People who are deeply self-centered usually display these 7 behaviors

We all know someone who can’t seem to get enough of themselves.

Now, I’m not just talking about the occasional self-centered moment we all have.

I’m referring to those individuals who seem to exist in a world where they’re the star, and everyone else is an extra.

Why do these people act this way? And more importantly, how can we recognize this behavior in others (or perhaps even in ourselves)?

Read on to find out.

1) They have a tendency to dominate conversations

Ever been in a conversation where you can’t seem to get a word in edgewise?

We’re talking about those interactions where it feels like you’re simply an audience to a monologue rather than an active participant in a dialogue.

People who are deeply self-centered often have a habit of dominating conversations. They’re usually the star of their own stories, and it’s not uncommon for them to steer the conversation back to themselves, no matter the topic.

This isn’t to say that they’re always boastful or arrogant. In fact, sometimes it could be as subtle as always referring the topic back to their own experiences or viewpoints.

While sharing personal experiences isn’t inherently bad, the key here is balance. Conversations should be give-and-take, not just one person holding the floor. If you notice someone consistently monopolizing conversations, it could be a sign of deep-seated self-centeredness.

2) They lack empathy for others

I remember a time when I was going through a particularly tough phase. I’d just lost my job, and things seemed pretty bleak.

One day, I decided to open up to a friend about my struggles. Now, this friend was someone I knew to be quite self-centered, but I thought maybe they’d offer some comfort or advice.

Instead, they quickly brushed off my concerns and started talking about their recent promotion and how busy they were with all their new responsibilities. It was as if my problems were of no significance to them.

This is a classic behavior of deeply self-centered individuals. They often lack empathy for others and struggle to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. While it’s important to share our successes with friends, it’s equally essential to show kindness and understanding when they’re going through tough times.

And if someone consistently fails to do that, it could be a sign of their self-centered nature.

As renowned author, Vironika Tugaleva once said “A lack of empathy is one of the most common characteristics of the emotionally immature.” 

3) They rarely celebrate others’ successes

Ever felt like you’re walking on eggshells while sharing your victories with certain people? It’s almost as if they’d rather talk about anything else than acknowledge your achievements.

I’ve been there.

I remember the thrill of landing my first big client. I was ecstatic, eager to share the news with everyone – including a friend who had a tendency to be self-centered.

But instead of sharing my joy, he quickly changed the topic. It was as if my success was a bitter pill he couldn’t swallow.

People who are deeply self-centered often struggle to genuinely celebrate others’ successes. They may see it as a threat, or simply not care enough to put their own interests aside for a moment.

This behavior isn’t about envy or jealousy – it’s about an inability to step out of their self-focused bubble. Like esteemed novelist Susan Elizabeth Phillips once said “Celebrate the success of others. High tide floats all boats.”

When someone is consistently reluctant to celebrate your achievements, it might just be another sign of their deep-seated self-centeredness.

4) They play the victim

Life is tough, and we all face hardships. But have you ever noticed how some people seem to always be at the center of drama and chaos?

I once knew someone who perpetually played the role of the victim. No matter the situation, she’d somehow twist the narrative to portray herself as the one wronged.

When confronted about her mistakes at work, instead of owning up, she’d spin tales about how she was unfairly targeted. When her friends expressed concern over her constant negativity, she’d accuse them of not being supportive.

This sort of behavior is quite common among deeply self-centered individuals. It’s not about facing genuine hardships but rather manipulating situations to maintain a victim mindset.

This lets them avoid responsibility and keep the focus on themselves.

So, if you notice someone habitually playing the victim, it could be more than just bad luck or unfortunate circumstances—it could be a sign of their self-centered nature.

5) They have a grandiose sense of self-importance

Did you know that peacocks fan their stunning feathers not just for courtship, but also to appear larger and more intimidating to potential predators? This display of grandiosity can be seen as a survival technique in the animal kingdom.

In the realm of human interactions, however, a grandiose sense of self-importance can be quite damaging.

I’ve encountered individuals who, much like our peacock friends, would inflate their accomplishments, talents or importance. Everything they did was ‘the best’ or ‘unprecedented’, and they had this innate need to always be superior.

This is another behavior commonly displayed by deeply self-centered people. By exaggerating their importance, they keep the spotlight firmly on themselves.

And, when someone constantly portrays themselves as larger-than-life, it might not be about confidence or high self-esteem—it could be an indication of their deep-rooted self-centeredness.

6) They struggle with genuine connections

We all crave connection, don’t we? That sense of being understood, of shared experiences, of camaraderie that makes life a little less lonely.

Yet, some people seem to struggle with forming these genuine connections. It’s like they’re on a solitary island, despite being surrounded by potential friends.

I remember a colleague who always seemed a bit distant. She was charming and charismatic, but there was an invisible barrier that kept people at arm’s length. Conversations with her felt superficial and transactional, lacking the warmth and depth that foster real connections.

This is not uncommon in deeply self-centered individuals. Their preoccupation with themselves often hinders their ability to connect with others at a deeper level.

It’s important to acknowledge that this isn’t something they choose consciously. Many times, it’s a defense mechanism or a result of their own insecurities.

7) They rarely show gratitude

At the heart of all meaningful relationships lies a simple, powerful sentiment – gratitude. It’s the thread that binds people together, fostering respect, appreciation, and love.

Yet, deeply self-centered individuals often struggle with expressing gratitude. They tend to take others’ efforts for granted, focusing instead on what they believe they’re entitled to.

This lack of gratitude is not just about manners or etiquette. It’s a reflection of their inability to see beyond themselves, to appreciate the contributions of others in their lives.

If you find someone perpetually ungrateful or dismissive of your efforts, it could be more than just an oversight. It might be the clearest sign yet of their deeply ingrained self-centeredness.

As the famous saying goes, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” So, whether you’re the one displaying these behaviors or dealing with someone who does, remember that change starts with understanding.

In this journey of life, let’s strive not merely to exist in our own bubbles, but to co-exist – with empathy, kindness, and respect for one another. Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.