We’re all a bit self-absorbed sometimes, and while that doesn’t make us narcissists, these behaviours are still worth paying attention to.
There’s a big difference between having narcissistic personality traits at times and having a full-blown personality disorder, and we’re staying on the former end of the spectrum. Chances are, you’re guilty of some or even all of the behaviours on this list from time to time. If it’s only occasionally, it’s no big deal — it’s when they become regular occurrences that they become problematic.
1. You feel personally attacked when someone disagrees with your opinion.
When someone challenges your viewpoint, you might feel a disproportionate sense of offence. Instead of seeing it as a difference in perspective, you interpret it as a personal slight. Of course, your reaction can make it really hard to have healthy debates or accept constructive criticism.
2. You constantly check your reflection in any reflective surface.
You find yourself unable to pass a mirror or shop window without sneaking a glance at your reflection. It’s a habit that goes beyond normal grooming and becomes a near-constant need for visual reassurance. You might even use your phone’s camera as a portable mirror throughout the day.
3. You get annoyed when your social media posts don’t get enough likes.
After posting a photo or status update, you obsessively check for likes and comments. If the engagement isn’t as high as you expected, you feel disappointed or even upset. You might even consider deleting posts that don’t perform well to maintain your online image.
4. You find it hard to be happy for friends when they succeed.
When a friend shares good news, your initial reaction is a twinge of jealousy rather than genuine happiness. You might downplay their achievement or quickly change the subject to talk about yourself. Your reaction is probably down to a need to always be the centre of attention.
5. You embellish stories to make yourself look better.
When recounting events, you tend to exaggerate your role or add dramatic details to make the story more impressive. This habit isn’t quite lying, but it’s a way of ensuring you always come across as the hero or the most interesting character in any anecdote.
6. You get irritated when people don’t respond to your messages immediately.
Source: Unsplash When you send a text or message, you expect an instant reply. If someone takes too long to respond, you feel ignored or unimportant. However, expecting this totally ignores the fact that other people have their own lives and schedules that don’t revolve around your communication needs.
7. You have a hard time admitting when you’re wrong.
Even when presented with clear evidence that you’ve made a mistake, you struggle to acknowledge it — you deflect blame, make excuses, or stubbornly stick to your original stance. The fact that you’re so reluctant to admit fault can strain relationships and keep you from growing as a person.
8. You always try to one-up people in conversations.
When someone shares an experience or achievement, you immediately think of a way to top it. Instead of listening and showing interest, you’re mentally preparing your own story that will outshine theirs. It’s not just annoying — it can make people feel unheard and reluctant to share with you.
9. You expect praise for doing basic tasks or favours.
When you complete routine chores or do someone a small favour, you expect excessive gratitude or recognition. You might feel underappreciated if your efforts aren’t acknowledged with enthusiasm. You’re going to end up majorly disappointed because this just won’t happen on a daily basis.
10. You feel entitled to special treatment wherever you go.
Whether it’s at a restaurant, shop, or workplace, you believe you deserve preferential treatment. You might get frustrated when you have to wait in line like everyone else or when rules are applied equally to you. Your sense of entitlement can (and often does) lead to drama, so maybe take it easy.
11. You can’t accept criticism, even when it’s constructive.
When someone offers feedback or suggestions for improvement, you tend to become defensive or dismissive. Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to grow, you see it as an attack on your abilities. Your reaction is extreme and unwarranted, especially because you need that feedback to evolve both personally and professionally.
12. You often interrupt people in the middle of a conversation.
You find it hard to wait for your turn to speak in conversations, so you regularly cut in with your own thoughts or experiences, even if the other person hasn’t finished speaking. Doing this too often makes people feel like you value the sound of your own voice more than anything they might have to say.
13. You get annoyed when you’re not the centre of attention in a group.
In social situations, you feel uncomfortable if you’re not the focal point of the conversation. You might try to steer discussions back to topics where you can shine or feel irritated when other people are getting more attention. You have a constant need for the spotlight, and it can be incredibly off-putting.
14. You struggle to genuinely apologise for your mistakes.
When you’ve clearly wronged someone, saying “I’m sorry” feels like pulling teeth. What’s worse, your apologies often come with justifications or attempts to share blame. Finding it so hard to offer sincere apologies can strain relationships and prevent you from solving problems or quashing conflicts.
15. You regularly post selfies on social media.
Your social media feed is dominated by photos of yourself, often with carefully chosen filters and angles. While sharing photos is normal, your posts rarely include other people or any kind of different content. Your focus on self-image can come across as self-absorbed to your followers. Don’t be surprised if people start unfollowing.
16. You have a hard time accepting that you’re average at something.
The idea of being mediocre at any skill or attribute is uncomfortable for you, largely because you tend to overestimate your abilities and may avoid activities where you’re not naturally talented. The problem is that your aversion to being average can limit your experiences and opportunities for growth.
17. You compare yourself to other people and need to feel superior.
You constantly measure your worth against other people’s, whether it’s looks, career, or lifestyle. When you see someone as doing better than you, it causes anxiety and stress. You have to stop this behaviour — so much comparison can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions and impact your self-esteem in unhealthy ways.
