Entitled people—they’re everywhere, and dealing with them can be downright draining. Whether it’s at work, among friends, or even family, you may find yourself constantly bumping into people who seem to think the world revolves around them.
But handling them without losing your cool? That’s the real trick. From understanding the entitlement mentality to recognizing the signs of an entitled person and learning how to deal with entitled people, this guide will help you navigate these tricky interactions without letting frustration take over.
Let’s dive in and uncover some clever, calming strategies for managing the entitled in your life.
First, let’s try to understand what it means to have a sense of entitlement.
Related: 16 Signs You Have a Sense of Entitlement Complex
What is Entitlement Mentality?
Entitlement mentality is the belief that one inherently deserves certain privileges, regardless of effort or merit. Entitled people often feel they’re owed special treatment or benefits just for being themselves.
They might expect admiration, resources, or leniency that isn’t necessarily justified, and their attitude can come off as demanding or narcissistic. Unlike confidence, which is grounded in actual effort or skill, entitlement is often rooted in unearned expectations.
Recognizing entitlement as a mindset rather than a behavior is the first step to handling it—and finding ways to keep your cool when it arises.
What Causes Entitlement Mentality?
Understanding what fuels entitlement can shed light on why people act this way.
Here are 10 common causes:
- Over-praising during childhood
- Excessive validation without constructive feedback
- Avoidance of accountability and consequences
- Societal emphasis on instant gratification
- Lack of real-world challenges
- Overprotective or indulgent parenting
- Negative reinforcement of entitled behaviors
- Cultural or social pressures to “stand out”
- Overemphasis on individualism
- Comparisons driven by social media
Now that we know what causes entitlement mentality, let’s talk about the signs of an entitled person.
8 Signs of Entitlement Mentality
1. Unrealistic Expectations of Special Treatment
One of the biggest signs of an entitled person is that they believe they deserve special treatment just for being who they are. They may expect others to prioritize their needs above everyone else’s, even without offering anything in return.
For instance, they might demand flexibility in deadlines at work or request special favors that others wouldn’t dare ask for.
This expectation is often rooted in a deep-seated belief that they are somehow “unique” or more deserving, leading them to overstep boundaries or ask for privileges that haven’t been earned.
2. Lack of Empathy for Others
Those with a sense of entitlement often struggle with empathy. They may ignore or downplay the needs, feelings, and perspectives of those around them, especially if these interfere with their personal desires.
You might notice that they rarely consider how their actions affect others, focusing solely on their own satisfaction. This lack of empathy can be frustrating to deal with, especially when they disregard the common courtesy and respect that relationships require.
Related: 18 Signs Of Lack Of Empathy To Look For and What You Can Do
3. They give Minimal Effort but expect Maximum Reward
One clear sign of entitlement mentality is the desire for reward without the corresponding effort. They might want promotions, rewards, or recognition without putting in the same level of work as others.
This is particularly very clear in situations where teamwork or collaboration is required—they expect the outcome to benefit them and only them, but their contribution is always the least.
This sense of entitlement can often stem from an upbringing where rewards were given without merit, which leads to having unrealistic expectations in adulthood.
4. Resistance to Criticism
Criticism, even when constructive, is rarely welcomed by entitled people. Instead of seeing feedback as an opportunity to grow, they react defensively or become offended.
They have a habit of dismissing feedback as “jealousy” or claim they’re being unfairly targeted. This resistance to criticism can make it challenging to have open and honest conversations with them, as they often shut down any hint of accountability.
5. Constant Need for Validation
Entitled people frequently seek external validation to maintain their inflated self-worth. They might fish for compliments or expect constant reassurance that they’re doing great, even if it’s undeserved.
This need for validation can become tiring for those around them, as it often falls on others to reinforce their self-esteem continually.
In a workplace, they may request praise for completing basic tasks, expecting the spotlight for minimal contributions.
6. Ignoring Boundaries
This is one of the major signs of entitlement mentality in a relationship. Entitled people often disregard boundaries, seeing them as obstacles rather than limits.
They might show up unannounced, stop you from hanging out with other people because they think they have the right to, or involve themselves in matters that don’t concern them.
Ignoring boundaries is a sign they see their needs as more important than others’ personal space or limits. This tendency can make it hard to maintain a balanced relationship with them, as their demands and intrusions can gradually start to feel overwhelming.
Related: What Is A Superiority Complex And How To Deal With Someone Who Thinks They Are Better Than You
7. Shifting Blame
One of the major signs of an entitled person is this. When things go wrong, entitled people rarely take responsibility. Instead, they’re quick to shift the blame onto others. They may make excuses, point fingers, or manipulate situations to avoid accountability.
This sense of entitlement is often a defense mechanism to protect their self-image, as they find it difficult to acknowledge personal faults or errors.
Their refusal to accept responsibility can be a major obstacle everywhere, be it work or in personal relationships.
8. Obsessed with Status and Prestige
Many entitled people are fixated on status and materialistic symbols of success. They might flaunt material possessions or constantly talk about their achievements in order to impress others.
This obsession with status often masks deeper insecurities, with their entitlement mentality becoming a way to maintain a superior self-image.
Their behavior can come off as arrogant or boastful, especially when they seek admiration without offering any humility or gratitude in return.
Lastly, let’s talk about how to deal with entitled people, shall we?
How to Deal with Entitled People?
Speaking or conversing with entitled people is a skill in itself; it might be a difficult challenge to overcome, but it is possible.
Here are seven strategies to keep your cool:
1. Set Clear Boundaries
This is the very first thing you need to do. Make sure you establish and communicate your boundaries early on. Politely but firmly explain what’s acceptable and what isn’t.
Boundaries are extremely important when dealing with entitled people, as they help manage expectations and prevent them from overstepping limits.
2. Stay Calm and Don’t Engage Emotionally
Entitled people may try to provoke a reaction, but it’s crucial to stay calm and avoid getting emotionally involved. By keeping your composure, you retain control over yourself and the interaction happening between you two, and avoid feeding into their drama.
3. Use Assertive Communication
Being assertive rather than passive or aggressive can help you handle entitlement mentality effectively. Use “I” statements to express your feelings without accusing them. For instance, say, “I feel uncomfortable when…” instead of blaming.
4. Don’t Give In to Demands Easily
Saying “no” to unreasonable demands may seem difficult, but it’s absolutely necessary, if you are wondering how to deal with entitled people.
If you always give in, they’ll continue to expect special treatment. Stand your ground politely but firmly, and don’t feel pressured to meet every request.
5. Shift the Focus Back to Them
When dealing with someone with a sense of entitlement, and who constantly seeks validation, a simple tactic is to shift the focus back onto them. A
sk open-ended questions like, “Why do you feel that way?” or “What do you think is fair?” This can subtly make them reflect on their behavior.
Related: How To Forgive Narcissistic Parents: 8 Ways To Heal And Move Forward
6. Limit Your Exposure if Possible
If entitled people are consistently draining, try to limit your time around them. This doesn’t mean cutting them off, but rather managing how often and how long you interact with them to protect your mental energy.
7. Practice Empathy, But Don’t Overdo It
While empathy is an important and admirable trait to have, it shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being. Try to understand where they’re coming from, but don’t excuse harmful behavior.
Learn how to balance empathy with self-respect, and remember it’s okay to prioritize your own needs.
Takeaway
Keeping your cool around entitled people takes patience and strategy, but with these strategies and hacks, if I may say so, you can protect your peace without sacrificing your boundaries.
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