defensive, argumentative, or even lash out if their ego is bruised. This makes it difficult to have honest conversations with them or offer any kind of feedback, even if it’s meant to help them grow and improve.
9. They have a superiority complex and look down on people.
Source: Unsplash They often believe they’re better than everyone else, more intelligent, more attractive, more successful. This can manifest in subtle ways, like condescending remarks, dismissive gestures, or a general air of superiority. They judge people harshly for their choices, lifestyles, or appearance, creating a sense of discomfort and insecurity in those around them.
10. They take more than they give in relationships.
Source: Unsplash Relationships with self-obsessed people can feel imbalanced. They expect constant attention, support, and validation, but rarely reciprocate. They take your help for granted, never offer to lend a hand in return, or simply not be there for you when you need them most. This one-sidedness can leave you feeling drained and unappreciated.
11. They’re always trying to one-up you.
Source: Unsplash No matter what you accomplish, they have to do better. If you got a promotion, they’ll tell you about their even bigger raise. If you bought a new car, they’ll mention their upcoming luxury holiday. This constant need to one-up you can be exhausting and make you feel like you’re constantly in competition with them.
12. They have a sense of entitlement and expect special treatment.
Source: Unsplash They believe they deserve the best of everything and often expect special treatment. They demand the best table at a restaurant, cut in line, or expect other people to cater to their every whim. This sense of entitlement can be frustrating and alienating for those around them, who might feel like their needs and desires are constantly being overlooked.
13. They’re obsessed with their appearance and want other people to admire it too.
Source: Unsplash They spend hours grooming themselves, obsessing over their clothes, and constantly checking their reflection. What’s worse, they fish for compliments on their appearance, post selfies on social media hoping to get likes, and even start being judgmental about other people’s looks. This preoccupation with appearance is just shallow and off-putting.
14. They have difficulty accepting feedback or constructive criticism.
Source: Unsplash They have a fragile ego and any suggestion for improvement, no matter how well-intentioned, can be seen as a personal attack. They get defensive, argumentative, or even lash out at the person offering the feedback. This makes it nearly impossible to have honest conversations with them or help them grow and develop.
15. They’re constantly name-dropping and associating themselves with successful or influential people.
Source: Unsplash They try to elevate their own status by claiming they brush shoulders with people they see as more successful or influential. They name-drop celebrities they’ve met, brag about their connections, or try to insert themselves into social circles they don’t belong in. Sadly for them, this just comes across as desperate and insincere.
16. They always overexaggerate their accomplishments or expertise.
Source: Unsplash They add crazy details to their stories, inflating their accomplishments to make themselves seem more impressive. They even exaggerate their job title, their salary, or their level of expertise in a particular area. This tendency to stretch the truth can be off-putting and makes you doubt their credibility (and rightfully so!).
