People who have almost zero humility frequently display these 8 cringey behaviors, without noticing how they come across

Dealing with individuals who lack a sense of humility can be like navigating a minefield of awkward, cringe-inducing moments.

You’ve probably encountered them and maybe even tried to understand what’s going on behind their inflated egos and grandiose self-portrayals.

Sometimes it isn’t very obvious. It’s just those subtle hints of arrogance, those offhand comments that make you raise your eyebrows and think, “Did they actually just say that?”

On the other hand, it could be as blatant as a neon sign. They could be the ones dominating conversations or belittling others without a second thought.

This is about identifying those telltale signs that scream a lack of humility. Here are 8 cringey behaviors that people who have almost zero humility frequently display, often without realizing how they come across.

Let’s dive in and dissect these behaviors, not to judge or belittle but to understand and maybe, just maybe, help someone see themselves in a different light.

1) They dominate conversations

In the realm of social interactions, conversation is a two-way street. But when you’re dealing with someone who lacks humility, it often feels more like a one-way tunnel.

These individuals have a knack for making every discussion about them. They’ll monopolize the conversation, barely giving anyone else a chance to speak.

It’s more than just being talkative. It’s about an excessive need to share their opinions, achievements or experiences, often overshadowing or disregarding what others have to say.

And the worst part? They don’t even realize they’re doing it. In their minds, they’re simply engaging in normal conversation.

But on the receiving end, it can feel draining and, quite frankly, annoying.

If this rings a bell about someone you know, it’s a pretty clear sign that they struggle with humility.

2) They lack empathy

This is a big one. People lacking in humility often struggle with empathy. It’s like they’re wearing blinkers – they can only see things from their own perspective.

This lack of empathy often manifests in their inability to genuinely celebrate others’ achievements or sympathize with their struggles.

I remember a friend of mine, let’s call him Jake. Whenever I shared my successes, instead of being happy for me, he would quickly gloss over it and bring the conversation back to his own achievements.

It was as if my victories were trivial compared to his.

When I was going through a tough time and needed someone to talk to, instead of lending an ear, Jake turned the conversation into a competition of who had it worse. It was disheartening to say the least.

Such encounters can leave you feeling unheard and unappreciated – a classic sign of dealing with someone who has almost zero humility.

3) They have a sense of entitlement

Albert Einstein once said, “More the knowledge, lesser the ego. Lesser the knowledge, more the ego.” This quote rings especially true when dealing with people who lack humility.

One of the most apparent signs is their sense of entitlement.

They believe that the world owes them something, that they’re deserving of special treatment or recognition simply because they are who they are. They expect things to come easily to them and get frustrated when they don’t.

I’ve seen this in action, too. I once had a co-worker who expected to be promoted just because she had been in the company longer than others, disregarding the effort and performance that others were putting in.

She often made it a point to remind everyone about her tenure, as if it was some sort of golden ticket.

This sense of entitlement, this belief that they’re above others, is a glaring indicator of a lack of humility.

4) They rarely admit their mistakes

In the world of psychology, there’s a term called “illusory superiority.” It’s the cognitive bias that causes people to overestimate their own qualities and abilities, in relation to others.

People lacking humility often fall into this trap. They view themselves as infallible, always right, and superior.

Admitting mistakes or acknowledging that they could be wrong is not in their playbook.

This attitude can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. If you’ve ever tried having a constructive argument with someone who just won’t admit they could be wrong, you’ll know what I mean.

Insisting on always being right, and the inability to accept their flaws or mistakes, is a classic behavior of those displaying almost zero humility.

It not only makes meaningful conversations difficult, but it also blocks personal growth and learning.

5) They can’t handle criticism

Constructive criticism is a crucial part of personal and professional growth. It provides us with an opportunity to see things from a different perspective and improve.

However, people with almost zero humility often struggle to handle any form of criticism, constructive or not. They see it as a direct attack on their ego, their self-perceived perfection.

Instead of taking it as an opportunity to grow, they get defensive, or worse, go on the offensive, turning the conversation into a blame game.

Their inability to accept that there might be room for improvement in their actions speaks volumes about their lack of humility.

If you’ve ever had a conversation turn sour just because you pointed out something they could improve on, you’ve likely experienced this cringey behavior firsthand.

It’s not just uncomfortable; it’s also a significant roadblock to productive communication and relationship building.

6) They’re poor listeners

Listening is a skill, and it’s one that people lacking humility often struggle with. They’re more concerned with what they have to say next than with what the other person is actually saying.

You might notice this when you’re trying to express your thoughts or feelings to them. Instead of acknowledging your perspective, they immediately jump in with their own thoughts or solutions.

The essence of good listening is in understanding, not responding. People who lack humility often miss this point.

They’re so busy trying to assert their own opinions that they forget to truly listen and understand what’s being said.

This behavior, while cringey and frustrating, is a clear indication of their struggle with humility.

If you’ve ever felt unheard or dismissed when talking to them, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

7) They have a hard time saying “Thank You”

Gratitude is a virtue that goes hand in hand with humility. But for those who lack humility, expressing sincere appreciation can be a struggle.

They might overlook the efforts of others or believe they’re entitled to the good things that come their way, making it difficult for them to say a heartfelt “Thank You”.

It’s not about the words per se, but the sentiment behind them.

A sincere thank you acknowledges the value and effort of others. But for someone who has almost zero humility, this acknowledgment can be a tough pill to swallow.

If you’ve ever felt unappreciated despite your efforts or found their thank yous lacking in sincerity, it’s likely another sign of their lack of humility.

8) They put others down to lift themselves up

This is perhaps the most cringey and heartbreaking behavior of all. People who lack humility have a tendency to belittle others in order to elevate themselves.

They might make snide remarks, criticize, or even outright insult others, all in an effort to assert their own superiority.

It’s not just about being rude or unkind; it’s a deeper issue that reflects their inflated self-perception and their desperate need to maintain it.

This behavior not only damages relationships but also creates a toxic environment of negativity and insecurity.

If you’ve ever felt belittled or put down by them, remember that it’s more about them than it is about you.

It’s a clear sign of their struggle with humility and their inability to value others as equals.

The final thought

We’ve navigated through the cringey behaviors often displayed by people who lack humility. Perhaps you’ve recognized some of these traits in people around you, or maybe, in moments of honesty, in yourself.

But the beauty of human nature lies in our ability to grow and evolve. Just as these behaviors can be learned, they can also be unlearned, replaced with empathy, kindness, and humility.

Start by reflecting on your interactions. Are they marked by mutual respect and understanding? Or do they lean towards dominance and disregard for others’ feelings? Are you listening to understand or just to respond?

These questions can guide you towards self-awareness, the first step in fostering change.

As Carl R. Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

It’s a journey, not a destination. It’s about small steps towards empathy and understanding. It’s about learning to appreciate others not for what they can offer you, but for who they are as individuals.

Remember, a humble heart doesn’t diminish your worth; it enhances it. And that’s a trait everybody loves to see.

So let’s embark on this journey of self-reflection together. Because in the end, we’re all works in progress, continuously learning and growing from our experiences.