Entitlement isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always show up with a tantrum or a demand. Sometimes, it’s a subtle social smirk, a refusal to wait in line, or the expectation that the world should shape itself around someone’s whims. The worst part? Entitled people usually think they’re just being confident, decisive, or “knowing their worth.”
In reality, entitlement is an ugly cousin of narcissism—it expects privilege without accountability. It thrives on double standards, selective empathy, and a warped sense of superiority. And while it can masquerade as ambition or self-respect, it’s easy to spot when you know the signs. Here are 13 habits that scream, “I’m entitled”—even if the person doing them thinks they’re just being “assertive.”
1. They Make Everything About Themselves
Conversations with an entitled person somehow always circle back to them, according to Better Help. If you share a story about something exciting, they have to one-up it. If you’re going through something hard, suddenly your problems are bigger, deeper, and more exhausting. There’s no space for empathy—only a spotlight.
This self-centeredness isn’t just annoying, it’s emotionally draining. According to the Cleveland Clinic, entitlement is often linked with narcissistic traits like attention-seeking and a lack of empathy (source). These people aren’t listening to understand—they’re waiting for their turn to speak. And if you call them out, they’ll accuse you of being jealous or dramatic.
2. They Expect Praise For The Bare Minimum
These are the people who act like doing their job deserves a standing ovation. They’ll vacuum once and expect to be called a domestic hero, or submit an assignment on time and expect public recognition. Performing basic responsibilities becomes an ego parade.
What’s happening is a desperate need for external validation. They don’t see contribution as a shared expectation—they see it as a favor they’re doing the world. If they do something nice, they want a medal. If they show up, they want applause.
3. They Have Zero Patience For Waiting
Entitled people treat waiting as a personal insult. Whether it’s a coffee line, a doctor’s office, or a delayed reply to a text, they act like the universe is inconveniencing them on purpose. You’ll often hear passive-aggressive sighs, see eye rolls, or witness a full-blown meltdown over being asked to wait like everyone else.
This isn’t just rudeness—it’s a belief that their time is more valuable than yours. A study from the University of Michigan found that entitled individuals overestimate their importance and underestimate others’ needs (source). Waiting exposes their lack of control, and that doesn’t sit well with someone who thinks the rules don’t apply to them.
4. They Don’t Take “No” Well
Set a boundary with an entitled person and watch them unravel. They’ll guilt trip, push back, or accuse you of being unreasonable. “No” isn’t just a word—it threatens their inflated sense of entitlement.
In relationships, this plays out as coercion disguised as compromise. They might say, “If you cared, you’d do it,” or twist your “no” into an attack. Consent, limits, and autonomy are seen as barriers to their comfort, not as basic human rights. That’s not assertiveness—it’s manipulation.
5. They Believe Rules Are For Other People
These are the people who think speed limits are suggestions and deadlines are flexible—for them, at least. They don’t believe rules apply equally because deep down, they think they’re special. If they break a rule, it’s just a “gray area.” If you do it? You’re irresponsible.
As Psychology Today notes, this mindset is a hallmark of grandiose entitlement. This double standard creates chaos in group dynamics and fuels resentment. Entitled people will cut corners, bend policies, or even lie if it serves their goals. And if they get caught, they’ll say the rule was unfair to begin with.
6. They Constantly Interrupt
They cut you off mid-sentence, finish your thoughts (wrongly), or redirect the topic entirely. Interrupting isn’t always about excitement—it’s often a display of dominance. They want control of the conversation and don’t care how rude it is to take it.
This behavior reveals a deeper belief: that their voice matters more than yours. In meetings, they bulldoze over quieter colleagues. In relationships, they silence their partners. It’s not about communication—it’s about control.
7. They Exploit Other People’s Kindness
Entitled people love generous friends, but not because they appreciate them. They see kindness as a resource to be mined. The more accommodating you are, the more they’ll push your boundaries, ask for favors, and offer little in return.
They often guilt-trip others for saying no, using emotional manipulation to maintain access to their “supply.” According to a report from the American Psychological Association, emotional exploitation is a common trait among people with high entitlement beliefs. If they’re always taking and never giving, it’s not a friendship—it’s a transaction.
8. They Name-Drop To Flex Their Importance
Entitled people often use name-dropping as social currency. Mentioning who they know, where they’ve been, or what exclusive group they’re in becomes a way to elevate their status. It’s less about sharing and more about flexing.
They’re saying, “I’m better than you because of who I associate with.” It’s a covert power move meant to intimidate or impress. But it often backfires—most people see through the performative posturing. Real confidence doesn’t need a résumé mid-conversation.
9. They Demand Special Treatment
Whether it’s asking for discounts, skipping lines, or expecting exceptions to be made, entitled people live in a world of “should.” They should get the upgrade. They should be prioritized. They should be thanked just for showing up.
This isn’t confidence—it’s delusion wrapped in entitlement. Special treatment isn’t a right; it’s a privilege. And when they don’t get it, they act victimized, as if fairness is somehow persecution. It’s exhausting, and frankly, embarrassing.
10. They Never Apologize—At Least Not Sincerely
Their apologies are often conditional: “I’m sorry you felt that way,” or “I’m sorry, but you overreacted.” These aren’t real apologies. They’re subtle blame-shifts meant to preserve their image.
True accountability requires vulnerability, and entitled people hate that. Admitting they were wrong threatens their inflated self-view. So they rewrite the narrative, spin the truth, or go silent. Anything but owning their part.
11. They Expect Everyone To Be Their Therapist
You’re expected to listen, soothe, reassure, and support them endlessly. But when it’s your turn to need care, they disappear or downplay your experience. Emotional reciprocity doesn’t exist in their world.
Entitled people outsource their emotional regulation. They make others responsible for their moods, insecurities, and anxieties. And if you ever express exhaustion, they act like you’ve betrayed them. It’s a one-way emotional street, and you’re the unpaid therapist.
12. They’re Shocked When You Set Boundaries
Setting a boundary with an entitled person often leads to confusion, anger, or defensiveness. They’ll act betrayed that you dare to say “no” or assert a need. Boundaries, to them, feel like rejection.
This is because they view relationships transactionally. If you’re not giving them access or benefits, they question your loyalty. But boundaries are healthy, and pushing back against someone who violates them is an act of self-respect, not selfishness.
13. They Judge Others Ruthlessly
They’ll pick apart others’ choices, criticize strangers, or roll their eyes at people they think are “beneath” them. But when the tables turn? Suddenly, they want understanding and compassion.
Entitled people don’t just lack empathy—they weaponize judgment. It’s how they boost their ego: by knocking others down. But the minute you hold them to their standards, they crumble into victimhood. That hypocrisy? It’s the loudest red flag of all.
