Navigating the world of human behavior can be tricky, especially when dealing with self-centered individuals.

Self-centeredness, according to psychology, isn’t just about thinking you’re the bee’s knees. It’s a deeply ingrained pattern of behaviors that can be quite challenging to deal with.

In my quest to understand this better, I’ve learned that there are certain behaviors that give away such people. And trust me, knowing these signs can save you a lot of headaches down the line.

So buckle up, as we dive into the key behaviors that those who are deeply self-centered often display.

1) They often dominate conversations

Deeply self-centered individuals have a knack for making every conversation about them.

It’s a common characteristic. You’ll notice that they always have a way of steering the conversation back to their experiences, accomplishments, or problems.

This behavior, according to psychology, is rooted in their belief that their life is more important than others’. It’s not just about small talk or chit-chat; it’s a consistent pattern where they assert their narrative at the expense of others.

It can be draining and frustrating to engage with someone who is always center-stage. But understanding this behavior gives you a clearer picture of their mindset and helps you navigate interactions with them effectively.

Remember, it’s not just about recognizing this trait but also about how you respond to it.

2) They struggle with empathy

Another telltale sign of deeply self-centered individuals is their difficulty with empathy.

This was something I personally experienced with an old friend. Every time I was going through a tough time and needed a shoulder to lean on, the conversation would inevitably circle back to her – her problems, her experiences, her life. It felt like my struggles were merely a backdrop for her to talk about herself.

This lack of empathy stems from their preoccupation with their own world. It’s not that they’re incapable of understanding others’ feelings or perspectives. It’s more about their focus being so inward that they struggle to step outside of their own experiences and genuinely connect with what others are going through.

It’s a hard pill to swallow, especially when you’re on the receiving end. But understanding this behavior can provide clarity and guidance on how to handle such situations.

3) They have a high sense of entitlement

A high sense of entitlement is another trait common to deeply self-centered individuals.

They often believe they deserve special treatment and are quick to get upset if they don’t receive it. From expecting preferential treatment in social settings to demanding immediate attention to their needs, their world revolves around them.

Psychologists link this behavior to narcissistic personality disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a sense of entitlement is one of the nine criteria for diagnosing this disorder.

This trait can be challenging to deal with, but understanding why they behave this way can help you manage your interactions with them more effectively.

4) They’re often poor listeners

Listening, true active listening, is a skill. It involves not just hearing the words someone is saying, but understanding their emotions, their intentions, their perspective. It involves making a connection.

For deeply self-centered individuals, this can be a considerable challenge. Their preoccupation with their own thoughts and feelings often leaves little room for considering others’. You’ll often find them interrupting or zoning out during conversations, unable to stay present and engaged.

This behavior doesn’t just stem from disinterest. It’s rooted in their self-absorption and their tendency to prioritize their own experiences over others’. Recognizing this can be a key step in managing your relationship with such individuals.

5) They lack genuine interest in others

At the heart of every meaningful relationship is a shared interest in each other’s lives, joys, struggles, and experiences. It’s what connects us, what makes us human.

However, deeply self-centered individuals often struggle with this. Their interest in others tends to be superficial or fleeting, rarely extending beyond how others can serve their needs or boost their ego.

This lack of genuine interest can be hurtful, leaving others feeling overlooked or undervalued. It’s not always easy to deal with, but understanding this behavior can help you approach these relationships with a clearer perspective and better protect your emotional wellbeing.

6) They’re often defensive

Handling criticism is never easy. But for deeply self-centered individuals, it can be especially challenging. They often react to negative feedback with defensiveness or even hostility, viewing it as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth.

This was something I had to learn the hard way with a previous colleague. Every time I tried to offer constructive criticism, it was met with defensiveness and resentment. It made the working environment tense and difficult, and it took me a while to realize that this reaction wasn’t about me or my feedback. It was about his inability to accept criticism due to his self-centered nature.

Recognizing this characteristic can help you approach such situations more effectively, reducing conflict and fostering a better understanding of their behavior.

7) They often take more than they give

In any relationship, there should ideally be a balance of give and take. However, with deeply self-centered individuals, this balance often tilts heavily in their favor.

They have a propensity to take more than they give, whether it’s in terms of time, resources or emotional support. Their needs, desires and wants tend to take precedence over others’, which can leave those around them feeling drained and unappreciated.

This behavior stems from their belief that their needs are more important than those of others. Understanding this can help you set boundaries and protect your own needs and wellbeing in these relationships.

8) They lack self-awareness

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of dealing with deeply self-centered individuals is their lack of self-awareness.

They often fail to recognize the impact of their behavior on others, making it difficult for them to change or grow. This lack of self-awareness can lead to repeated patterns of self-centered behavior, further straining their relationships.

Remember, understanding these behaviors is crucial, but it’s equally important to protect your own emotional health. Don’t let their lack of self-awareness turn into your burden.

Final Thoughts: It’s about understanding, not judgment

Navigating relationships with deeply self-centered individuals can be challenging. Yet, it’s important to remember that these behaviors often stem from deep-seated insecurities or past wounds.

According to psychology, self-centeredness isn’t always about arrogance or ego. It can be a defense mechanism, a way for individuals to protect themselves from perceived threats or rejections.

This knowledge doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it offers a lens of understanding. It allows us to see beyond the surface, to humanize instead of demonize.

As we navigate these relationships, let’s strive for compassion and understanding. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to navigate this complex world in the best way we know how.