Ever get the feeling that someone thinks they’re better than you? But how can you be sure?

Psychology offers some clues, with subtle signs that suggest when someone might see you as beneath them.

In this article, we’ll look at eight of these signs. If you’ve ever wondered if someone sees you as less than them, keep reading. These insights might help you understand what’s really going on.

1) They frequently interrupt you

Ever been in a conversation where you can hardly get a word in edgewise? That’s not just annoying – it’s a sign that someone might think they’re above you.

According to psychology, frequent interruption is an attempt to assert dominance. It’s like they’re saying, “My thoughts are more important than yours.”

If you notice this behavior regularly from a specific person, it’s possible they view you as beneath them. 

2) They rarely make eye contact

This is a big one, and it’s something I’ve personally experienced.

I have this colleague who often looks over my shoulder or at her phone when we talk.

At first, I thought she was just distracted. But over time, I noticed she only did this with me.

Research in psychology suggests that avoiding eye contact can be a subtle sign of disrespect. It’s like they’re saying, “You’re not worth my full attention.”

If someone consistently avoids making eye contact with you, they might see you as below them. It’s subtle, but it speaks volumes about their perception of your worth.

3) They constantly criticize you

No one is perfect, and we can all benefit from constructive feedback.

However, if you notice someone is consistently picking apart your work or actions, it might be more than just helpful advice.

Psychology tells us that excessive criticism can be a sign of superiority complex. It’s an attempt to assert dominance by highlighting your flaws and mistakes.

Interestingly, a study found that people who regularly criticize others often do so to reaffirm their own sense of status and self-worth.

So if you feel like you’re constantly under the microscope, it might just be because someone sees you as beneath them.

4) They dismiss your opinions and ideas

Everyone has a right to their own thoughts and ideas. However, if someone is constantly dismissing yours without giving them any consideration, it might be a sign they think they’re above you.

Psychology tells us that dismissing someone’s opinions is a way of asserting dominance. It’s like they’re saying, “Your thoughts don’t matter because mine are superior.”

So if your ideas are frequently brushed aside or ignored, it could be an indication that the person sees you as less than them. Always know that your thoughts and ideas are valuable and deserve to be heard.

5) They never ask about your life

We all have stories to share, victories to celebrate, and challenges to overcome. But when someone consistently fails to show interest in your life, it can hurt.

Psychology suggests that a lack of interest in another’s personal life can indicate a sense of superiority. It’s as if they’re saying, “Your life isn’t important enough for me to care about.”

If someone never asks about your day, your dreams, or your struggles, it might just be a sign they see you as below them. 

6) They don’t value your time

I once had a friend who was always late. I would wait for hours, my time wasted. It was frustrating, and after a while, I started to feel disrespected.

Not respecting someone’s time is a subtle way of expressing superiority. It’s as if they’re saying, “My time is more valuable than yours.”

If you find that someone consistently keeps you waiting or cancels plans at the last minute, it could be a sign that they see you as beneath them. You deserve respect, and that includes respect for your time.

7) They exclude you from decisions

Have you ever felt left out when important decisions are made? That’s not just frustrating – it can be a sign that someone sees you as less important.

Excluding someone from decision-making is a subtle sign of superiority. It’s as if they’re saying, “I don’t value your input because I know better.”

If you find yourself consistently out of the loop on decisions that impact you, it could be a sign that the person making the decisions views you as beneath them. 

8) They rarely show empathy towards you

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a cornerstone of any healthy relationship. If someone rarely shows empathy towards you, this could be a sign they see you as beneath them.

A lack of empathy often comes from a place of superiority. It’s as if they’re saying, “Your feelings don’t matter to me.”

Remember, your feelings are valid and important. Anyone who fails to recognize that may not see you as their equal.

Final thoughts: It’s a reflection of them, not you

If you’ve noticed these signs in someone’s behavior towards you, it’s crucial to remember one thing: their perception of you is more a reflection of their own insecurities and need for dominance than an accurate assessment of your worth.

Renowned psychologist, Dr. Carl Rogers, once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” Recognizing these subtle signs is the first step towards understanding and change.

Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.

Stay true to yourself and continue to grow on your own terms. Your self-worth should always come from within and not be dictated by the opinions of others.