There’s a fine line between self-confidence and selfishness.
We all have moments of selfishness, but some take it to the extreme. These individuals exhibit distinct behaviors that scream “me, myself, and me.”
Identifying these behaviors is crucial to understanding their mindset and how it impacts their interactions with others. And let me tell you, I’ve come up with 8 key behaviors that are clear signs of someone who is extremely selfish.
So, brace yourself, because we’re about to delve into the world of self-absorption.
1) They Dominate Conversations
We’ve all had those conversations that feel more like a monologue than a dialogue.
When you’re dealing with someone who is extremely selfish, they often tend to dominate the conversation. It’s not just that they talk more, it’s that they talk mostly about themselves.
These people are often so immersed in their world that they forget that there’s anyone else in the conversation. Their stories, their accomplishments, their problems—it’s all about them.
Remember, conversation is a two-way street. If you find yourself constantly on the listening end, barely saying a word, you may be dealing with a selfish individual.
2) They Lack Empathy
Now, this is a behavior I have personally encountered, and it is a clear red flag of a selfish personality.
I once had a friend who seemed to be completely unaware of other people’s feelings. Let’s call her Lisa. Whenever I was going through a tough time and needed someone to lean on, Lisa was quick to dismiss my concerns or worse, bring the conversation back to herself.
Her lack of empathy was astounding. It was as if she couldn’t get out of her shoes to understand or share other people’s feelings. It was all about her feelings and experiences.
It’s natural for people to focus on their feelings, but when this becomes a habit and they consistently fail to show empathy for others, it is often an indication of someone who is extremely selfish.
In my experience, dealing with such individuals can be emotionally draining. So, beware of this behavior.
3) They Crave Admiration and Attention
Selfish individuals desperately want to be in the spotlight. They crave admiration and attention like plants crave sunlight.
People who exhibit selfish behavior often have high levels of narcissism. These individuals thrive on the admiration of others and are always looking for ways to be the center of attention.
So, if you notice someone who is constantly seeking compliments, or turns every situation into an opportunity to showcase themselves, these may be signs of a highly selfish personality. The need for constant validation isn’t just about boosting their ego, it’s a way for them to assert their self-worth.
4) They Listen Badly
Listening is an art that not everyone has mastered. And for selfish individuals, it’s a skill they often lack.
Have you ever shared something important, only to find the other person barely paying attention or quickly turning the conversation to themselves? This is a classic sign of a selfish person. They are more interested in expressing their thoughts and opinions than listening to what others have to say.
This lack of active listening not only makes meaningful conversations difficult, but also indicates a lack of respect and consideration for others. So if you notice that someone is constantly interrupting or showing disinterest when it’s your turn to speak, it could be a red flag for a very selfish personality.
5) They Rarely Offer Help
In life’s journey, we all need a helping hand from time to time. But with selfish individuals, that help often comes in small amounts, if at all.
These people are so focused on their own needs and wants that they rarely step forward to lend a helping hand to others. It’s sad to see someone more concerned with their well-being than the problems of those around them.
It’s as if they live in their bubble, oblivious to the needs of others. And when they do offer help, it’s often with strings attached, expecting something in return.
6) They Struggle to Celebrate Others’ Success
In my own life, I’ve come across individuals who seem to have a hard time celebrating the successes of others.
I remember when my first book was published, it was a defining moment for me. But instead of sharing my joy, an acquaintance was quick to downplay my success and even hinted that it was just luck rather than hard work.
Such behaviors are often a sign of someone who is extremely selfish. These people struggle to rejoice in the accomplishments of others, perhaps because it makes them feel less accomplished or important.
A person’s inability to acknowledge and appreciate the success of others without feeling threatened or overlooked can be a red flag for selfishness. So, watch for this behavior.
7) They’re Often Defensive
Have you ever come across someone who seems to be holding up an invisible shield, ready to defend themselves at the slightest hint of criticism? This is another classic sign of a selfish person.
These individuals often view any form of feedback or criticism as a personal attack, even if it’s meant to be constructive. They’re quick to defend their actions and beliefs and rarely take the time to consider the other person’s point of view.
Their over-defensiveness can often lead to unnecessary conflict and damaging relationships. It also shows their lack of emotional maturity and inability to accept their flaws or mistakes.
So, if you find someone who is always on the defensive and unable to take criticism, you are probably dealing with someone who is extremely selfish.
8) They Lack Gratitude
The most obvious sign of an extremely selfish person is their lack of gratitude. They often take things for granted and fail to appreciate the good in their lives and the people around them.
Gratitude involves acknowledging the efforts of others and the positive aspects of one’s life. For selfish individuals, this can be a struggle because they are so immersed in their world.
If someone rarely expresses gratitude or fails to appreciate the simple things in life, this is a clear sign that they are acting selfishly.
Remember, gratitude is a fundamental trait that fosters positivity and nurtures relationships. Its absence can be a stark sign of deep-rooted selfishness.
