People who think they’re better than their friends usually display these 8 behaviors (without realizing it)

When someone constantly brags about their achievements, you get a hint they might think they’re superior; when someone always dismisses your ideas, it’s clear they feel they’re smarter.

Welcome to the world of human interactions!

Individuals who harbor feelings of superiority over their friends often exhibit subtle behaviors that reveal their mindset, even if they are unaware of it.

These behaviors can create tension in relationships and affect how they interact with those around them.

In this article, we’ll explore eight common behaviors displayed by people who believe they are better than their friends:

1) Always needing to have the last word

Ever had a conversation with someone who always has to have the last word?

It’s like a verbal tennis match that never ends because they simply cannot let a point go uncontested. They take it as their right, their duty even, to top every comment with something supposedly smarter or wittier.

This behavior is often a telltale sign of someone who thinks they’re better than their friends. They believe their insights are more valuable and that they’re the ultimate authority on everything discussed.

It’s not about the exchange of ideas for them, but about asserting their perceived superiority. All while being oblivious to the fact that this behavior is actually doing more harm than good.

2) Constantly comparing achievements

I’ll never forget that one friend from college who always seemed to turn every conversation into a competition.

I remember once, we were catching up over coffee after not seeing each other for a while. I was sharing how I’d recently gotten a promotion at work.

Instead of congratulating me or asking more about it, they jumped in to talk about how they’d just been given a raise and had been handed more responsibilities.

It wasn’t about being happy for each other’s successes. It felt like they were constantly measuring their achievements against mine, always trying to one-up me.

3) Rarely asking for advice

Did you know that people who think they’re superior to their friends tend to rarely ask for advice? It’s a fascinating psychological phenomenon!

They view asking for help as a sign of weakness, as admitting that they don’t know something. This goes against their image of being the smartest person in the room. So, instead of seeking guidance, they often make decisions based on their own knowledge and perspective.

This behavior can lead to a lack of personal growth and missed opportunities for learning. After all, everyone has unique experiences and insights that can provide valuable perspectives.

4) Frequently interrupting others

We’ve all been in conversations where we can’t get a word in edgewise. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

This is another behavior frequently displayed by people who perceive themselves as better than their peers. They often interrupt or talk over others, believing that what they have to say is more important or insightful.

However, this kind of behavior isn’t just annoying; it’s actually quite disrespectful. It sends a clear message that they don’t value the other person’s thoughts or opinions.

5) Rarely showing genuine interest in others

I used to have a friend who was a great talker. They could chat for hours about their life, their dreams, and their experiences.

But the moment I tried to share something about myself? The interest would magically vanish.

This is a common trait among individuals who consider themselves superior to their friends. They’re so consumed by their own world that they rarely show genuine interest in others. For them, conversations are often one-sided affairs.

It’s not that they’re intentionally trying to be dismissive or rude. They just genuinely don’t realize how their behavior comes across.

I had to distance myself from that friend eventually.

Their lack of interest in my life left me feeling undervalued and underappreciated.

It’s a valuable lesson I’ve carried with me ever since!

6) Being overly generous with advice

While it might seem like a positive trait, being too eager to give advice can actually indicate a sense of superiority.

When someone consistently offers unsolicited advice, it often suggests they believe they know better than the person they’re advising.

They may think their experiences, knowledge, or perspectives are superior, and hence, feel compelled to share their wisdom at every opportunity.

This behavior can come across as patronizing and dismissive of the other person’s ability to handle their own situation.

7) Always steering the conversation towards themselves

Ever had a chat with someone who somehow manages to bring every topic back to themselves?

This is another classic behavior of those who think they’re better than their friends. They often steer conversations towards their own experiences, achievements, or interests, subtly dominating the dialogue.

This isn’t just about being a good conversationalist or an engaging storyteller. It’s about a need to keep the spotlight firmly on themselves, often at the expense of others’ voices being heard.

8) Dismissing others’ opinions easily

The last behavior, and arguably the most telling one, is the tendency to dismiss others’ opinions easily.

People who consider themselves superior tend to see their own perspectives as the most valid or important. They may disregard or belittle others’ viewpoints, seeing them as less informed or valuable.

This behavior isn’t just harmful to relationships; it can also limit personal growth and understanding. After all, we learn the most when we’re open to different perspectives and experiences.

Embracing the journey of self-awareness

If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely reflecting on your behaviors, which is a positive step.

Understanding your actions is vital for personal growth and healthier relationships.

Thinking you’re better than your friends often stems from insecurity or lack of self-awareness.

Recognizing these patterns and striving for change is essential.

By doing so, you can become a friend others admire—not for superiority, but for your understanding, humility, and genuine interest in them.

As the Greek philosopher Socrates once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

The more we learn about ourselves and others, the more we realize there’s so much more to discover.

Here’s to embracing the journey of self-awareness and becoming better versions of ourselves—after all, if we’re not growing, what are we doing?

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Lucas Graham

Lucas Graham

Lucas Graham, based in Auckland, writes about the psychology behind everyday decisions and life choices. His perspective is grounded in the belief that understanding oneself is the key to better decision-making. Lucas’s articles are a mix of personal anecdotes and observations, offering readers relatable and down-to-earth advice.

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