Self-Absorbed
What do you see when you think about a self-absorbed person? Go ahead. Tell us. Don’t be shy! Maybe a stuck-up person who holds their head up high and walks with their nose in the air? Ah yes, the classic mean girl. But, most self-absorbed people display their narcissistic traits in ways that are harder to identify. Yup. That’s right. Furthermore, they often exploiting the innocent for their own selfish desires to be met. It is important to tell whether or not you are around a self-absorbed person. Why? So that you can protect yourself.
So, here are the warning signs of a narcissist, or self-absorbed person.
1. Arrogance
Arrogance is one of the most notable signs of a self-absorbed person. A narcissist is egotistical. Yup. All of them are self-centered. In fact, their mind works in a way which makes them believe that the world revolves around them. This behavior can come across as conceited, pretentious, or boastful at times. They often exaggerate their achievements, put on a grandiose front, and try to make themselves seem bigger than they are. Now don’t get me wrong. Having a certain amount of confidence and high self-esteem is great. Healthy, even! But overdoing it can harm you.
2.I didn’t do it!
A narcissistic person would typically not be one to take responsibility for their actions. Well, at least not the bad ones. They feel insecure about making mistakes, and would rather put the blame on something or someone else. Moreover, this also puts them in constant defense mode. They are obsessive about their image, which is a reflection of their actions, so they prefer to play the blame game.
But if you turn the situation around, they are also on the lookout to highlight others’ flaws, faults, and mistakes. This gives them a heightened sense of power, allowing them to fuel the feeling of being above everyone else. They have this false sense of superiority. And it’s really ANNOYING!
3. Their Way or the Highway
Narcissists are extremely opinionated. Also, they are closed to being challenged with different perspectives. What they say goes, and what they say must also be agreed upon. Narcissists feel threatened when you challenge their ideas and opinions. They see discussions as debates, and debates as a battle which they must “win” in order to prove their point. Ahhhh!! I’m getting angry just writing about them!
Also, self-centered people often view the world in black and white. Additionally, they have trouble accepting and understanding concepts through a wide spectrum of possibilities. They often view relationships of any kind as a tool to satisfy their selfish desires, and can’t take no for an answer.
4. Entitled
A typical self-absorbed person’s magnified superiority complex makes them believe that they are entitled to favorable treatment from others. They believe that they are “special”. I know right. Let’s punch them now. To them, only equally “special” people are worthy of associating and interacting with them. Narcissists are also known to display toxic behavior to get what they want. Narcissists feed off of others. According to a licensed marriage and family therapist, Narcissists use other people — people who are typically highly empathic — to supply their sense of self-worth, and make them feel powerful.”
Furthermore, self-absorbed people don’t see the big picture due to their narrow-minded thinking. They are only concerned with what they can do in their power for their own wants and needs, and insist on having the best of everything.
5. They Lack Empathy and Understanding
Narcissists tend to lack real empathy. As Casey Imafidon puts it, “since their display of sympathy or compassion is usually conditional, it is difficult for them to understand the depth of true empathy or what this concept means.” So when self-centered people do show signs of empathy, it would be wise to stay on guard as they most likely have ill intentions. Empathy is what keeps us close as humans, it’s what allows us to care for each other. Not having this important trait can make or break your relationships.
6. They Are Closed to Criticism
One of the hallmark characteristics of a narcissist is their inability to accept constructive criticism. Due to their inner insecurities and low-self esteem, narcissists view any form of criticism or feedback as an attack on their character. This is also the same reason why they may be harsh with criticism, projection, and blame towards others. Their goal is to bring everyone else down, while appearing to be above a pedestal when it comes to their own personal image. Their difficulty with regulating emotions can significantly impact their behavior towards this, causing them to feel stressed, belittled, and insecure. And this unfortunately only leads to them going back to putting on an ever more pretentious facade, creating a vicious cycle that continues.
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Currently, I am a student of Fatima Jinnah Women University. With a burning passion for psychology, words, and dreams, I decided to abandon medical studies for humanities. These days, when I’m not listening to ballads, watching movies, or sitting down with a good novel, I am rigorously studying Hangul (Korean language) to satisfy my obsession for BTS and K dramas. I’m a thinking introvert and INFJ personality. Therefore, I like ‘me time’. My articles typically resonate with psychological well-being advice.