We all know someone who always seems to put their own needs and desires above everyone else’s.
While a healthy dose of self-interest is normal, crossing the line into selfishness can strain relationships and leave a trail of hurt feelings. Here are some behaviours that mean someone is leaning a little too heavily on the “me” side of things.
1. They rarely consider how their actions affect anyone else.
Selfish people often act without thinking about the consequences for those around them. They might make decisions that inconvenience people, take credit for someone else’s work, or break promises without a second thought. Their focus is solely on their own needs and desires, with little regard for how it affects anyone else.
2. They don’t know how to (or are unwilling to) share.
Whether it’s material possessions, time, or attention, selfish people tend to hoard resources and are reluctant to share with anyone else. They might refuse to lend a helping hand, be stingy with compliments, or always insist on getting the biggest slice of the pie. Sharing is not in their vocabulary.
3. They take more than they give.
Selfish people often expect people to do things for them, but they rarely reciprocate. They might take advantage of their friends’ generosity, always ask for favours without offering any in return, or expect other people to cater to their every whim. They view relationships as one-sided, with them always on the receiving end.
4. They interrupt and talk over people.
Selfish people often dominate conversations, interrupting people and talking over them to get their point across. They’re not interested in hearing what other people have to say, and only care about their own opinions and experiences. They view conversations as a platform for self-promotion rather than a genuine exchange of ideas.
5. They always want to be the centre of attention.
Selfish people crave attention and validation, and they’ll go to great lengths to get it. They might exaggerate their accomplishments, fish for compliments, or monopolise conversations with their own stories. They want to be the star of the show, and they’ll dim the spotlight on anyone who threatens their position.
6. They have a sense of entitlement.
Selfish people often believe they deserve special treatment and are entitled to more than others. They might expect preferential treatment, demand immediate gratification, or throw a tantrum if they don’t get their way. They have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe the world revolves around them.
7. They lack empathy.
Selfish people have difficulty understanding or relating to other people’s feelings. They’re insensitive to other people’s pain, dismiss their concerns, or offer unhelpful advice. They lack the ability to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and see things from their perspective.
8. They rarely apologise or take responsibility for their mistakes.
Selfish people often blame other people for their problems and refuse to take ownership of their mistakes. They might make excuses, deflect criticism, or shift the blame onto someone else. They lack the humility and self-awareness to acknowledge their flaws and apologise for their shortcomings.
9. They are always trying to one-up everyone.
Selfish people often feel the need to prove they are better than everyone else. They might brag about their achievements, belittle people’s accomplishments, or try to outdo their friends in every aspect of life. They see everything as a competition and are constantly striving to be on top.
10. They can never be happy for anyone else.
Selfish people often feel threatened by other people’s achievements and have difficulty genuinely celebrating their successes. They might downplay other people’s accomplishments, express jealousy or envy, or try to steal their thunder. They view other people’s successes as a reflection of their own shortcomings.
11. They are manipulative and controlling.
Selfish people often use manipulation and control to get what they want. They guilt-trip people, play the victim, or use emotional blackmail to achieve their goals. They have a knack for making people feel responsible for their happiness and well-being.
12. They have difficulty maintaining long-term relationships.
Due to their self-centred behaviour and lack of empathy, selfish people often struggle to maintain healthy, long-term relationships. Their friends and partners might grow tired of their constant demands, lack of reciprocation, and inability to compromise. They often leave a trail of broken relationships in their wake.
13. They are often unhappy and dissatisfied.
Despite their focus on their own needs and desires, selfish people are often unhappy and dissatisfied with their lives. Their constant pursuit of more and better can leave them feeling empty and unfulfilled. They’re never content with what they have and are always chasing after the next thing.
14. They drain the energy of those around them.
Spending time with a selfish person can be exhausting. Their constant demands for attention, lack of empathy, and tendency to dominate conversations can leave people feeling drained and depleted. They’re like emotional vampires, sucking the energy out of everyone they encounter.
15. They are resistant to change and growth.
Selfish people often get stuck in their ways and are resistant to change. They might be unwilling to try new things, listen to feedback, or acknowledge their flaws. They believe they’re already perfect and don’t see the need for personal growth or self-improvement.
16. They lack gratitude.
Selfish people often take things for granted and fail to appreciate the good things in their lives. They focus on what they lack, complain about their problems, or compare themselves to other people in a negative way. They have difficulty expressing gratitude and acknowledging what anyone else brings to the table.
