Conversations with people who are self-centred can be extremely draining, with a clear indicator of someone who is often looking to turn the spotlight on to themselves
Few experiences will have you questioning your past life decisions quite like being cornered by a full-blown narcissist.
Some individuals can’t resist the urge to unconsciously steer every chat back to themselves, while others fully embrace their egocentrism, hijacking your anecdotes and making them their own.
As the minutes painfully stretch into what feels like eternity, you’re mentally plotting your getaway – perhaps you’ve spotted an old mate across the bar, heard the last call chime, or suddenly remembered the hob left on at home.
Having an ego isn’t always a negative trait, but there’s a certain degree of self-obsession that verges on the irreversible, transforming simple chats into endless monologues interspersed with impatient waiting for another chance to speak.
Yet, more often than not, the self-absorbed give themselves away early in the conversation, providing you with ample warning signs to make a swift exit – here are six red flags to watch out for, reports the Express.
“Oh, that reminds me of when I..”
This phrase isn’t inherently selfish but is a classic move used by the self-centred to hijack someone else’s narrative.
Instantly, the focus shifts to the one who interjected, and you might as well forget about returning to your original tale anytime soon.
“Before I forget..”
Another common tactic employed to interrupt mid-story, masquerading as a momentary lapse in memory.
The catalyst for this behaviour is often a buzzword that triggers the self-absorbed individual to recall a story, usually starring themselves, which they’re desperate to share, no matter who was talking.
“I’m just being honest.”
While some might seem self-centred unintentionally and would change their ways if it’s pointed out, there are those who are simply unkind.
“I’m just being honest,” is a line many hide behind to justify their unsought views, sharp comments, or self-serving statements. This phrase tends to pop up in dialogue when someone has an itching opinion about something or someone, and they’re indifferent to the impact of their words.
“I just don’t see how that affects me.”
This one may be glaringly obvious, yet it’s still frequently overlooked. It could arise during a political discussion, ethical debate, or when someone is recounting a personal hardship they’re facing or have faced.
The belief that certain issues are irrelevant unless they directly influence their own life is a completely skewed protagonist syndrome.
“Why are you making this about you?”
The adage “it takes one to know one” fits perfectly here, as a person who aims to steer the conversation back to themselves is all too familiar with the tactics another might use to do the same.
When a mutual experience is on the table, those who are egocentric often subtly dismiss the other person’s narrative. It’s a warning sign worth watching for.
“I already knew that.”
Lastly, another tell-tale sign that you might be dealing with a narcissist is when you or someone else in a group shares some insightful knowledge and is instantly dismissed.
Instead of staying quiet if they were already aware of the information, or even expressing gratitude for it, a self-absorbed individual will feel compelled to announce they already knew that, as if it makes any difference.
These six phrases are easy to overlook, but once you suspect you’re dealing with a self-centred person, you’ll notice they slip out all too frequently.