18 Traits of People Who Always Put Themselves First

It’s a fact that some people are overly selfish, putting their own needs above those of everyone else. Someone recently asked, “What is a telltale sign that someone is a selfish person?” Below are the top 18 answers.

When they downplay your problems 

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It’s all about them; your struggles barely register. Imagine reaching out for support, only to have your problems belittled or dismissed. This isn’t just insensitivity; it’s a clear signal that in their world, only their issues matter.

They refuse to take responsibility for their actions

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Ever met someone who’s never wrong? They weave a world where mistakes are always someone else’s fault, never theirs. Apologies are foreign to them, revealing a deep-seated selfishness that avoids accountability at all costs.

They don’t do their fair share of work

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Complaining yet contributing nothing, some people expect the world to revolve around their needs. This behavior isn’t just laziness; it’s a sense of entitlement that burdens others with their responsibilities.

When conversations are one-sided

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Ever felt like you’re just a sounding board? Conversations that never reciprocate signal you’re dealing with someone who’s only interested in themselves. It’s not just poor communication; it’s a refusal to acknowledge anyone else’s life or thoughts.

They are always the victim

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In their narrative, they’re perpetually wronged, never wrong. This constant victimhood isn’t just exhausting; it’s a manipulation tactic to evade responsibility and garner unwarranted sympathy, ignoring the impact of their actions on others.

If they don’t return the shopping cart

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Something as simple as returning a cart can speak volumes. Choosing not to shows a lack of consideration for others, a minor act of selfishness that hints at a larger pattern of behavior.

They are rude to others

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How someone treats those they perceive as ‘below’ them reveals their true character. Rudeness to service staff isn’t just bad manners; it’s a blatant display of self-importance and entitlement.

If they listen to their phone loudly in public

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Blaring videos in public spaces? It’s not just annoying; it’s an audacious declaration that their entertainment trumps communal peace. This thoughtlessness is a telltale sign of self-absorption.

when they take other people’s stuff

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Taking what isn’t theirs, from lunches to personal items, isn’t just theft; it’s a profound disrespect for others’ belongings and a glaring example of putting their wants above all else.

They only message you when they need something

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Those fair-weather friends who pop up only in need aren’t just inconvenient; they’re using your willingness to help for their gain, a selfish take on friendship that’s all take, no give.

If they act like their kids owe them 

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Viewing children as debtors for the life given to them skews the parent-child relationship into a transactional one. This isn’t parenting; it’s a self-centered expectation of gratitude for fulfilling basic responsibilities.

They change the subject (but don’t have ADHD etc.)

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Shifting the conversation away from anything not about them? It’s not just disinterest in your life; it’s a self-centered need to always be the focal point, ignoring your desire to share and connect.

They are an obnoxious housemate

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Dragging the party home without a thought for sleeping roommates isn’t just inconsiderate; it’s a blatant disregard for shared living norms, prioritizing their fun over everyone else’s comfort and needs.

If they never give compliments or praise

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Withholding praise or dressing compliments as backhanded remarks isn’t just stinginess with kind words; it’s a reflection of a self-centered mindset that begrudges acknowledging others’ successes or efforts.

They choose their own convenience at the inconvenience of others

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From double parking to loud phone calls, these choices aren’t just oversights; they’re deliberate decisions that put their convenience above communal respect, a hallmark of selfish behavior.

If they seek attention or sympathy for other people’s tragedies

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Hijacking someone else’s tragedy for personal attention isn’t just tacky; it’s a narcissistic exploitation of others’ pain, turning someone else’s suffering into their spotlight.

They don’t refill the ice tray 

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Leaving the ice tray empty isn’t just forgetfulness; it’s a small, revealing act of neglect that shows a disregard for the next person’s needs, epitomizing a self-first attitude.

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