8 behaviors of men who were overly spoiled growing up, according to psychology

The way we’re raised plays a significant role in shaping how we approach relationships, responsibilities, and life’s challenges.
Men who were overly spoiled growing up often develop certain behaviors that can affect their personal and professional lives.
These behaviors may not always be obvious, but they stem from a childhood where they were shielded from consequences or given too much too easily.
According to psychology, here are eight behaviors commonly seen in men who were overly spoiled in their formative years:
1) Entitlement
These men often carry an inflated sense of entitlement into adulthood.
They might believe they deserve special treatment, are entitled to other people’s time, or that their needs should always take priority.
This isn’t a personal choice—it’s a learned behavior, often rooted in their upbringing.
For example, if they wanted a toy as a child and always got it, they may grow to expect similar treatment in their adult life.
It could manifest in expecting promotions without putting in the hard work or assuming they’ll get the biggest slice of cake at a party.
This behavior can make relationships challenging, especially if their companion or partner is on the receiving end—making them feel like their needs are secondary or that they’re constantly on the back foot.
2) Avoidance of responsibility
Oddly enough, men who were overly spoiled growing up might shy away from taking responsibility.
This may seem counter to the typical image of a spoiled child growing into a bossy, controlling adult.
The reason? They’re often accustomed to having things done for them.
Whether it was their laundry, meals, or even their homework, they didn’t have to lift a finger.
In adulthood, this pattern can continue.
They might avoid tasks they deem mundane or beneath them, assuming that someone else will handle it.
This isn’t because they’re lazy—they’ve just never learned to take responsibility for themselves.
3) Difficulty handling rejection
Remember that childhood tantrum when they didn’t get the toy they wanted?
That might have evolved into an adult who struggles with rejection.
In their world, they’re used to getting what they want.
When that doesn’t happen, it can lead to strong emotional responses, ranging from sulking to outright anger.
According to research, people who were overly indulged as children may have a harder time dealing with negative experiences in adulthood.
In relationships, this could manifest as an inability to accept a ‘no’ or a compromise.
They might react dramatically to criticism or not getting their way.
4) Struggle with independence
Growing up spoiled often means always having someone there to take care of things.
As a result, these men can struggle to stand on their own two feet as adults.
It’s not that they don’t want to be independent—it’s just that they might not have had the chance to learn how.
The world can seem a daunting place when a person is used to having a safety net at all times.
Imagine being suddenly dropped in a foreign country without knowing the language—that’s how it can feel for them when they’re expected to handle life’s challenges on their own.
5) Difficulty with financial management
Spoiled men might struggle to manage their finances because they’ve never had to before, having not learned the skills to budget, save, or invest because they’ve always had someone else dealing with their finances.
This behavior can lead to financial struggles in adulthood, even if they’re earning a good salary.
It can also cause tension in relationships, especially when shared finances are involved.
Recognizing this pattern can help in understanding their struggles and offering support, like suggesting a personal finance course or a budgeting app that might help them get on top of their finances.
6) Over-dependence on others
I once had a friend who grew up with everything he wanted; his parents were always there to help him, whether it was with his homework, making his meals, or cleaning his room.
As an adult, this friend finds it hard to do things on his own.
He’s always looking for someone to lean on, whether it’s for advice on what to cook for dinner or how to handle a work problem.
This over-dependence on others isn’t because he’s incapable or lazy.
It’s just that he’s always had someone to rely on and hasn’t developed the confidence to make decisions independently.
In relationships, this can sometimes feel like a heavy burden as it might seem like you’re more of a caretaker than a partner.
7) Lack of consideration for others
Here’s the hard truth: Men who were overly spoiled growing up often struggle with empathy.
They’re used to their needs being prioritized and might not fully understand the concept of considering others’ feelings.
In a relationship, this can translate to them making plans without consulting anyone, or forgetting to ask about a person’s day.
It’s not that they don’t care about anyone—they just haven’t learned to think outside their bubble.
This isn’t an excuse, though, as empathy is a vital part of any healthy relationship—and it’s okay to expect it from a male partner.
Clear communication about one’s expectations and feelings can help them better understand the importance of mutual consideration.
8) Resistance to change
Spoiled men often resist change—there, I said it!
They’re used to their comfort zone and might find it hard to adapt to new situations or routines.
This resistance isn’t about being stubborn or difficult, rather it’s about fear of the unknown, born from a lifetime of predictability and having things their way.
In relationships, this could mean they struggle with moving houses, changing jobs, or even trying a new cuisine.
People might feel like they’re always pushing against a wall.
But remember, understanding is key.
Recognizing where this behavior comes from can help you approach it with patience and compassion, guiding them towards embracing change as a part of life, rather than something to be feared.
Final thoughts
Understanding the behaviors of men who were overly spoiled growing up can be a journey—recognizing patterns, learning to navigate them, and realizing these behaviors are not personal.
This article has aimed to shed some light on these behaviors, but at the end of the day, the journey is unique to every individual and relationship.
Navigating these challenges doesn’t mean tolerating disrespectful behavior.
It’s about understanding where it comes from and addressing it constructively.
Your needs and feelings are just as important—being empathetic doesn’t mean ignoring your own wellbeing.
Here’s to healthier, more understanding relationships!