16 Signs You Have a Sense of Entitlement and How to Fix It

Many of us were taught to believe we deserve the best out of life. However, when taken too far, this mentality of entitlement can negatively impact relationships and goals. Entitlement refers to an unreasonable expectation of favorable living conditions and success with little effort. This mindset disregards others’ needs believing we inherently merit preferential treatment.

This article will provide an in-depth overview of 16 common warning signs of an entitlement complex. Evaluating potential areas for growth can help curb its adverse ripple effects through conscious action. We all likely demonstrate some of these attitudes or behaviors at times. The key lies in increasing awareness around when our conduct crosses boundaries so we can self-correct graciously.

What is Entitlement?

Before exploring its symptoms, let’s clearly define entitlement. Essentially, entitlement emphasizes one’s own needs, preferences or ambitions above all others often without substantiation. An entitled person adopts assumptions around deserving special privileges, prestige, exceptions from norms or superior treatment without reciprocal consideration.

This mentality eclipses empathy around how such demands strain resources or impede collective well-being. It typically stems from underlying insecurity spurring an inflated sense of self. When left unchecked, entitled attitudes manifest through increasingly selfish behaviors. Repercussions include deteriorating relationships, credibility, goal achievement and life balance.

Entitlement partly germinates from cultural messaging applauding determination, greatness and the pursuit of happiness above all else. Commercial advertisements in particular fan material desires stirring competitive egos. Unconsidered ambition inevitably breeds self-absorbed attitudes undermining communal welfare. Thus recognizing early symptoms offers opportunities for self-correction.

Why Overcoming Entitlement Matters

Chronic entitlement inflicts damage in often unseen ways similar to how obesity silently destroys health. Its gradual onset disguises serious ramifications until reaching crisis intervention points. Beyond jeopardizing human connections, entitlement also sabotages goal attainment.

Independent aspirations fundamentally rely on reciprocal dependence within collaborative, cause-effect ecosystems. When extracting value from collectives without fair reinvestment, those very support structures weaken. Thereby the entitled person’s ambitions ironically crumble from eroding their own supportive foundations. Progress demands contributing not just extracting equitable value.

Furthermore, distorted senses of entitlement exacerbate mental health epidemics like anxiety or depression. When distorted expectations inevitably go unmet without conscious moderation, disappointment follows. Perceiving life’s inherent trade-offs like patience for premiums as personal affronts poisons moods. By instead tempering demands to sustainable levels through gratitude, we secure emotional fortitude. Essentially entitlement atrophies resiliency blinding us from assimilating life’s necessary difficulties. But adversities met with graceful tenacity cultivate wisdom and anti-fragility.

Finally, runaway entitlement entrenches societal injustice when left unaddressed. Assumptions around deserving special advantages often stem from or create unmerited imbalances. Its antidote lies in dismantling systems concentration and embracing inclusive policies securing everyone’s fundamental welfare. But movements rely on participants forgoing certain egoistic interests for collective empowerment. Entitlement’s first casualty lies in erosion of greater goodwill required inspiring such change.

In summary, entitlement jeopardizes relationships, achievements, mental health and social justice. But consciousness empowers transformation. When entitlement stems from distorted self-perceptions, honest self-inventory followed by gradual course correction rights us. No one fully evades entitlement’s subtle encroach at all times. Its roots form early in childhood development. But consistent commitment to self-awareness, growth and contribution over perfection fosters positive progress.

Signs of Entitlement in Your Thinking

Our thought patterns largely shape outer realities manifesting through actions. Here are 5 mental red flags signaling entitlement’s hold:

1. You Believe You Inherently Deserve Special Treatment

You expect higher status privileges, preferential access, first-class upgrades or exemption waivers without substantive justification. However, social credibility and trust must be continually earned on merit through humble consistency. Demands often slyly escalate eroding them.

For example, perhaps you expect quicker responses from support staffers than average customers despite equal payment. Or you assume priority seating at theaters despite later arrival simply because you hold steeper career titles. However, reputations establishing valued patronage and generosity over time more credibly warrant occasional special favors.

Well-structured organizations necessitate standardized policies, queued systems and hierarchies sustaining order rather than continually negotiating exceptions lacking principle. Special status requires rising through ranks earning leadership not demanding subordinates automatically revere you.

Of course, qualified candidates fitting defined requirements do merit consideration for elite opportunities or assistance like scholarships or welfare. However, blindly assuming you rate over equally qualified contenders without humble regard for fairness breeds entitled attitudes. Everyone on some level craves acknowledgment. But true leaders uplift collective potential not leverage superiority.

2. You Have Unrealistic Expectations of Others

You assume people intuitively know your needs and should meet them without clearly communicating preferences much less respectfully asking. But no one is a mind-reader nor solely responsible for your fulfillment. Further, demanding others overhaul priorities catering to your shifting whims ignores their complexity.

For example, perhaps you expect hosts preparing events to automatically provide your preferred hors d’oeuvres, colleagues to rearrange workflow accommodating your impromptu projects or family to plan celebrations around your convenience without consultation. But success depends on reasonably projecting needs then proactively mapping action plans suiting realities rather than complaining they fail you.

Mutually caring relationships deserve effort fully seeing partners’ positions first before expecting assistance. Even simple courtesies like RSVPs, pleases and thank yous go a long way rather than appearing entitled to others’ help. Progress lies in focusing energy on solving challenges with supporters’ insights rather than accusing them of inadequacies for not meeting your assumptions. They cannot assist unless directly informed.

3. You Believe Rules Often Don’t or Shouldn’t Apply to You

You feel exempt from social contracts like office codes of conduct, neighborhood bylaws or privacy policies. You view them as flexible, non-binding or only applicable when convenient rather than accepting they universally create order. But shared standards enable optimal functioning through safety and stability. Societal balances collapse without collective buy-in to principles.

For example, maybe you maintain an overly noisy car muffler despite community noise ordinances or regulatly dodge paying full transit fares. But public services depend on ethical revenue streams to operate. Perhaps you share insider stock tips or proprietary work projects against confidentiality contracts believing you rate immunity or dismiss plagiarism as harmless shortcutting. But ethical standards protect creators’ interests fueling advancements.

While imperfect, social systems democratically evolve best accommodating majority interests. Wholesale defiance obstructs this progress. One earns the right to help reform rules only through first proving trustworthily upholding existing ones. New leaders understand current stage justification before proposing changes. Further, expecting tolerance around your disregard seeds hypocrisy later condemning others’ noncompliance inconveniencing you. Universal compliance, accountability and iterative improvements sustain forward movement.

4. You Think You Can Cut Lines or Barter Set Costs

You rationalize queue jumping, schedule barging or haggling prices as shrewd self-promotion rather than recognizing such habits as unfair line-cutting imposing on others. But orderly access and set rates enable businesses and services to functionally plan operations to mutual benefit.

For instance, perhaps you chronically backlog others’ reservations to take precedence, never offer to cover restaurant-split checks or ask retailers to discount merchandise prices not on sale. But unless extenuating circumstances like emergencies reasonably warrant exceptions, standard norms produce optimal resource efficiency and harness goodwill over chaos.

Again, leadership deserves occasional priority seating, discounted patronage or priority assistance once substantiated reputations genuinely merit them. However, these favors stem from patiently earning community trust consistently respecting conventions before receiving exemptions in gratitude not entitlement. Reflex defiance erodes the very reputability upon which such honors rest.

5. You Assume Others Should Accommodate You

You demand colleagues automatically adjust workflows around your shifting moods and priorities. You require family members referee dynamics dictating your preferences rather than committing to proactively understanding collective needs first. Your time and needs require glorified accommodation not vice versa. But relationships depend on compassionately aligning not competing priorities.

For example, perhaps you vent frustrations when coworkers cannot meet seemingly simple requests failing to appreciate challenges their unique workload and time limitations pose. Lacking self-awareness around how frequently this occurs strains supportive resources always readily offered to you. Or you may require friends constantly inconveniently trek crosstown to fulfill your social whims but resist committing when they occasionally seek cherished quality time.

Doubtless loved ones happily inconvenience themselves occasionally to uplift others unlike more formalized work transactions requiring defined scopes. However, true caring relationships revolve around reciprocity, compassion and compromise not chronically imbalanced entitlement. Progress lies in observing your overutilization of others’ help without commensurate regard for their needs or gratitude. Relationships thrive when no one party disproportionately directs terms.

Signs of Entitlement In Your Attitudes

Thought patterns fueling assumptions around entitlement often underlie distorted attitudes and unmet desires. These perspectives reflect entitlement’s deeper encroach on moral codes:

6. You Get Irritated or Angry When You Don’t Get Your Way

You intensely react by throwing fits, assigning blame or stonewalling cooperation when a situation fails to meet expectations. But stomping feet to try asserting control often produces the opposite effect further delaying results. Life’s inherent tradeoffs and compromises inevitably disappoint. But resignation, constructive communication or resolute problem-solving yield more positive outcomes than tantrums.

For example, perhaps you seethe internally when the restaurant server unwittingly brings the dish ordered by your dining partner first falsely assuming malicious intent. Or you indignantly confront customer service associates when coupons exclude your product of choice rather than accepting fine print conditions graciously. Reacting personally to inevitable mistakes or decisions lacking malicious intent only generates discomfort disproportionate to the offense.

By instead tempering unrealistic expectations around always securing preferable outcomes, we gain resiliency inuring us to modern life’s guaranteed frustrations. Mature role models enduring adversities with tenacity insulate their peace against overdependence on external validation. Mastering emotional regulation in disappointing moments marks growth. And progress often follows moments of perceived opposition.

7. You Don’t Appreciate What You Already Have

Preoccupation with unmet wants blinds you to fully appreciate current blessings cultivating fulfillment. You belittle accomplishments earned, provisions supplied or efforts others extend failing to satiate cravings. This ingratitude further depletes future support. But present abundance received through grace not guarantees underscores how richly we lack nothing of true importance even sans more.

For example you may dwell on being passed up for promotions, social invitations from prestigious acquaintances or idealized family holiday traditions rather than wholly valuing career stability, faithful friends and basic cozy gatherings. You mentally subtract rather than add blessings. But genuine thankfulness for provisions offered today seeds further prosperity by opening us to receive more while erasing negative mindsets repelling it.

Additionally, modern commercialism fuels materialistic entitlement convincing us surface glamour purchases ensure superiority status or life solutions. But research corroborates lasting happiness stems from purposeful work, ethical traits, close relationships and health not prestige recognition or possessions. Durable role models uplift others over accumulating trophies. Reverence what you have and need will gradually align.

8. You Envy Others’ Success Over Celebrating It

You resent acquaintances’ positive news around raises, social media followers, creative outcomes or exciting adventures rather than genuinely cheering their victories. Their wins somehow diminish your worthiness. But enough success exists for all. Envy traps us in endless comparison while gratefully championing peers’ victories attracts shared prosperity as they later reciprocate.

For example, pangs of jealousy surface hearing another’s career promotion, a friend’s widely liked post or a sibling’s new car. Rather than comb through their flaws, reflect on alignment between your efforts and stated goals. Gloating over peers’ setbacks to feel better is exploitative. Everyone’s path bears unique timing. Focus on continually bettering yours through integrity and empathy.

Progress lies in confidently defining your own metrics for achievement based on ethics and growth around your distinct values versus envying artifacts of someone else’ plan built around different goals or compromised means. Secure people celebrate team gains over raining on parades. For rain douses fires empowering solo acts into enlightened alliances building movements. A rising tide lifts all ships when vessels support one another.

9. You Constantly Compare Yourself to Others

You obsess over conversations, news reports and especially social media feeds assessing whether you sufficiently measure up to everyone else in looks, social statuses or life milestones. But the only meaningful metrics are your own growth and inner tranquility. You inevitably fall short chasing standardized rubrics. Authentic purpose springs from personalized soul searching not follow-the-leader.

For example, you may monitor old classmates political climbs, a distant cousin’s vacation photos or an influencer’s beauty always secretly evaluating your own standings. But behind Filtered Instagram feeds misrepresent reality. Prioritize becoming the optimal version of your true values over portraying a perfect life. Those boasting loudest often overcompensates for deeper unfulfillment.

External recognition fails securing lasting confidence absent internal alignment. As poet John O’Donahue wrote, “The duty of privilege is absolute integrity.” Savvy influencers amassing susceptible followers lack credibility by compromised means. True leaders empower communities not glorified personas. Make decisions from inspirations not comparing. Long-term significance ironically increases the less we fixate on numbers.

10. You Often Feel Victimized or Slighted

You readily perceive conversations, workplace policies or life circumstances as intentionally offensive personal attacks rather than impartially considering alternative explanations. This tendencies projects outrage externally rather than honestly accepting accountability within. But facts often differ on deeper analysis.

For example you may interpret a subordinate’s inability to implement last minute requests as deliberate defiance or condemn honest performance feedback discussions as unfair persecution rather than exploring legitimacy in them. You label policies denying exceptions as discriminatory towards your unique needs rather than recognizing reality’s inherent tradeoffs.

But perceived slights often unintentionally stem from benign factors like misunderstandings, oversight errors or resource constraints. One mark of wisdom accepts we cannot control everything. Mature role models exude grace under fire. Demonizing the universe or circumstances for inevitable frustrations produces misery relinquishing your power. Progress unfolds through flexible adaptation not righteous indignation.

Signs of Entitlement In Your Behavior

Finally entitlement attitudes breed adverse behavioral responses. Here are 5 common manifestations:

11. You Demand Things from Others Without Basic Courtesies

You bark orders at subordinates, servers, family members or colleagues expecting them to fulfill requests without exhibiting basic manners or gratitude. But kindness breeds willing cooperation faster than demands which often backfire. Lead with empathy and courtesy not imperiousness.

For example you omit common courtesies like please, thank you, excuse me or apologies when requesting others accommodate you. This seemingly trivial discourtesy signals deeper disregard for people behind roles. But respect dignity in all.

Perhaps you summon servers through finger snapping for refills without pleasantries or eye contact. But no one owes you exceptional efforts absent simple courtesy. Apply the platinum rule treating others better than yourself. Progress follows asking not telling.

12. You Overuse, Misuse or Waste Shared Resources

You excessively overspend group money, over utilize communal property or hoard collective supplies without consideration for others’ needs. But temporary personal gains sabotage the greater good. Equitably safeguard shared assets others also require.

For instance, you may chronically leave empty cartons in office refrigerators forcing others to replenish. Or you tap into children’s college savings for personal splurges compromising funds. But communal resources depend on reciprocity. Repay more than you extract.

Consider broader ecosystem connectivity. Just as mindlessly polluting shared rivers destroys downstream villages and livelihoods, everyday narcissism erodes relational ecosystems sustaining you longer-term. But diligently reducing your individual footprint sustains the whole. Progress follows conserving not hoarding joint assets.

13. You Refuse Responsibility or Blame for Mistakes

You deflect accountability for errors or wrongdoings sideways onto unsuspecting colleagues, circumstances or external parties. But credibly owning missteps earns wisdom unlearning ignorance. Mature role models acknowledge their shortcomings with accountability and apologies.

For example you scapegoat others for your oversight errors delaying collective progress rather than promptly accepting the incremental learning moments failure offers. But admitting fallibility forges connection. Or you refuse to apologize for unintended hurts relying on excuses to exonerate yourself rather than seeking understanding and self-correction. These patterns signal immaturity and erode trust.

Sincere apologies need not imply inexcusable offense but demonstrate responsibility in misunderstandings. They appreciate another’s experience. Admitting ignorance invites enlightened correction expanding perspective. But stubbornly denying accountability distances relationships and arrest development. Leadership understands making amends.

14. You Monopolize Conversations

You barrage people with verbose self-centered stories without allowing responses leaving relationships one-sided and strained rather than valuing true dialogues. But graciously exchanging ideas signals respect earning allies.

For example, you drive conversations chronically redirecting spotlights back on your venting neglecting parties Patient listeners offer gifts becoming confidants through unspoken emotional support.

Or you “humblebrag” broadcasting thinly veiled accomplishments people feel compelled politeness prevents honesty. But genuine authority requires no amplifier. Seek authentic feedback.

Progress follows artful pauses inviting others shine. Spotlights inevitably cycle among vibrant collaborators. The wise emphasize learning over professing wisdom.

15. You Lack Empathy and Kindness

You discount others’ visible challenges or stated needs callously justifying emotional outbursts towards them. But compassion breeds unity while dismissing people’s sufferings divides. Open your eyes to hardship humanizing your small view.

For example you mock disabilities or challenges unfamiliar groups face rather than defending them. But before judging, walk challenged miles in foreign shoes expanding your lens.

Or you dismiss minor slights or delays from others as personal attacks warranting retaliation. But perceived offenses often unintentionally happen absent mal intent. Breathe before reacting.

Progress follows extending grace realizing everyone battles silent fights appearing fine. Lead with understanding not indifference. For entrepreneurial solutions to societal problems brilliantly transform conflicts into community. But change begins within.

How to Overcome an Entitlement Mentality

The first step lies in increasing self-awareness through humble inventory. Once shortcomings surface, conscious correction allows growth. Consider adopting these strategies:

• Accept responsibility for your mindset and actions rather than faulting exterior factors. This empowers change.
• Adjust unrealistic expectations of others down to reasonable levels. Clearly communicate needs while respecting their capacities and workloads.
• Follow rules, wait your turn patiently rather than demanding exceptions. Societal structures necessitate collective adherence from which all benefit.
• Express more gratitude for current blessings rather than preoccupation with desires. Tune into the abundance surrounding you.
• Validate others’ perspectives demonstrating compassion around their realities rather than only noting your own. Seek common ground through open-mindedness.
• Apologize for hurtful language or behaviors making amends through improved conduct.

In closing, entitlement partly stems from cultural messaging overemphasizing personal exception. But collective responsibility forsaking ego creates positive ripple effects benefiting all. Evaluating potential blind spots through honest inventory coupled with conscious corrective action helps reignite the fundamental truth ― everyone equally deserves basic dignity, provisions and equitable opportunities.

What other manifestations of entitlement have you observed or demonstrated? How can more mindfulness around this emerge compassion stimulating social change? I welcome your perspectives below!