Navigating social interactions can be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with someone who is deeply self-centered. The challenge lies in recognizing these behaviors in the first place.

Self-centered individuals often camouflage their traits behind a well-constructed facade. But once you know what to look out for, it becomes easier to identify them.

In this article, I’ve identified 8 behaviors indicative of a deeply self-centered woman. And trust me, knowing these signs can save you a lot of headache down the line.

1) Constant need for attention

For a deeply self-centered woman, the world revolves around her. She is at the center of her universe, and she expects to be at the center of yours too.

This manifests in a constant need for attention. She wants to be heard, seen, and acknowledged at all times. Even when the situation doesn’t call for it, she’ll find a way to shift the focus back on herself.

This isn’t about being outgoing or sociable. It’s about a relentless pursuit of validation and affirmation from others.

Remember, it’s not just about recognizing this behavior but also understanding the motive behind it. Once you do, you’ll be better equipped to navigate your interactions with her.

2) Lack of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

A deeply self-centered woman often struggles with this. Her focus is so much on herself that she finds it hard to empathize with others.

I’ve had personal experiences with this. I once had a friend who, no matter what you were going through, would always find a way to bring the conversation back to her problems. When I was going through a tough breakup, instead of offering support or understanding, she’d steer the conversation towards her own relationship woes.

It wasn’t that she didn’t care — it was just that her world view was so narrow, so focused on herself, that she found it hard to truly empathize with others.

3) Difficulty in sharing

Self-centered individuals often struggle with the concept of sharing, whether it’s physical possessions, time, or even emotional space. Their needs and wants invariably take precedence.

This behavior has its roots in early childhood development. According to psychologists, children typically start to understand the concept of sharing around the age of three. However, if this skill is not nurtured and developed, it can lead to self-centered behaviors later in life.

A self-centered woman might find it hard to share her time, attention or resources with others. She might always pick the movie to watch, hog conversations, or even eat the last slice of pizza without asking if anyone else wants it.

4) Excessive competitiveness

A deeply self-centered woman often exhibits excessive competitiveness. She has a compulsive need to be the best, to come out on top, even in situations where it’s not necessary.

This goes beyond a healthy spirit of competition. She tends to view every interaction as a win-lose scenario and struggles with the concept of “win-win.”

Whether it’s work, social gatherings, or even casual conversations, she always wants to outshine everyone else. This could mean one-upping others’ stories, constantly showing off her achievements, or turning casual games into serious contests.

5) Difficulty in acknowledging others’ accomplishments

Everyone likes to be recognized for their achievements. It’s a basic human need for validation and affirmation. But for a deeply self-centered woman, acknowledging others’ accomplishments can be a challenge.

She may struggle to genuinely congratulate others or may even feel threatened by their success. This isn’t because she’s inherently a bad person. It’s often because her sense of self-worth is so tied to being the best or the center of attention that others’ achievements make her feel insecure.

This can be heartbreaking to witness, especially when it’s someone you care about. It’s important to remember that her difficulty in acknowledging others’ accomplishments says more about her insecurities than it does about the accomplishments themselves.

6) Reluctance to apologize

Saying “I’m sorry” requires humility and the ability to admit mistakes. For a deeply self-centered woman, this can be incredibly challenging.

I once had a coworker who would never admit her mistakes. Even when she was clearly in the wrong, she would find a way to shift the blame or deflect. It was frustrating, not just because it led to misunderstandings, but because it prevented any meaningful resolution or growth.

This reluctance to apologize often stems from a fear of appearing weak or flawed. But it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and admitting them is a sign of strength, not weakness.

7) Disregard for others’ feelings

A deeply self-centered woman often has a tendency to disregard others’ feelings. She is so focused on her own emotions and perspectives that she overlooks how her actions or words might affect others.

This disregard can manifest in different ways. She might dismiss others’ opinions without a second thought, make insensitive comments, or constantly interrupt during conversations.

It’s important to note that this behavior is not always intentional. She might not even realize she’s doing it. But that doesn’t make it any less hurtful for those on the receiving end.

8) Neglect of relationships

At the end of the day, the most telling sign of a deeply self-centered woman is her neglect of relationships. Her focus on herself often comes at the expense of those around her.

She might consistently prioritize her needs over others’, forget important dates or events, or fail to show up when needed. Over time, this neglect can strain relationships and lead to feelings of resentment and frustration.

It’s important to remember that healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, understanding, and care. If you consistently find yourself feeling neglected or unappreciated, it might be time to have a frank conversation about your needs and expectations.

Final thoughts

Recognizing self-centered behavior is not about assigning blame or labeling someone negatively. It’s about understanding the dynamics at play and how they affect your interactions.

For some, self-centeredness might be a coping mechanism, a defensive armor against perceived threats or insecurities. For others, it might be a learned behavior, an adaptation to past experiences.

What’s crucial is to approach such individuals with empathy and understanding. Open conversations can go a long way in fostering healthier relationships and mutual growth.