We’ve all met someone who manages to make everything about them—maybe at work, in our friend group, or even in our family. It’s that person who lives life like they’re the main character and everyone else is just part of their supporting cast. Let’s talk about some dead giveaways that you might be dealing with someone who’s got a slightly inflated view of themselves.
1. They’re The Star of Every Single Story
Every story they tell somehow ends with them saving the day or being the unsung hero. Like that time the office printer jammed? Suddenly it becomes this epic tale about how they single-handedly prevented a corporate meltdown. Their version of events always seems a bit more… dramatic than everyone else remembers. And have you noticed how their role in any success story gets bigger every time they tell it? It’s like that fish that keeps getting bigger with every retelling of the “one that got away.”
2. They Take Criticism Terribly
Ever tried giving these folks some constructive feedback? Whew, grab your popcorn—it’s going to be a show! They’ll either act like you just personally insulted their entire family tree or launch into a 45-minute presentation about why they’re actually perfect. Even something as simple as “Hey, maybe try it this way instead” can trigger a defensive monologue that would put a courtroom drama to shame. And don’t even think about suggesting they might have made a mistake—that’s like poking a bear with a stick.
3. They Think Rules Are More Like… Suggestions
You know how most of us wait in line at Starbucks? Well, not these folks—they genuinely believe they should be an exception to basically every rule ever made. They’ll show up 30 minutes late to dinner but throw a full-on fit if anyone dares to be 5 minutes late to meet them. It’s like they’re living in their own special universe where normal rules don’t apply because they’re just too important for that kind of thing. And the look of genuine shock on their face when they don’t get special treatment? Priceless.
4. Their Resume Should Be Filed Under “Fiction”
Let’s talk about how they describe their work history—it’s like watching someone turn a summer job at McDonald’s into “Executive Director of International Cuisine Operations.” Everything they’ve ever done was apparently revolutionary and game-changing. That group project they contributed one idea to? Suddenly they were the visionary leader who made it all happen. And don’t even try to fact-check their stories, because somehow there’s always a convenient reason why that particular achievement isn’t documented anywhere.
5. They’re All Talk, No Follow-Through
These are the folks who announce their plans to run a marathon while sitting on the couch eating chips. They love making grand declarations about all the amazing things they’re going to do, but somehow those things never quite materialize. They’ll tell everyone about their brilliant business idea but never actually write a business plan. It’s like they’re stuck in the trailer phase of their movie—lots of exciting previews, but the full feature never comes out.
6. They’ve Never Met A Mistake They Couldn’t Explain Away
Somehow, what looks like an obvious error to everyone else was actually a brilliant strategy that we’re all just too simple to understand. They’ve got more excuses than a kid who didn’t do their homework, and each one is more creative than the last. Even when faced with clear evidence, they’ll spin a tale so complex it makes conspiracy theories look straightforward.
7. Their Moral Compass Points to “Whatever Benefits Me”
Watch how quickly their principles change depending on what they want at the moment. They’ll lecture you about being five minutes late but have a novel-length explanation about why it was totally fine when they ghosted you for a week. Their ethics are about as consistent as a weather forecast in spring. One minute they’re preaching about honesty, and the next they’re explaining why their little white lie was totally justified because they’re special.
8. They’re The Human Equivalent of a Peacock
Ever seen someone work a designer label into every single conversation? That’s your person right there. They’ll find a way to mention their “luxury” car even when you’re talking about grocery shopping. Their social media looks like a “Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous” highlight reel, even though you know they’re living on the same budget as everyone else. They treat every outing like they’re walking the red carpet, and honestly, it’s exhausting just watching them try so hard.
9. They’re Professional Rain-Cloud Makers
These folks have a special talent for raining on everyone else’s parade. Did you just get a promotion? Well, they’ll remind you how they got an even better one last year (spoiler: they didn’t). Share some good news, and watch how quickly they either one-up you or explain why your achievement isn’t actually that impressive. It’s like they’re allergic to letting anyone else have their moment to shine.
10. Everything’s A Five-Alarm Emergency
A slightly delayed coffee order becomes “the worst thing that’s ever happened to anyone, ever.” Every minor inconvenience is treated like it’s the plot of an action movie, with them as the struggling hero. They somehow turn regular Monday meetings into epic sagas of triumph over adversity. And don’t get me started on how they handle actual problems—it’s like watching someone try to put out a candle with a fire hose.
11. Their Friend List Has More Turnover Than A Fast Food Joint
Watch how their “best friends forever” seem to change every other week. Today’s “absolute bestie” is next week’s “toxic person I had to cut out of my life.” They collect and discard people faster than most of us change our socks. One minute they’re posting about their “ride or die” crew, and the next thing you know, they’ve got a completely different squad. It’s like they’re constantly auditioning new people for roles in their personal movie.
12. They Think Every Conversation Is Their TED Talk
Try having a normal chat with them—I dare you. Somehow, every single topic circles back to their fascinating insights and incredible experiences. You could be talking about your grandmother’s cookie recipe, and they’ll find a way to make it about that time they revolutionized the entire baking industry (spoiler: they didn’t). They’ve got the conversational skills of a boomerang—everything they throw out there comes right back to them.
13. Their Empathy Switch Is More Like a Dimmer
When it comes to understanding others’ feelings, they’re surprisingly selective. Your tragedy that reminds them of something they went through? Full waterworks and endless support. Your unique problem that they can’t relate to? Suddenly they’re as emotionally available as a brick wall. It’s like their empathy only works when they can see their own reflection in your situation.
