Some people always seem to make conversations about themselves every single time.
It’s not just your imagination. Self-absorbed people have a knack for steering discussions back to their own experiences, opinions, and achievements. They might not even realise they’re doing it, but their words often reveal their self-centred tendencies. Here are some of the things you’ll likely hear come out of their mouths.
1. “I” statements galore
If you find yourself counting how many times they say “I,” “me,” or “my” in a single conversation, that’s a red flag. Self-absorbed people often dominate conversations with their own experiences and opinions, rarely leaving space for other people to share.
2. “That reminds me of the time I…”
They have a story for everything. No matter what topic you bring up, they’ll somehow manage to relate it back to themselves and their own experiences. This can be frustrating for the people who are trying to share their own stories or thoughts.
3. “I know exactly how you feel.”
While empathy is a valuable trait, self-absorbed people often jump to this phrase without truly listening or understanding the other person’s perspective. They usually try to relate everything back to themselves, minimising the other person’s feelings or experiences.
4. “I’m so busy.”
They constantly talk about how busy they are, as if it’s a badge of honour. This can come across as bragging or a way to avoid engaging with people on a deeper level. It’s as if their busyness is more important than anyone else’s time or concerns.
5. “I always…” or “I never…”
They use these absolute statements to generalise their experiences and opinions, often disregarding nuances or exceptions. This can make them seem close-minded and unwilling to consider other perspectives.
6. “I’m the best at…”
They have an inflated sense of self-importance and often boast about their achievements, talents, or possessions. They exaggerate their accomplishments or downplay other people’s contributions. This can make them appear arrogant and self-centred.
7. “That’s not how I would do it.”
They are quick to criticise people and offer unsolicited advice. They believe their way is the best way and have difficulty accepting different approaches or opinions. This can come across as judgmental and dismissive of other people’s ideas.
8. “Why does this always happen to me?”
They tend to play the victim and see themselves as the centre of every problem or misfortune. They have difficulty taking responsibility for their own actions and often blame external factors for their problems. This can make them seem self-pitying and unwilling to learn from their mistakes.
9. “You wouldn’t understand.”
They often dismiss other people’s experiences or opinions as irrelevant or unimportant. They believe their own perspective is superior, and that people lack the knowledge or insight to truly understand their situation. This can be alienating and dismissive, shutting down any potential for meaningful connection.
10. “Let me tell you how amazing my…”
They constantly brag about their possessions, achievements, or experiences, often in a way that feels like they’re trying to one-up people. They subtly (or not so subtly) put people down to elevate themselves. This constant self-promotion can be exhausting and off-putting.
11. “I’m not like other people.”
They see themselves as unique and superior to everyone, often emphasising how different they are from the “average” person. While individuality is important, this phrase often comes across as a way to elevate themselves above everyone else, rather than celebrating their unique qualities.
12. “I deserve this.”
Source: Unsplash They have a strong sense of entitlement and believe they are deserving of special treatment or recognition. They feel entitled to certain privileges or benefits, even if they haven’t earned them. This entitlement can lead to resentment and conflict in relationships.
13. “This is all about me.”
Source: Unsplash They have a tendency to make everything about themselves, even when the situation doesn’t warrant it. They hijack conversations, turn the focus back to themselves, or make decisions based solely on their own interests. This self-centredness can be draining and frustrating for other people.
14. “I don’t need anyone’s help.”
Source: Unsplash They often refuse help or support, even when they clearly need it. They might view asking for help as a sign of weakness or a threat to their self-image. This can make it difficult for people to connect with them or offer support.
15. “I’m always right.”
Source: Unsplash They have difficulty admitting they’re wrong or accepting feedback. They believe their opinions and judgments are infallible, even when presented with evidence to the contrary. This stubbornness can make them difficult to communicate with and can strain relationships.
16. “My problems are bigger than yours.”
Source: Unsplash They tend to downplay or brush off other people’s problems, focusing instead on their own issues. They invalidate people’s feelings or experiences by comparing them to their own, seemingly more significant, problems. This can make people feel unheard and unimportant.
17. “What’s in it for me?”
Source: Unsplash They often approach relationships and interactions with a transactional mindset. They might prioritise their own needs and interests over everyone else’s, only engaging in activities or relationships that benefit them in some way. This self-serving behaviour can damage trust and undermine genuine connections.
