You know that one person in your life who always has to be the loudest in the room, the center of attention, and the winner of every argument? The one who never seems to listen to anyone else and thinks they know absolutely everything? Chances are you’ve crossed paths with someone with an arrogant personality disorder. These people can be incredibly frustrating in both personal and professional settings. Their excessive pride, exaggerated sense of self-importance, and lack of empathy for others are defining traits that make arrogant individuals insufferable. If you recognize some of the following characteristics in someone you know, you may be dealing with an arrogant personality.
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The Reasons for Someone’s Arrogance
The psychology of arrogance stems from insecurity and a need to overcompensate. Arrogant people tend to have an inflated view of themselves to mask feelings of inferiority or inadequacy. They put others down to build themselves up.
Understanding the root causes
Recognizing the underlying reasons for someone’s arrogance can help in interacting with them. Their behavior is more about them than you, so try not to take the insults personally.
Some key factors contributing to an arrogant personality include:
- Low self-esteem: Arrogance is a defense mechanism to hide feelings of weakness or inadequacy.
- Childhood trauma: Harsh or neglectful upbringings can lead to unhealthy ego defenses.
- Lack of emotional intelligence: Arrogant individuals often lack empathy and self-awareness. They are unable to understand the impact of their behavior on others.
The good news is that arrogance often diminishes with life experience and maturity. Facing failures and hardships helps foster humility and compassion. While you can’t force someone to change, you can choose not to engage with or react to their provocations. Meet arrogance with empathy and patience.
Characteristics of an Arrogant Person
Someone who is arrogant believes they are better than others and looks down on them. Arrogant people, for example, do not respect or care about other people’s ideas, feelings, or needs. They have a strong sense of self-importance and entitlement, and they frequently extol their accomplishments, talents, and things. They are also protective and impervious to criticism, and they may blame others for their own errors or failings.
1. They Lack Empathy and Sympathy
Arrogant people severely lack empathy and the ability to understand other perspectives. They don’t care how their words or actions affect you.
- They constantly talk about themselves. Conversations always revert to them and their interests. They rarely ask you questions or show interest in learning more about you.
- They believe they are always right. They see themselves as superior and infallible. In their minds, they know more and are smarter than everyone else.
- They lack manners and respect. Saying “please” and “thank you” or holding a door open for someone else is beneath them. Their needs and wants are the priority.
- They demand constant praise and admiration. They expect you to lavish them with compliments and stroking of their egos. If you don’t, they become angry or dismissive.
- They never take responsibility for mistakes. It’s always someone else’s fault. They constantly make excuses and blame others rather than accept accountability for their errors or imperfections.
In summary, arrogance is a mask of insecurity and low self-esteem. Genuinely confident and self-assured people don’t need to constantly prove their superiority over others. They understand that every person has worth and value. If you know someone like this, don’t let their arrogance get the best of you. Ultimately, their behavior says more about them than it does about you.
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2. They act entitled and superior.
Arrogant people believe they are inherently deserving of special treatment and privileges. They act like everyone else is beneath them.
- They demand respect and admiration without earning it. They expect others to lavish them with praise and accolades for no reason.
- They overestimate their importance and value. They think their needs, wants, and opinions should come before everyone else’s.
- They lack empathy and seldom consider how their words or actions might affect others. Your feelings don’t matter to them.
- They boast and brag excessively about their achievements and possessions. Every conversation is an opportunity to remind you how amazing and accomplished they are.
- They refuse to acknowledge their weaknesses, flaws, and mistakes. They are unwilling to accept feedback or criticism and become angry or defensive when confronted.
- They believe that rules, policies, and social norms don’t apply to them. They frequently overstep boundaries and take liberties they would never extend to someone else.
In summary, arrogant individuals see themselves as superior to others. Their inflated self-image and lack of empathy make them difficult to deal with. The only person they truly care about is themselves.
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3. They interrupt and ignore others.
An arrogant person is convinced of their importance and has an exaggerated sense of self-worth. One of the most annoying traits of an arrogant person is that they frequently interrupt others and ignore what people are saying.
Arrogant people usually have little interest in what others have to say. They are too focused on themselves and their own opinions. So, they often interrupt people mid-sentence to share their thoughts or change the subject to something they want to discuss. If they do let you speak, they need to listen. They’re just waiting for their turn to talk again.
Conversations with pompous people tend to feel very one-sided. Their behavior conveys the message that they believe what others have to say is unimportant. They frequently cut people off or talk over them. When others speak, arrogant individuals may roll their eyes, check their phones, or scan the room with a bored expression, signaling their lack of interest or impatience.
Dealing with someone who is persistently disrespectful and unwilling to listen can be frustrating and hurtful. The arrogant person’s self-centeredness and indifference ultimately push others away, making them feel unheard, undervalued, and disregarded. If you have to engage with an arrogant person, stand up for yourself by speaking confidently about your opinions and calling out their rude behavior when they interrupt or ignore you. But limiting contact with them when you’re able is often the healthiest approach.
4. They Seek Excessive Attention and Praise
Arrogant people crave attention and praise to an excessive degree. They have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are entitled to adoration and admiration from those around them.
They constantly seek compliments.
Arrogant individuals frequently fish for compliments and validation. They constantly steer conversations back to themselves to allow others to express their admiration. Rather than being genuinely interested in others, they mainly focus on stroking their ego.
They believe they are superior.
Those with arrogant personalities truly believe they are somehow better or more important than everyone else. They often make insensitive comments that put others down in order to make themselves appear superior in some way. Their sense of superiority leads them to believe that the usual rules of social conduct don’t apply to them.
They are quick to judge and condemn.
Arrogant people are harsh critics of others but react defensively to criticism directed at them. They are quick to judge and condemn those they see as inferior or flawed in some way. At the same time, they believe they should only receive praise and admiration, not judgment or condemnation. Their arrogance and hypocrisy stem from their need to maintain their exaggerated self-worth.
They dominate conversations.
Arrogant individuals dominate conversations and steer discussions back to themselves and their accomplishments. Rather than showing interest in others or building genuine connections, their conversation goal is to highlight how special and important they are. They lack empathy and seem unable to understand how their self-centered behavior might impact those around them.
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5. They are hypercritical of others.
Arrogant people tend to be overly critical of those around them. They nitpick and constantly point out flaws in others to make themselves feel superior.
- They are quick to judge and condemn the perceived faults and mistakes of others. Yet they ignore their imperfections and weaknesses.
- They derive a sense of power and self-worth from criticizing and putting down others. Tearing people down fuels their egos and feelings of superiority.
- No one measures up to their unrealistic standards of perfection. They see themselves as above reproach and expect the impossible from everyone else.
- Their harsh judgments and criticism are often unwarranted and unsolicited. Yet, they dish it out freely without concern for how it might impact the recipient.
- In their eyes, others can never win. They will always find something to criticize negatively to prop themselves up. They lack the empathy and compassion to see beyond their biases.
Recognize these signs of arrogance in others, but also reflect on yourself. We all have room for growth in showing more understanding and kindness towards people, even those we may disagree with or perceive as flawed. Rather than judging and condemning, seek to uplift and empower. This will lead to healthier, happier relationships and less conflict and drama in your life.
6. They constantly talk about themselves.
Someone with an arrogant personality tends to make every conversation about themselves. They constantly steer discussions to focus on their interests, accomplishments, and experiences.
- Their favorite topic of conversation is themselves. They love to talk about their achievements, talents, possessions, and adventures. They go on and on about their latest promotion at work, their success in a game of golf, their exotic vacation, their lavish home remodel, and so on.
- They rarely ask you questions or express interest in learning more about you. Conversations feel very one-sided because they do most of the talking. They lack empathy and seem oblivious to the fact that there are two people in the discussion.
- They frequently brag and boast. They see nothing wrong with openly flaunting their perceived successes and status. Their ego requires constant feeding through self-promotion and exhibitionism.
- They believe they are more important or special than others. Their sense of superiority makes them think their needs, wants, and priorities should come before anyone else’s. They have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement.
- They hate being challenged or corrected. If you dare question their judgment or point out a flaw in their thinking, they become defensive and double down on their position. Their ego is too fragile to handle constructive criticism.
In summary, the hallmark of an arrogant personality is self-absorption and excessive self-focus. Conversations with arrogant people ultimately leave you feeling unheard, unimportant, and exhausted. The key is to refrain from feeding their ego or getting drawn into their self-centered way of relating. Maintain your boundaries and shift the focus back to a two-way dialog.
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7. They are closed-minded and stubborn.
An arrogant person is usually very set in their ways and beliefs. They think they already know it, so why should they listen to other perspectives or opinions? After all, they could be wrong.
- They are unwilling to accept criticism or feedback since they believe they have nothing to learn from others.
- Their ego prevents them from admitting when they’ve made a mistake or were wrong about something. They will make excuses or blame others rather than accept responsibility for their failures or imperfections.
- Once they form an opinion, getting them to change their mind or see another side of an issue is nearly impossible. They believe their way of thinking is the only logical and right one.
- Compromise and finding common ground are challenging for an arrogant person. Their way, or the highway, is their motto.
- They tend to be judgmental towards those who don’t share the same views or opinions as them. Anyone who disagrees is seen as somehow lacking or inferior in their eyes.
In summary, an arrogant personality is often accompanied by a rigid and inflexible mindset. While confidence is admirable, true wisdom comes from understanding your limitations and being open to learning from others. A little humility can go a long way.
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8. They are condescending toward others.
An arrogant person believes they are inherently superior to others in every way. One of the most annoying traits of an arrogant personality is their condescending attitude.
Arrogant people speak condescendingly, especially when addressing those they see as intellectually inferior. They act like they are blessing you with their wisdom and knowledge. They make subtle digs and snide comments to remind you of your place beneath them.
Condescending behavior is demeaning and hurtful. No one enjoys being spoken down to or treated like a child. Arrogant people lack basic respect for others and see no issue with degrading people through their words and tone. They truly believe they have the right to talk down to those less intelligent or accomplished than themselves.
Rather than using a respectful, collaborative communication style, arrogant people adopt a haughty manner and lecture others to highlight their presumed superiority. Their patronizing behavior and smug attitude only damage relationships and push people away. No amount of accomplishments or credentials gives someone the right to be contemptuous of others.
9. They take credit for others’ successes.
An arrogant person will claim responsibility for the achievements and victories of others. They see the accomplishments of colleagues, employees, friends, and family members as extensions of themselves. In their minds, they deserve the praise and rewards, not the actual people who did the work.
If a team member has an innovative idea that leads to increased profits or efficiency, the arrogant leader will say their guidance and mentorship made it possible. They believe their mere presence inspires and motivates others to greatness. In reality, their constant criticism and micromanagement only hinder progress.
The arrogant person is quick to take the spotlight but slow to share it. They demand loyalty and respect but offer little in return. For them, the successes of others pose a threat to their self-perception of superiority and competence. To protect their fragile egos, they swoop to reclaim bragging rights and steal the credit they do not deserve.
Their selfish behavior and betrayal of trust inflict deep wounds, damaging work relationships and personal connections. But the arrogant person is oblivious to the pain they cause. As long as their ego remains intact, they feel justified in using people as mere pawns to advance their status and feed their constant craving for admiration.
10. They are overly competitive.
An arrogant person sees everything as competition and constantly needs to prove they are superior to others in some way.
They brag excessively.
Arrogant people love talking themselves up and bragging about their accomplishments or possessions to make others feel small in comparison. They can only have a regular conversation by returning the focus to themselves and their achievements.
They can’t accept criticism.
Any feedback that threatens an arrogant person’s inflated self-image is ignored or rebuffed. They believe they are always right and can’t be flawed or mistaken in any way. Rather than learn from criticism, they become defensive and lash out at the person providing the feedback.
They lack empathy.
It’s difficult for arrogant individuals to understand other perspectives or show compassion for people. They are much more concerned with themselves and often disregard the feelings and needs of others. They frequently interrupt, dominate conversations, and need more patience for those who don’t meet their standards.
They exaggerate their talents and skills.
Arrogant people have an exaggerated sense of self that causes them to overestimate their abilities and accomplishments. They make bold claims about their skills, knowledge, or talents that aren’t supported by reality. They usually can’t back up their boasts when put to the test.
While confidence is an admirable quality, arrogance is off-putting and obnoxious. An arrogant personality, full of self-importance and hubris, usually stems from deep insecurity and a need to feel superior by putting others down. The healthiest approach is to avoid feeding their egos or engaging in competitive behaviors.
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11. They Refuse to Admit When They Are Wrong
An arrogant person will rarely apologize or own up to their mistakes. They have difficulty admitting their mistakes, even when faced with clear evidence. Apologizing requires humility, and arrogant people lack this quality.
- They always have an excuse. There is always some reason why it wasn’t their fault. They will blame external factors before accepting responsibility.
- They double down when challenged. Instead of admitting fault, they become more entrenched in their position. They see acknowledging a mistake as a sign of weakness.
- They lack empathy. Arrogant people struggle to see other perspectives and understand how their actions impact others. They cannot recognize the effect of their behavior, even when it causes harm.
- They lack self-awareness. The arrogant personality lacks insight into their limitations, flaws, and faults. They overestimate their abilities and believe their hype. They see themselves as superior, even when faced with evidence to the contrary.
When dealing with an arrogant person, don’t expect an apology. Their ego prevents them from owning their mistakes sincerely and meaningfully. The best approach is to establish clear boundaries and call out unacceptable behavior when you see it. Do not engage or argue; remain detached from their attempts to justify themselves. Over time, facing consequences for their actions may lead to increased self-awareness and willingness to change. But real change ultimately must come from within.
12. They talk down to people.
An arrogant person often speaks condescendingly to others. They act like they are superior in intelligence or status.
You may frequently hear them use a condescending tone towards people they see as beneath them. They tend to use simplistic language and explain things in an overly basic manner as if the other person couldn’t possibly understand. Their body language also communicates their haughty attitude, with eye-rolling, scoffing, and impatient sighing.
Rather than showing respect for others and valuing their input or time, an arrogant individual sees most people as inferior. They believe their opinions, needs, and schedules are more important. They need to be more interested in listening to different perspectives or being open-minded.
Unsurprisingly, arrogant people tend to have trouble maintaining close relationships. Their tendency to talk down to others and act superior ultimately pushes people away and breeds resentment. No one enjoys spending time with someone who makes them feel small or unimportant.
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The Impact of Arrogance on Personal Growth
Arrogance prevents you from learning and growing as a person. When you think you already know everything, you expose yourself to new perspectives and opportunities to improve.
1. You stop listening.
An arrogant person is usually too busy talking to listen. They assume they have nothing to learn, so why bother listening to others? But surrounding yourself with yes-men and tuning out differing viewpoints leads to narrow-mindedness. Make an effort to listen with an open mind. You’ll gain valuable insights and build stronger connections.
2. You can’t accept criticism.
Constructive criticism is key to personal growth, but arrogance makes you unable to accept feedback. You get defensive instead of considering the advice. Understand that no one is perfect, and look for the kernels of truth in what others say about you. Criticism, though uncomfortable, is often meant to help you become a better person. Stay open to it.
3. You stop self-reflecting.
Arrogant people lack self-awareness because they don’t spend time examining their thoughts and behaviors. But self-reflection is how you gain wisdom and make positive changes. Set aside time each day to think about your actions and how you can improve. Consider your flaws and mistakes, not just your strengths and accomplishments. Developing humility and gratitude will make you a happier, kinder person.
In the end, overcoming arrogance is a journey. But by listening to others, accepting criticism with an open mind, and reflecting on yourself daily, you’ll gain the self-awareness and wisdom that true personal growth requires. Leave your ego at the door and open yourself to becoming a better person.
Overcoming personal arrogance
Overcoming your arrogance requires honest self-reflection and a commitment to change.
1. Check yourself
Take time for regular self-examination. Are you open to feedback, or do you dismiss other perspectives? Do you often judge others harshly? Recognize when you’re acting superior or entitled. The first step is awareness.
- Ask a trusted friend or mentor for input on your behavior and how to improve. Their outside perspective can provide valuable insight.
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2. Practice humility.
Make a habit of listening to understand, not just replying. Seek to learn from every interaction instead of proving how much you already know.
- Do small acts of kindness each day without expectation of reward or recognition. Helping others gets your mind off yourself and boosts your gratitude and compassion.
- admit when you’re wrong and say “I don’t know” when you don’t have an answer. Have the courage to acknowledge your limitations and mistakes. No one is right all the time.
3. Stay open to feedback.
Criticism and correction can be hard, especially when you have an arrogant streak. But you evolve beyond your ego by choosing to be open and receptive to feedback.
- Ask follow-up questions to make sure you understand other perspectives fully. Then, reflect on the feedback and look for the grain of truth, even if it’s hard to hear. With time and practice, humility can become your natural response. Overcoming arrogance is a journey, not a destination. But with continuous self-reflection and a willingness to learn, you can cultivate a more balanced and compassionate view of yourself and others.
Arrogant Personality FAQs
Many people have questions about arrogant personality types. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
What causes someone to become arrogant?
Several factors can contribute to an arrogant personality:
- Low self-esteem: Arrogant people often overcompensate for feelings of inadequacy by acting superior to others.
- Childhood experiences: Harsh criticism, lack of affection, or excessive praise as a child can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance.
- Lack of humility: Arrogant individuals need help accepting their faults, limitations, and mistakes. They cannot see themselves accurately.
- Surrounding themselves with “yes men”: Arrogant people surround themselves with people who constantly affirm them and rarely offer constructive criticism. This reinforces their ego.
Do arrogant people know they are arrogant?
In some cases, arrogant individuals are aware of their arrogance but don’t care. However, it’s more common for arrogant people to lack self-awareness about their behavior and how they come across to others. Their sense of superiority makes it difficult for them to assess themselves objectively.
Can an arrogant person change?
Arrogant people can change. Some things that can help include:
- Practicing active listening.
- Accepting criticism and admitting mistakes.
- Valuing others’ input.
- Developing empathy for how their behavior impacts those around them
However, change is difficult, and arrogant personalities tend to resist it. Professional counseling or coaching may be needed to help foster lasting change.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the top 10 traits that define an arrogant personality. If you recognize some of these qualities in yourself, it may be time for self-reflection and change. Arrogance impacts relationships and opportunities in so many negative ways.
Focus on listening to others, being open to different perspectives, and embracing humility. It will make you happier and more likeable and open you up to healthy, mutually fulfilling relationships. You have so much amazing potential; don’t let arrogance get in your way. Now, let go of that need to feel superior and see how much lighter and brighter your world becomes.
References
- Confident or arrogant? How to tell the difference and why it matters Written byBruna Martinuzzi
- What Can Make Someone Look Arrogant? by morning coach
- THE DANGERS OF ARROGANCE BY ATARA WERTENTHEIL
- How To Not Be Arrogant (But Still be Confident) by Natalie Watkins, M.Sc
- If Humility Is So Important, Why Are Leaders So Arrogant? by Bill Taylor from harvard Business Review
- Here Are the Three Types of Arrogance, According to a New Study: A team of psychology researchers broke down the idea of arrogance into three distinct levels. BY SHEILA MCCLEAR from Entrepreneur
- Who are you, really? The puzzle of personality | Brian Little
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