Some people make everything about themselves, even when it’s completely unnecessary or inappropriate.
They talk in circles, dismiss other people’s feelings, and always find a way to flip the focus back to themselves. They usually don’t have anything important to contribute, nor are they offering any new or valuable perspectives — they just like the sound of their own voice. If someone in your life keeps saying things like this, you’re probably dealing with a self-centred person.
1. “I don’t see how that’s my problem.”
When something doesn’t affect them directly, they struggle to care. Whether it’s a workplace issue, a family concern, or something a friend is going through, if there’s no personal benefit, they dismiss it. Even when they’re technically not responsible, a little empathy goes a long way. But for someone self-absorbed, if it doesn’t inconvenience them, they don’t see why they should even acknowledge it.
2. “Well, that’s not what happened to me.”
Instead of listening when someone shares an experience, they immediately turn the conversation to themselves. If a friend talks about a bad day, they’ll jump in with a worse one. If someone shares an achievement, they’ll one-up it. Conversations with them feel like a competition, not an exchange. No matter what the topic is, their focus is on how they can bring the attention back to themselves.
3. “I don’t need advice; I know what I’m doing.”
They might be completely lost, but admitting that? Never. They’ll dismiss help, refuse feedback, and insist they already have everything under control, even when it’s clear they don’t. What makes this worse is that when things do go wrong, they rarely take responsibility. Instead of admitting they should have listened, they’ll find a way to blame circumstances or other people. We can all use a little constructive feedback sometimes, but they refuse to accept that.
4. “I shouldn’t have to explain myself.”
Even when they clearly owe someone an explanation, they act as if it’s beneath them. If they hurt someone’s feelings, caused a problem, or made a bad decision, they’ll brush off any request for accountability. For them, justifying their actions feels like an inconvenience. Instead of addressing the issue, they act offended that someone would even expect them to answer for it.
5. “I just tell it like it is.”
They claim they’re just being “honest,” but in reality, they use this as an excuse to be rude. Instead of delivering feedback with kindness, they say things in the harshest way possible and expect people to accept it. If someone calls them out, they’ll act like the other person is too sensitive. They’re not being upfront and candid for other people’s sake; they’re doing it because they have no regard for how their words affect other people.
6. “I deserve better than this.”
Everything should be catered to them. Whether it’s work, relationships, or even customer service, they feel entitled to special treatment, regardless of what they’ve done to earn it. They expect promotions without putting in extra effort, loyalty without giving it in return, and constant attention from other people. If they don’t get it, they act like the world is being unfair to them.
7. “I don’t have time for other people’s problems.”
When someone needs support, their response is dismissive. They’re too busy, too stressed, or just too uninterested to engage in anyone else’s issues, even if that person has been there for them in the past. It’s not really that they don’t have time; it’s that they don’t see why they should bother. They expect other people to be there for them, but when the roles are reversed, they disappear.
8. “Why does everything have to be about you?”
They can talk about themselves for hours, but the second someone else takes the spotlight, they get irritated. If a friend shares a personal struggle, they’ll accuse them of being dramatic. If a partner expresses their needs, they’ll act as if they’re asking for too much. They struggle with the idea that other people’s feelings and experiences matter just as much as theirs. Any moment where they’re not the focus feels like an inconvenience.
9. “I only surround myself with winners.”
They like to make it sound like they have high standards, but really, they just use people for status. If someone can’t offer them something — connections, money, admiration — they won’t bother keeping them around. Friendships and relationships are transactional to them. The second someone stops being useful, they lose interest and move on without a second thought.
10. “I work harder than anyone else.”
Even when they barely put in effort, they act like they’re carrying the weight of the world. They’ll complain that no one appreciates them, exaggerate how much they do, and act as if they’re the only one putting in work. In reality, they often expect everyone else to pick up the slack while taking credit for the results. When things go well, they take all the praise. When things go wrong, they suddenly had nothing to do with it.
11. “You’re just jealous.”
Any time someone challenges them, they assume it’s out of jealousy. If someone calls them out, questions them, or even just disagrees, they take it as a personal attack rather than constructive criticism. Instead of reflecting on why they’re being confronted, they dismiss it entirely. They believe they’re superior, so in their mind, the only reason someone would criticise them is that they can’t handle their greatness.
12. “I never get enough credit.”
Even when they do get recognition, it’s never enough. They crave constant validation, and if they’re not being praised regularly, they act like people are deliberately ignoring their achievements. Rather than appreciating the moments where they do get credit, they focus on what they feel they’re missing. No matter how much attention they receive, they’ll always want more.
13. “I can’t believe you’re making me the bad guy.”
When confronted about something, they immediately flip the narrative. Instead of addressing their actions, they make themselves the victim, acting like the other person is unfairly attacking them. It’s a way to avoid accountability while shifting guilt onto the other person. If they can make someone feel bad for even bringing up an issue, they don’t have to take responsibility for fixing it.
14. “You wouldn’t understand what I go through.”
They believe their struggles are harder than everyone else’s. Even when someone is going through something really hard or upsetting, they’ll act like their own problems are worse. Instead of showing empathy, they dismiss other people’s experiences. They want to be the most stressed, the most overworked, or the most underappreciated because if someone else’s struggles are just as valid, it takes attention away from them.
15. “That’s not how I remember it.”
Even when presented with facts, they twist things to suit their own version of events. If they hurt someone, they’ll remember it differently. If they made a mistake, they’ll insist that’s not what really happened. They rewrite history to make themselves look better, even when the truth is obvious. If called out, they’ll act confused or insist the other person is exaggerating.
16. “People always let me down.”
They see themselves as the centre of the universe, and when people don’t meet their impossible expectations, they take it personally. If someone sets boundaries, they’ll call them selfish. If a friend can’t drop everything for them, they’ll say they’ve been betrayed. In reality, they expect more from people than they’re ever willing to give in return. They burn bridges by demanding too much, then act like the victim when they find themselves alone.
