People who never work hard but still feel they deserve special treatment often display these 9 traits

Some people seem to expect the world to revolve around them, even when they put in little to no effort.

These individuals often display traits like entitlement, a tendency to blame others for their failures, and a constant need for attention, revealing their misplaced sense of deserving special treatment.

So, here’s a closer look at people who want the reward without putting in the work.

1) Unearned confidence

There’s no denying confidence can be a great trait. But what about when it’s undeserved?

Experts point out that one common trait among those who never work hard but still expect special treatment is an overblown sense of confidence.

This isn’t the kind of confidence that comes from accomplishment or experience.

Instead, it’s a belief in their own abilities that is out of step with reality.

This unearned confidence can often lead to an expectation of special treatment.

After all, if they believe they’re better than others, then it stands to reason they’d feel deserving of extra privileges.

However, it’s important to distinguish between healthy self-esteem and unwarranted arrogance.

The former is beneficial and often hard-earned, while the latter can be detrimental and unproductive.

Understanding this difference can help us navigate interactions with those who expect more than their fair share, even when they haven’t put in the necessary work.

2) Lack of empathy

Something that’s struck me in my own encounters with people who never work hard but still expect special treatment is their lack of empathy.

I remember a former colleague of mine, let’s call him John. John was always the first one to leave the office and the last one to arrive.

Yet, he was always the loudest voice when it came to complaining about not being promoted or not being given the same benefits as others.

What was always apparent was John’s lack of understanding or concern for how his actions, or lack thereof, affected others.

He didn’t see how his constant tardiness put pressure on the rest of us to pick up his slack, or how his demands for special treatment created an unfair dynamic in the office.

This lack of empathy, experts say, is a common trait among those who feel entitled to rewards they haven’t earned.

It stems from a self-centered viewpoint that fails to consider the feelings and needs of others.

Recognizing this trait can provide insight into why these individuals act the way they do.

3) Difficulty accepting responsibility

One trait often displayed by those who expect special treatment without hard work is a difficulty in accepting responsibility for their actions.

This is not just a casual observation but backed by psychological research.

A study found that individuals with a high sense of entitlement are less likely to take responsibility for their mistakes and are more likely to blame others.

They’re often the ones pointing fingers when things go wrong, rather than reflecting on what they could have done differently.

This unwillingness to accept blame or responsibility can create a cycle of expectation and disappointment, as these individuals continue to feel deserving of special treatment, regardless of their actions or contributions. 

4) Constant comparison with others

Another trait that experts often find in people who feel deserving of special treatment without putting in the work is the constant comparison with others.

They are always looking around, sizing up what others have, and feeling like they should have the same or even more.

This trait isn’t just about a competitive spirit or healthy ambition.

It’s about an obsession with external markers of success and a desire to outdo others, regardless of whether they’ve put in the same level of effort or not.

Understanding this can help us not only identify such behavior but also devise better strategies to deal with it, whether it’s in the workplace, at home, or in social situations.

5) Resistance to feedback

A key trait, according to experts, that is seen in individuals who never work hard but still feel they deserve special treatment, is a strong resistance to feedback.

Constructive criticism, which is vital for growth and improvement, is often met with defensiveness or outright denial.

It’s as if they believe they’re above reproach or that any criticism is a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth.

This can create a challenging dynamic in a team setting, where feedback and improvements are crucial for collective success.

6) Absence of gratitude

In life, it’s often the little things that matter the most.

A simple “thank you” can go a long way in making someone’s day.

But for those who never work hard and still feel they deserve special treatment, expressing gratitude is often noticeably absent.

It’s heartbreaking to see that they often take things for granted, overlooking the efforts others put in.

Their sense of entitlement eclipses their ability to appreciate the hard work of those around them.

When we come across such individuals, it’s a reminder for us to not lose sight of the significance of gratitude in our daily interactions.

It’s these simple gestures that help build bridges and foster a culture of respect and appreciation.

7) Unwillingness to reciprocate

There was a time when I found myself continuously helping a friend with various tasks.

From helping them move to lending an ear when they needed to vent, I was always there.

Yet, when I needed support, they were surprisingly unavailable.

This unwillingness to reciprocate is another trait often seen in people who feel entitled to special treatment without putting in the work.

They’re often eager to accept help but seldom willing to return the favor, creating an imbalance in relationships.

8) Inflated self-image

A common trait among those who expect special treatment without putting in the hard work is an inflated self-image.

They often see themselves as superior or more important than others, regardless of their actual achievements or contributions.

This inflated self-perception can lead them to believe they deserve special treatment or privileges that others do not.

It can also make it difficult for them to recognize the hard work and efforts of those around them.

9) Lack of self-awareness

Perhaps the most significant trait among individuals who expect special treatment without putting in the work is a lack of self-awareness.

They often fail to see how their attitudes and behaviors impact those around them, leading to a disconnect between their perceptions and reality.

This lack of self-awareness can perpetuate their sense of entitlement, as they remain oblivious to the incongruence between their expectations and their actual efforts or contributions.

Final thoughts: It’s about understanding, not condemnation

Psychology and behavioral studies have shown that these traits can sometimes stem from deep-seated insecurities or past experiences.

Understanding the traits of people who feel entitled to special treatment without putting in the required effort is not about pointing fingers or fostering a culture of blame.

Rather, it’s about fostering empathy and understanding.