Egotism — it’s a word we often label on those who seem overly self-centered, but there’s more to it than just a high level of self-importance.

It’s about a set of behaviors, attitudes, and reactions that are deeply rooted in the person’s psyche.

According to psychology, deep-seated egotism isn’t always as obvious as we think. It’s not just about blatant braggadocio or arrogance. It can also manifest subtly, without the person even realizing it.

But how can you identify these unconscious egotistical behaviors?

Well, there are certain unmistakable signs, and in this article, I’m going to bring light to 9 of them.

These signs will help you better understand and navigate your interactions with those who may be deeply egotistical, even if they’re unaware of their own behavior.

1) They’re always the hero of their own story

In the universe of the deeply egotistical, they always cast themselves as the shining star, constantly positioning themselves as the hero in every narrative.

An egotistical person tends to view their experiences, achievements, and struggles through a lens that places them at the center. Everything seems to revolve around them.

They often speak about their lives in a way that highlights their victories and downplays their failures. They paint a picture where they always come out on top, or if they don’t, it’s because of factors beyond their control.

Their perspective is skewed towards self-importance.

This behavior can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. But once you start noticing it, it’s hard to ignore.

2) They struggle with empathy

Here’s the thing…

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about stepping into another person’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

But for those deeply rooted in egotism, this can be a real challenge.

Why?

Because their focus is primarily on themselves. They find it difficult to shift that focus onto others, especially when it comes to understanding their emotions and experiences.

It doesn’t mean they’re incapable of feeling or expressing empathy. It just means it doesn’t come as naturally to them as it might for others.

And it’s not just about being unable to sympathize. Sometimes, they might even dismiss or belittle the feelings of others, intentionally or not.

3) They’re often generous…with a catch

Egotistical individuals can often display bouts of generosity. They might be the first to pick up the tab at a dinner or offer to help you move.

But here’s the twist: their generosity usually comes with strings attached.

It’s not about the joy of giving or helping someone in need. Rather, it’s about how this act of generosity can serve their self-image.

They might expect something in return, whether it’s gratitude, admiration, or a returned favor in the future. Alternatively, they may use their generosity as a way to assert their superiority or control over others.

Therefore, if you notice someone’s acts of kindness always seem to have an ulterior motive, it could indicate a deeper level of egotism.

4) They have a hard time accepting criticism

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to take criticism personally, almost as if it’s an attack on their character?

This is often a sign of deep-seated egotism.

Egotistical individuals usually have a high self-image that they strive to maintain. They see themselves in a certain light and anything that challenges that perception can be threatening to them.

As such, they tend to react defensively to criticism, whether constructive or not. They might dismiss it outright, make excuses, or even deflect blame onto others.

Their primary concern is preserving their ego and self-image.

5) They exhibit a pattern of one-upping

Egotistical individuals often feel the need to be the best, the most knowledgeable, or the most experienced. As a result, they often engage in what’s commonly known as “one-upping“.

This behavior can manifest in various ways:

• Constantly trying to outdo others in conversation
• Always having a better story or experience to share
• Regularly downplaying the achievements of others

If you notice these behaviors consistently, it’s likely a sign of an underlying egotism. It’s not just about competitiveness; it’s about asserting their dominance or superiority.

6) They often dominate conversations

We’ve all been in a conversation where it feels more like a monologue, haven’t we?

Some people just love to hear themselves talk, and this is particularly true for those with a deep-seated sense of egotism.

These individuals often dominate conversations, steering them back to their favorite topic: themselves. They can talk at length about their experiences, their ideas, their successes and seldom leave room for others to contribute.

And here’s the kicker: they might not even realize they’re doing it.

To them, the conversation feels engaging and dynamic because they’re so wrapped up in it. But for others, it can feel one-sided and stifling.

So let’s be aware. If we notice someone consistently dominating conversations, it could be a sign of deeper egotism.

7) They rarely admit fault

Picture this: You’re in a heated discussion with someone. They’ve clearly made a mistake, but instead of admitting it, they dig their heels in.

Doesn’t that sound frustrating?

This is a common behavior among deeply egotistical individuals. They have a hard time admitting when they’re wrong or have made a mistake.

Their self-image is so important to them, that admitting fault feels like an attack on their identity. So instead, they might deny the mistake, deflect blame onto others, or even twist the facts to suit their narrative.

8) They have a tendency to belittle others

I remember a friend of mine from college who was incredibly smart and talented, but he had a habit that was hard to ignore.

Whenever someone shared an accomplishment or a piece of good news, he would find a way to belittle it or make it seem insignificant.

At first, I thought he was just being competitive or maybe even a little insecure. But as time went on, I realized this was more than just an occasional slip-up. It was a consistent pattern of behavior.

This tendency to belittle others is often a sign of deep-seated egotism. Egotistical individuals feel the need to maintain their superiority, and one way they do that is by undermining the achievements of others.

9) They struggle with genuine connections

And here we are, the final point.

Deeply egotistical individuals often struggle to form and maintain genuine connections with others.

Why? Because real connections require vulnerability, empathy, and a willingness to see and value others for who they are.

These qualities can be challenging for someone who is primarily focused on maintaining their own self-image and superiority. They might have plenty of acquaintances, but few close, meaningful relationships.

What can we do when we encounter deep-seated egotism?

Encountering deeply egotistical individuals can be challenging. But understanding these behaviors gives us a tool to navigate these interactions more effectively.

Here’s what we can do:

• Establish clear boundaries: It’s important to protect your emotional well-being.
• Express your feelings assertively: Be open about how their behavior affects you.
• Consider seeking professional help: If the egotistical person is a loved one, family therapy or counseling can be beneficial.

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to remember that everyone, including deeply egotistical individuals, are dealing with their own struggles and insecurities. Understanding this can help us approach these situations with empathy and compassion.