You know those folks who are always the main character in their own life story? The ones who turn every conversation back to themselves, like they’re the sun and everyone else is just a planet orbiting them? Yeah, they’re probably self-absorbed. It’s one thing to have healthy self-esteem, but when someone’s ego is constantly inflated, it can be a real drag for everyone else. Here are some of the behaviours self-absorbed people do that tend to annoy the heck out of everyone around them.
1. They dominate every conversation.
It doesn’t matter what you’re talking about, they always find a way to make it about themselves. They might interrupt you mid-sentence, change the subject to something that relates to them, or just plain talk over you like you’re not even there. It’s exhausting trying to have a conversation with someone who’s only interested in hearing their own voice. You’re left feeling unheard and like your thoughts and feelings don’t matter.
2. They brag incessantly about their accomplishments.
Whether it’s their new car, their promotion, or their killer workout routine, they’ll find a way to let you know about it. Over and over again. It’s not just about sharing good news, it’s about making sure everyone knows how great they are. This constant self-promotion can be grating and make people feel like they’re being shown up or belittled.
3. They fish for compliments and validation.
They need constant reassurance that they’re amazing, talented, and attractive. They might fish for compliments by putting themselves down or subtly hinting at their achievements, or they’ll post selfies on social media just to get likes and comments. This constant need for validation can be tiresome and make people feel like they’re being used for emotional support.
4. They interrupt people and finish their sentences.
They’re so focused on their own thoughts and opinions that they can’t be bothered to listen to what people have to say. They interrupt you mid-sentence, finish your thoughts for you (incorrectly), or simply tune you out altogether. This lack of respect for people’s ideas and perspectives can be incredibly frustrating and make people feel like they’re not being heard.
5. They’re constantly seeking attention and approval.
They need to be the centre of attention, always. They dress flamboyantly, tell outrageous stories, or act out for attention. In addition, they’ll become moody or withdrawn if they don’t get the attention they crave. This constant need for validation can be draining and make it difficult for people to have a balanced relationship with them.
6. They have a hard time empathising with people.
Self-absorbed people are often so focused on their own needs and feelings that they have a hard time putting themselves in other people’s shoes. They dismiss your problems, minimise your struggles, or offer unhelpful advice that’s more about them than you. This lack of empathy can make it difficult to connect with them on a deeper level and can leave you feeling unsupported and alone.
7. They rarely offer help or support.
They’re quick to ask for favours or expect you to be there for them, but when it comes to reciprocating, they often fall short. That’s because they’re too wrapped up in their own world to notice when you’re struggling, or they might simply not care enough to offer help. This one-sided dynamic can be frustrating and can make you feel like you’re being used.
8. They always have to be right.
Even when they’re clearly wrong, they’ll argue, deflect, or change the subject to avoid admitting their mistakes. They usually have a superiority complex, believing that their opinions and beliefs are always right and that everyone else is wrong. This stubbornness can make it difficult to have constructive conversations or resolve conflicts peacefully.
9. They have difficulty handling criticism or feedback.
Even well-intentioned feedback can send them into a tailspin. They get defensive, angry, or try to turn the conversation around to make it about you. Plus, they’ll dismiss your feedback entirely, refusing to acknowledge any areas where they could improve. This inability to handle criticism can hinder their growth and make it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships.
10. They have a hard time apologising or admitting they’re wrong.
Even when they’ve clearly made a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings, they’ll find a way to justify their actions or blame someone else. They might offer a half-hearted apology, but it often comes with a “but” or a qualifier that shifts the blame back onto you. This lack of accountability can be incredibly frustrating and can make it difficult to trust them or rely on them in a crisis.
11. They make everything about them.
Whether you’re sharing a personal story, talking about a problem you’re facing, or simply trying to have a casual conversation, they’ll find a way to make it about them. They relate everything back to their own experiences, offer unsolicited advice, or try to one-up you with their own stories. This can make you feel like you’re not being heard or valued, and it can leave you drained and frustrated, as well.
12. They have a sense of entitlement.
They believe they deserve special treatment, that rules don’t apply to them, and that they’re entitled to whatever they want, whenever they want it. As a result, they expect you to cater to their every whim, prioritise their needs over your own, and even make excuses for their bad behaviour. This sense of entitlement can be incredibly frustrating and can create a lot of resentment in relationships.
13. They lack boundaries and overstep yours.
Self-absorbed people tend to overshare personal details, pry into your life, or make unreasonable demands on your time and energy. Not only that, but they totally ignore your personal space, invade your privacy, and even make decisions for you without your consent. This lack of boundaries can be incredibly invasive and disrespectful, and it can make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with them.
14. They take credit for other people’s work or ideas.
They try to pass off someone else’s ideas as their own, downplay the hard work other people put in, and never give credit where it’s due. This behaviour is not only unethical, but it also shows a lack of respect for people’s effort and creativity. It can also create resentment and distrust in the workplace or in social circles.
