Sometimes, it’s not what people say, but how they behave that shows they think they’re better than you.
Why they’re that delusional is anyone’s guess. Maybe they have a fancier job, make more money, or think they’re more intelligent than you. Whatever the reason, the fact that they truly believe they’re superior to you is laughable, yes, but it’s also infuriating. When someone does these things, it’s clear they see you as beneath them, and that’s not okay. Either call them out on it, stop spending time with them if you can, or both.
1. They interrupt you all the time with a “better” story.
If someone regularly cuts you off in conversation or talks over you, it might be because they believe their opinions are more important than yours. It’s dismissive, and it can make you feel like your thoughts don’t matter at all. People who truly respect you will give you the space to share your ideas without always trying to one-up you. They’ll listen without rushing to tell their own story first.
2. They brush off your ideas without giving them a second thought.
When someone dismisses your suggestions or opinions quickly, without even considering them, it’s a clear sign they don’t see your perspective as worth taking seriously. If this happens often, it can leave you hesitant to share your thoughts in the future, and that’s not okay. A person who respects you will at least hear you out and take your ideas into account, even if they don’t fully agree with them.
3. They dominate conversations.
If you can’t get a word in edgeways because someone is always talking about their own thoughts and experiences, it may be because they think what they have to say is more interesting or important than anything you could add. It can feel like you’re just there to listen, rather than share in the conversation. In healthy communication, both people get the chance to speak and listen, and it’s not all about one person being the loudest voice in the room.
4. They don’t acknowledge any of your achievements.
When someone overlooks or downplays your successes, it’s a clear sign they don’t view you as an equal. Whether you’ve achieved something at work or reached a personal milestone, they might ignore it or brush it aside as unimportant. People who truly care about you will celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small. They’ll recognise your hard work and accomplishments, not minimise them.
5. They make condescending comments.
When someone speaks to you like you’re not quite on their level, it’s usually a sign they think they’re above you. Patronising remarks like, “Oh, that’s sweet,” or “You wouldn’t get it,” are hurtful and show a lack of respect for your intelligence or experience. Their behaviour is often more about their insecurity than anything to do with you. Spotting these comments for what they are can help you set healthy boundaries with them.
6. They don’t respect your boundaries.
If someone constantly ignores or disrespects your boundaries, it could be because they think their needs are more important than yours. Whether it’s pushing you into uncomfortable situations or disregarding your “no,” their behaviour shows a lack of respect for you as an equal. In healthy relationships, both people’s boundaries should be respected and valued, not ignored or dismissed.
7. They talk down to you.
You’ve probably encountered someone who speaks to you in a way that feels patronising, like they’re explaining things you already understand. It can feel condescending, making you wonder if they think you’re not as capable or intelligent as them. Doing this is often a way for them to feel in control. Don’t let their need to put you down affect how you see yourself.
8. They act like their time is more valuable than yours.
Someone who’s constantly late, cancels plans last minute, or rushes through conversations might be showing you that they don’t value your time. It’s frustrating and can make you feel unimportant. We all get busy, but consistently disrespecting someone’s time is a sign of a lack of consideration. If they truly valued you, they’d make an effort to respect your time just as much as their own.
9. They take credit for your ideas or work.
When someone takes credit for something you’ve done, whether it’s an idea at work or something you’ve created, it’s a sign they think they deserve the recognition, not you. That behaviour can be especially damaging in professional settings, where credit should be given where it’s due. If this happens, it’s important to assert your contributions and remind them that their actions aren’t going unnoticed.
10. They don’t care about your struggles.
When someone dismisses your challenges with comments like, “It’s not that bad,” or “You’ll get over it,” it can feel invalidating. Their response often suggests they don’t see your experiences as valid. People who respect you will acknowledge your struggles and offer empathy, even if they don’t fully understand what you’re going through. They won’t downplay your feelings to make themselves feel better.
11. They consistently make everything about themselves.
If you’re talking about your day, your feelings, or something you’ve experienced, and the conversation is quickly turned back to them, it might be because they think their life is more important. It can leave you feeling like your experiences aren’t worth hearing about. A healthy relationship involves give-and-take, with both people genuinely interested in what the other has to say.
12. They never apologise to you, even when they’re clearly in the wrong.
Source: Unsplash People who think they’re above you might never apologise, even when it’s clear they’ve messed up. They might make excuses, deflect blame, or offer an insincere apology that doesn’t acknowledge their wrongdoing. A true apology shows humility and respect, and when someone refuses to take responsibility, it often points to an inflated sense of self-importance.
13. They act like they’re doing you a favour by spending time with you.
If someone makes you feel like you should be grateful for their time and attention, it’s a clear sign they’re treating you like you’re beneath them. Whether it’s the way they talk to you or how they act like you’re lucky to be in their presence, it’s important to remember that relationships should be mutual. You deserve to be treated with equal respect and appreciation.
14. They rarely show genuine interest in your life.
When someone rarely asks about your thoughts, your day, or your passions, it’s a sign they’re not treating you as an equal. Conversations might feel one-sided, with them talking about themselves but never showing genuine curiosity about your experiences. Real connections come from mutual respect, where both people are invested in each other’s lives and perspectives.
