We all know someone who acts like the world owes them something. They think they’re special, deserve special treatment, and have a fit when things don’t go their way. That, my friend, is a sense of entitlement. It’s not always easy to spot, but it can really wear you down if you’re dealing with it regularly. Here are some signs to look out for so you know to avoid them altogether.
1. They expect special treatment.
Source: Unsplash In their warped minds, they truly believe they deserve to be treated better than everyone else, even if they haven’t done anything to earn it. They expect you to go out of your way to accommodate them and put their needs above your own, no questions asked. It’s like they’re walking around with a crown on their head, expecting everyone to bow down to them.
2. They have a hard time taking “no” for an answer.
If you don’t immediately agree to their “requests” (read: demands), they get upset, angry, or even manipulative. They see “no” as a personal affront and might try to guilt-trip you or make you feel bad for not giving them what they want. It’s like they believe they’re entitled to your time, energy, and resources, and they won’t take no for an answer.
3. They feel entitled to your time and attention.
They call you at all hours, expect you to drop everything to meet their needs, or get upset if you don’t respond to their messages immediately. What’s worse, they monopolise conversations, interrupt you, and talk over you, as if your thoughts and feelings are less important than their own. This entitlement to your time and attention can be incredibly draining and disrespectful.
4. They’re never wrong and everything is always everyone else’s fault.
In their minds, they’re always right, and everyone else is wrong. They have a hard time admitting their mistakes or taking responsibility for their actions. Instead, they’ll shift blame onto others, make excuses, or simply deny that anything is wrong. This lack of accountability can be frustrating and can make it difficult to have healthy, productive conversations with them.
5. They have unrealistic expectations of people.
They expect you to read their minds, anticipate their needs, or always know what to do to please them. They might also get upset if you don’t live up to their idealised image of you. These unrealistic expectations can create a lot of pressure and stress in relationships, as you constantly feel like you’re falling short.
6. They feel entitled to special privileges or rewards.
They want to be promoted at work without putting in the extra effort, get a discount at a store without a coupon, or receive special treatment from service workers. They believe they’re entitled to these things simply because they’re them, not because they’ve earned it. What’s wrong with them?
7. They have a superiority complex.
They believe they’re better than everyone else, whether it’s because of their intelligence, wealth, appearance, or social status. As a result, they tend to look down on people, talk down to them, or dismiss their opinions. This sense of superiority can be incredibly off-putting and can make it difficult to connect with them on a deeper level.
8. They have a hard time being grateful or appreciative.
Even when people go out of their way to help them or do something nice for them, they usually take it for granted or act like it’s not enough. They rarely say “thank you” or even acknowledge people’s efforts. This lack of appreciation can be hurtful and can make people wonder why they even bother.
9. They believe rules and norms don’t apply to them.
Whether it’s jumping the queue, parking in handicapped spots, or just ignoring social etiquette, entitled people often act like the rules don’t apply to them. They might think they’re special or that their time is more valuable than other people’s. This blatant disregard for rules and norms is super disrespectful and infuriating to the people around them. It can also create an unfair playing field, as they reap the benefits of breaking the rules while everyone else follows them.
10. They have a sense of urgency and demand immediate gratification.
They want what they want, and they want it now. Because of this, they tend to have a short fuse, get impatient easily, or even throw tantrums if they don’t get their way. They might also expect everyone to drop everything to accommodate their needs or demands. This sense of urgency and need for immediate gratification can be incredibly annoying to deal with, and that’s putting it lightly.
11. They’re not willing to compromise or negotiate.
It’s their way or the highway. Entitled people often see compromise as a sign of weakness or defeat. More often than not, they refuse to budge on their demands, even when it’s clear that they’re being unreasonable. They may also be unwilling to listen to other perspectives or consider alternative solutions. This rigidity can make it difficult to resolve conflicts or find common ground, and it can create resentment and animosity in relationships.
12. They lack gratitude and appreciation.
Even when people go out of their way to help them or do something nice for them, entitled people might not express gratitude or appreciation. They tend to take these gestures for granted or act like they’re owed this treatment. This lack of gratitude makes them seem selfish and ungrateful, which makes sense because they kind of are.
13. They have a tendency to play the victim.
Even when they’re clearly in the wrong, they somehow always manage to find a way to make themselves look like the victim. They exaggerate their problems,, blame other people, and manipulate situations to garner sympathy. This victim mentality can be frustrating and can make it difficult to hold them accountable for their actions. It can also make it hard for people to offer genuine support, as they feel like they’re constantly being manipulated or guilt-tripped.
14. They lack self-awareness and insight into their behaviour.
One of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with entitled people is their stunning lack of self-awareness. They might not realise how their behaviour is affecting people, or they may just not care. Often times, they see themselves as misunderstood or unfairly judged, rather than recognising their own flaws and shortcomings. This lack of insight makes it difficult for them to learn and grow, and it can lead to a cycle of negative behaviours and damaged relationships.
