People with this mindset believe that the world owes them without giving anything in return.
The sense of entitlement that is seen in children is not always negative.
Throughout the stages of development, children depend on their caregivers.
Victor Dyomin / Getty Images
Such behavior can stem from upbringing or personality disorders, and can be devastating for relationships.
Fortunately, taking steps to be more independent and self-sufficient can help people overcome this problematic behavior.
Signs of a Sense of Entitlement
What are the signs of a sense of entitlement?
Need for Special Treatment
People with a sense of entitlement think they deserve special treatment.
Their view is “the world owes me.”
They expect to elevate their lifestyle above that of others without putting in the effort needed to do so.
Melodramatic
When someone doesn’t give in to their demands, they will cause a big scene.
They may be very dramatic when something does not go their way.
Otherwise, they will give a shot to make themselves look better by bringing you down.
Lack of Gratitude
Entitled people are notgratefulfor what they have in their life.
They may not say thank you or show other signs of appreciation for what they have.
This is because they believe it is their right to have everything, so they don’t value anything.
They have a sense of entitlement about money, possessions, or friends.
They may be greedy or will take friends for granted instead of being appreciative.
Victim Mentality
Entitled people often act likevictimsand blame other people or outside forces for their problems.
What Causes a Sense of Entitlement?
A number of factors can contribute to a sense of entitlement.
Another study suggests that entitlement can be dangerous.
When people think of themselves assuperior, anything challenging their worldview is met with defensiveness and anger.
Here are a few suggestions to overcome a sense of entitlement.
Recognize the Feeling of Entitlement
Refuse to let it impact your life.
Understand That You are Not Entitled to Anything
Unfortunately, the world does not owe you anything.
Give Without Expectations
Find ways to help others without expecting anything in return.
How can you serve others without expecting anything in return?
Simple: volunteer your time.
Distinguish Between Needs and Wants
Learn the difference between needs and wants.
People with a sense of entitlement have a problem distinguishing between needs and wants.
This makes it very difficult to make healthy, sound decisions since you constantly want more than you need.
Instead, focus on what you truly need in life and cut out what you simply want.
Stop focusing on what other people are doing or how they are responding to situations.
Instead, focus on changing the things that you have someinfluence over in your life.
Have you unintentionally made them feel guilty or resentful because they didn’t live up to your expectations?
If so, remember that other people have their own lives to live and their own feelings.
A person’s actions toward you aren’t necessarily directly tied to how much you mean to them.
Therapy can help you better understand your thoughts, behaviors, and coping skills.
Such relationships can create stress and wear on your own sense of self-worth.
Encouraging people to look for ways to help themselves can foster greater self-sufficiency.
Keep in Mind
Remember, making any sort of change isn’t always an easy journey.
But it’s one that will be worth it.
They can help you discover the root of issues that have led to a sense of entitlement.
It’s essential to understand that seeking help from a therapist or counselor isn’t a sign of weakness.
Grubbs JB, Exline JJ.Trait entitlement: A cognitive-personality source of vulnerability to psychological distress.Psychol Bull.
2019;45(7):1113-1128. doi:10.1177/0146167218808501
