Why is it bad to be self centered? (2023)

FAQs

Is being called self-centered a bad thing? ›

Being self-centered is NOT the same as being selfish. Those who are self-centered are NOT narcissistic, hedonistic, or self-absorbed. Because self-centered individuals are more grounded, they are able to give even more to others. They have the potential to be even more generous and to make even greater contributions.

Surprisingly, being self-centered can be a good thing from time to time. Now, we're not talking about the obnoxious or aggravating version of it. Instead, think about it more in the self-care sense, like when you could use some time to recharge so you avoid being around someone who is quite draining.

“When we don't have mutual aid and protection, we are more likely to become focused on our own interests and welfare. That is, we become more self-centered.” In modern society, becoming more self-centered protects lonely people in the short term but not the long term.

: concerned solely with one's own desires, needs, or interests.

If there is a person in your life who seems exceedingly self-centered, he or she may suffer from narcissistic personality disorder.

A recent study from PsychTests.com reveals that people who are self-serving and only interested in looking out for themselves are not simply egocentric, they are also more likely to be miserable.

"Self-centered people usually lack empathy, maybe not entirely, but at least enough that they struggle to put themselves in others' shoes," says Emily Simonian, LMFT, therapist at Thriveworks. This can show up as: Refusing to see someone else's side of a disagreement.

Self-obsession means we are more prone to worry and mental health problems. Selfishness may make it easier for us to fall into traps like addiction. Our selfishness can mean we hurt others as we ruthlessly strive to satisfy our own needs. Self-centeredness can damage our reputation and lead to loneliness.

Selfish means “lacking consideration for other people”. It's an act of freezing other people out or wilfully choosing not to see the plight of others. It's not the same as being self-centred, where you're closely attuned to your own needs and desires.

Second, while self-centeredness was positively and significantly related to fluctuating happiness, selflessness was positively and significantly related to authentic–durable happiness.

Are self-centered people lonely? ›

While self-centeredness in turn, increases loneliness—but to a far lesser extent. Those who reported higher levels of loneliness one year, usually reported higher levels of self-centeredness the next. So researchers believe the two emotions are mutually connected through a positive feedback loop.

Narcissistic personality disorder involves a pattern of self-centered, arrogant thinking and behavior, a lack of empathy and consideration for other people, and an excessive need for admiration. Others often describe people with NPD as cocky, manipulative, selfish, patronizing, and demanding.

egocentric. adjectivethinking very highly of oneself. conceited. egoistic. egoistical.

Self-centered behavior is common with ADHD.

Because of this, they are not able to access other people's needs or desires, making interaction difficult. One sign of this is interrupting during a conversation or butting in on conversations they were not a part of.

Selfish and self-centered individuals typically lack self-esteem, that is, they lack self-respect, and self-love. They often feel inferior, lack confidence, and feel empty inside. They don't know how to ask to have their needs met in a healthy and respectful manner.

Can a self-centered person change? The first thing to keep in mind when dealing with a self-centered person — they're not going to change and you won't be able to change them either. Preserve your sanity by accepting this and establishing strong boundaries as Alexander mentioned before.

The New Oxford American dictionary defines introvert as “a shy, reticent, and typically self-centered person.”

Anxiety disorders are selfish disorders. Anxiety and fear are self-centered and will push their way to the front of the line at all times. When struggling with an anxiety disorder, the selfish nature of the disorder often makes you look selfish and self-centered.

Rana Khan, a registered psychotherapist in Toronto, says selfishness becomes toxic when it begins to negatively impact those close relationships. “More often than not, the best way to evaluate/check yourself is the opinion that other people hold of us and how they are impacted by our behaviour,” he said.

Is a selfish person Toxic? ›

When people talk about toxic traits, they aren't usually talking about traits of a person — the term instead refers to a person's behavior. Behaviors can be characterized as “healthy” or “unhealthy.” Unhealthy, or toxic, behaviors include: Selfishness. Hostility.

Instead, those who are self-centered and individualistic tend to take better care of themselves, giving them the capacity to better aid others. They have the potential to be even more empathetic, more generous and make an even greater contribution.

Young people feel loneliness the most

However, in contrast, the young report feeling lonely much more – with 40% saying they have felt this way at least some of the time. The BBC Loneliness Experiment surveyed 55,000 people and showed that 16–24-year-olds feel loneliness the most.

Selfishness really seems to have its roots in the term narcissism. It is a behavior that is both genetic and environmental. It is maintained by innate tendencies and influenced by temperament as well as external learning from parents and others throughout child development.

Self-Absorption and Depression

People with severe depression appear totally self-absorbed and self-involved. This incessant, negative internal dialogue fills the sufferer with intense shame.

Self-centered people tend to ignore the needs of others and only do what's best for them. You can also call them egocentric, egoistic, and egoistical. In the seventeenth century, however, self-centered meant "fixed or stationary."

The New Oxford American dictionary defines introvert as “a shy, reticent, and typically self-centered person.”

Many people become self-centered or come off as selfish because they have a desperate need to control their environments and the people around them. Though these impulses can (occasionally) come from a good place, they wear down our bonds and make it harder and harder to connect with people on any real level.

What's an example of self-centered? ›

The definition of self centered is someone who only thinks about himself, his own needs and his own interests, or is actions or behaviors taken by someone that show a concern only for that person's needs. An example of self centered is taking the last of the food in the house when you know others are starving.

A clear sign of a selfish woman is someone who seems to lack any sympathy or empathy. She appears incapable of seeing things from any side except her own. It's almost as though she is blinded by her own emotions. And so cannot, or will not, consider other peoples.

Check whether you put your own needs and wants ahead of others'. If you're constantly focused on what you want, you might be selfish. On the other hand, if you're genuinely concerned with how others feel and what they need, you're probably not acting in a selfish way.