We all know that person – the one who’s always talking about themselves, can’t take a compliment, and thinks they’re a gift to humanity. Big egos are easy to spot once you know the signs. Here are some of the most predictable behaviors of those who think the world revolves around them.
1. They make absolutely everything about themselves.
They dominate conversations, always steering the topic back to themselves. Their stories are the best, their problems the biggest, their opinions the only ones that matter. Don’t expect them to ask about your day – they’re far more interested in telling you about theirs. If you manage to get them to ask how you are, prepare for them to interrupt your answer to launch into a story about themselves.
2. They one-up everyone’s stories and experiences.
They can’t let anyone else have the spotlight. If you mention an accomplishment, they’ve done something even better. A fun vacation? They’ve been to more exotic places. Trying to share your successes with them often turns into a competition you didn’t sign up for. Their need to “win” at all costs can get pretty exhausting.
3. They show a complete and utter lack of empathy.
They struggle to see things from another person’s perspective. Your problems or feelings might seem trivial because they lack the capacity to step outside their own experiences. If you’re looking for emotional support, best to look elsewhere. Expecting them to understand your struggles is likely to lead to disappointment.
4. They lash out when they receive criticism of any kind.
Even the slightest suggestion of improvement is taken as a personal attack. Their fragile ego can’t handle any hint that they’re less than perfect. Offering constructive feedback is likely to blow up in your face. They might take it as a sign you’re jealous of them or simply refuse to believe they could ever make a mistake.
5. They don’t have conversations, they give monologues.
They’re not interested in genuine conversation. They want an audience, not a conversation partner. Expect to do a lot of nodding along as they talk at you, and trying to get a word in edgewise might prove impossible. If you do manage to grab the mic, don’t be surprised if they glaze over until it’s their turn to speak again.
6. They point the finger at anyone and everyone instead of owning up to their mistakes.
Nothing is ever their fault. If something goes wrong, there’s always a scapegoat – a coworker, the weather, or plain bad luck. Taking responsibility is not their strong suit. They have an elaborate system for deflecting any and all blame. Don’t waste your energy trying to get them to see their role in a mess-up, they’ll twist themselves into knots to avoid admitting any fault.
7. They hog all the credit.
They’ll happily take credit for others’ successes, especially if it makes them look good. Teamwork is a foreign concept when there’s an ego to inflate. Watch out for them to swoop in and try to steal the spotlight when a project goes well. Be prepared to clearly advocate for yourself to make sure your contributions get proper recognition.
8. They love to name-drop.
They casually mention their connections to important or famous people to boost their own status. Whether those connections are real or exaggerated is beside the point. They believe associating themselves with high-status individuals makes them appear more important. It’s more about the appearance of prestige than actual substance.
9. They’re anything but humble.
They see admitting a mistake or not knowing something as a sign of weakness. Bragging about their accomplishments, however, is perfectly normal behavior. They have a hard time admitting they don’t have all the answers. Their need to seem flawless makes them come across as arrogant, even if they don’t intend to.
10. They’re sore losers.
Losing a game, an argument, or a competition throws them into a full-blown tantrum. Their fragile ego can’t handle anything less than total victory. If you engage with them competitively, be prepared for them to take it way too seriously. Even in friendly games, they probably see losing as a sign of personal failure.
11. They’re thin-skinned and defensive.
Even playful teasing or lighthearted banter can be misconstrued as a personal attack. They take everything seriously because, deep down, they’re insecure. Walking on eggshells around them might become necessary to avoid conflict. Learning to let their overreactions roll off your back is key if you need to interact with them regularly.
12. They always need to be right.
It doesn’t matter if they’re wrong; their need to win the argument always trumps the truth. They might twist facts or resort to personal insults just to “prove” their point. Trying to have a logical discussion with them can be infuriatingly pointless. They’re more interested in being right than in finding the actual truth.
13. They make sure to surround themselves with “yes” people.
They like keeping people around who constantly agree with them and feed their ego. Anyone offering a dissenting opinion is swiftly labeled as an enemy. They curate a social circle designed to inflate, not challenge, their sense of self. Don’t expect them to tolerate friends who offer genuine critiques or push them to be better.
14. They break the rules (because they don’t think they apply to them).
Rules are for other people, not for them. Their inflated sense of importance makes them feel above mundane things like waiting in line or following procedures. Don’t be surprised when they cut in front of you or demand special treatment. Their sense of entitlement can be truly infuriating to those around them.
15. They’re obsessed with their image.
They care deeply about how others perceive them. Designer clothes, fancy cars, or boasting about exclusive events – it’s all about projecting an image of success. The substance of who they are often takes a backseat to the image they want to portray. They might prioritize looking successful over actually achieving meaningful success.
16. Their apologies are infrequent and insincere.
A true apology involves admitting wrongdoing, which clashes with their need to appear flawless. Even if they say sorry, it’s likely to be followed by a “but…” Don’t expect them to take full accountability for their actions. Their apologies are often more about damage control than genuine remorse.
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