There’s a fine line between self-confidence and self-centeredness. With the former, you recognize your worth while considering others. With the latter, it’s all about ‘me, myself and I’ with little regard for those around.

Often, deeply self-centered people don’t even realize they’re coming off that way. They’re simply so engrossed in their world that they overlook the impact of their behavior on others.

In this article, I’ll explore 9 telltale behaviors typically exhibited by such individuals.

These insights might just reveal if you or someone you know is more self-centered than they think.

1) Constant need for validation

A key characteristic of deeply self-centered individuals is their constant longing for validation and praise. Unlike confident individuals who feel secure in their worth regardless of external approval, self-centered people crave constant reassurance.

This need for validation often manifests itself in various ways. For instance, such individuals might be excessively boastful about their achievements or constantly fishing for compliments.

The driving force behind this behavior? The desire to be the center of attention. After all, it’s all about them, right?

But they may not even realize they’re doing it. They might see this as a way to share their experiences or success, not realizing that it could come off as self-centered to others.

So the next time you notice someone always steering the conversation back towards themselves or frequently seeking approval, you might be dealing with a deeply self-centered person.

2) Lack of genuine interest in others

In my personal experience, I’ve noticed that deeply self-centered individuals rarely show a genuine interest in other people’s lives, experiences, or feelings.

I once had a friend, let’s call him Jack. Whenever we met, our conversations were always dominated by his life, his problems, and his achievements. When I tried to share something about my day or my work, he would swiftly divert the conversation back to himself.

At first, I thought maybe he was just excited about sharing his life with me. But over time, it became clear that he wasn’t really interested in what was happening with me. His lack of empathy and interest in anyone but himself was a clear sign of deep-seated self-centeredness.

If you find your conversations with someone are usually one-sided and revolve around them, it’s likely you’re dealing with a self-centered person.

3) Difficulty accepting criticism

Self-centered individuals often have a hard time accepting criticism or negative feedback. This stems from their inflated sense of self-worth and a belief that they can do no wrong.

When confronted with criticism, they often react with defiance, anger, or denial rather than considering the validity of the feedback.

This behavior not only hampers their personal growth but also strains their relationships with others.

4) Unwillingness to compromise

Another sign of a deeply self-centered person is the reluctance or outright refusal to compromise. They tend to have an ‘my way or the highway’ attitude, insisting on having things done their way without considering others’ viewpoints or feelings.

This rigid stance often comes from a belief that their ideas, opinions, or needs are superior to those of others.

Compromise, to them, feels like a loss rather than a mutual agreement or solution.

5) Always playing the victim

Playing the victim is a common tactic of self-centered individuals. They have a knack for twisting situations to make themselves appear as the victim, even when they’re clearly in the wrong.

This behavior serves two purposes. First, it diverts attention away from their mistakes, and second, it garners sympathy and attention.

If you find someone constantly playing the victim and refusing to take responsibility for their actions, chances are they may be more self-centered than they realize.

6) Neglecting the needs of others

One of the most heartbreaking signs of deeply self-centered people is their neglect for the needs, feelings, and well-being of others. Their world revolves around them, often to the extent that they forget others also have needs.

I’ve seen relationships strain and friendships fade due to this obliviousness. It’s as if the feelings of others become invisible to them.

They fail to recognize that a relationship is about give and take, not just receiving.

7) Lack of empathy

In my own experience, a profound lack of empathy is a clear sign of deep-rooted self-centeredness.

I remember a time when I was going through personal difficulties, and a close friend, rather than offering support, seemed indifferent and detached.

Despite having shared many happy moments together, their inability to empathize with my struggles was starkly apparent. It seemed as if my pain didn’t matter to them, as long as it didn’t affect their happiness.

This lack of empathy, the inability to put oneself in another’s shoes, is a key trait of self-centered individuals.

8) Controlling behavior

Self-centered individuals often exhibit controlling behavior, wanting to dictate every aspect of a situation or relationship to suit their needs and desires.

This control can range from minor decisions, like choosing a restaurant for dinner, to major life decisions involving careers or relationships.

Their need for control usually stems from a desire to maintain a world that revolves around them. They believe they know best and disregard the opinions and feelings of others.

If you find yourself feeling controlled or disregarded in your choices by someone close to you, this could be a sign of deep-seated self-centeredness.

9) Inability to celebrate others’ success

Perhaps the most telling sign of a deeply self-centered person is their inability to genuinely celebrate the success of others. They often feel threatened by other people’s achievements, perceiving them as a blow to their own self-worth.

This jealousy or insecurity prevents them from being truly happy for others.

Instead of sharing in the joy, they might downplay the accomplishment or redirect the spotlight back onto themselves.

If you encounter someone who struggles to celebrate your victories without making it about themselves, it’s a clear indication of deep-seated self-centeredness.