As a therapist, I have observed many instances where children with an attitude of entitlement will act out in disrespectful ways. This behavior often persists throughout their teen years and even develops into disrespectful adult children.
Ungrateful behavior often revolves around sexual entitlement. Not only does this attitude that men are entitled to certain sexual experiences because of their maleness cause great hurt to women, but it’s also detrimental for many men themselves.
1. Don’t Blame Others
People who feel entitled may think they deserve certain things without having to work for them. For instance, they might think they are entitled to a high-paying job or an attractive home when in reality these things require hard work and sacrifice.
The problem with entitlement is that it can have negative consequences on your health and wellbeing. It may even undermine your success in life by restricting your options and prospects.
Entitlement can have a devastating effect on someone’s self-esteem, so it’s essential to address it. There are various methods available for helping someone overcome their sense of entitlement and start feeling better about themselves.
One way to prevent blame from others is by not placing blame. Blaming someone else not only leads them down a more difficult path, but it may also make you look worse and lead them towards becoming even angrier with you.
Another way to combat entitlement is teaching children respect boundaries and not take things for granted. While this may be a challenging task for parents, the effort pays off in the end.
Children who feel entitled to everything will never have the courage to stand up for themselves or develop strength and resilience. They could grow up becoming bullies or alcoholics with difficulty managing their emotions.
This cycle can be hard to break, and dealing with someone who prioritizes their needs over yours can be an exasperating experience.
When someone feels they are entitled to something, they may strive for it even if they do nothing wrong. Unfortunately, this often leads them down a path of self-destruction and undermines their own ambitions.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with a sense of entitlement, it is essential to seek professional help. A kind and knowledgeable online therapist can offer the guidance necessary for success and the ability to move forward in life. With BetterHelp’s initial questionnaire, find a therapist near you today!
2. Focus on Yourself
Unhappy with your sense of entitlement can be an uncomfortable and unhealthy situation, affecting you and your relationships negatively. But it’s possible to overcome this issue on your own; just remember: no one else can fix this problem for you!
Part of addressing your entitlement is dedicating attention to yourself. While this may be challenging at first, it is necessary if you want to see results.
One of the telltale signs that you have a sense of entitlement is having unrealistic expectations for others. For instance, expecting your friend to babysit on short notice or expecting your child to inherit enough money that they don’t need to save for retirement are just two examples.
Though it can be challenging to disappoint these expectations, it is essential that you do so without shame or blame. Instead, be honest with them and explain that due to time restrictions or other reasons you cannot fulfill their request.
You should also avoid making exceptions for entitled people when you can’t fulfill their requests. Doing so may give them the impression that they are special and superior to others, which could lead them to feel resentful and angry.
Another indication of an entitlement mindset is if you see other people as competition or threats to your status. This can be especially hurtful for those close to you, who may feel like they no longer belong in your life.
Finally, if you tend to have frequent meltdowns or unpleasant attitudes when not getting your way, this could be indicative of entitlement. Not only is this behavior embarrassing but it can also hurt other people’s feelings as well.
If you identify any of these behaviors in yourself or someone close to you, it’s essential to work towards altering them quickly so they don’t negatively affect your life. This can be a challenging journey and often recommended that if it proves difficult for you to cope on your own that you reach out for assistance.
Though these are some of the best strategies for handling entitlement, it’s essential to recognize that it can be challenging. It also necessary to address any underlying issues causing the behavior so you can start seeing improvements.
3. Don’t Worry About Others
A sense of entitlement can have a detrimental effect on yourself and those close to you, leading to unnecessary stress and trollish behavior. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make yourself more at ease. If not already, consider booking an appointment with a therapist or counselor for support in sorting through emotions and thoughts that may be cluttering up your mind.
Researching and reflecting on your entitlements will go a long way toward helping you navigate the entitlement minefield and reaping the rewards of a happier, healthier you. The great thing about these types of therapies is they don’t need to be formal or expensive – there are plenty of free resources such as your local library or searching online for community support groups. Furthermore, consider reaching out to friends or family members who may have more insight into your problems for additional support.
4. Ask for Help
A sense of entitlement can have negative consequences in your relationships, leading to rude or snide remarks from friends and family members. If you find that someone close to you is behaving this way, take a step back and evaluate how much more value you have to offer them.
If you’re not sure how to address this, seeking professional help might be beneficial. Therapists can identify the underlying issues causing your sense of entitlement and then teach strategies for dealing with them effectively.
Similar to asking for assistance from friends or colleagues, you might feel awkward doing so. Yet asking for assistance can provide invaluable practical support and emotional relief when needed most.
To effectively ask for assistance, it’s important to ask in a polite and understanding manner. Studies have revealed that we often underestimate how willing others are to assist us and that their responses tend to be positive.
Experts advise practicing asking for help in real-life scenarios. Make your request specific, meaningful, action-oriented, realistic and time-bound.
When asking your partner or family member for assistance, be mindful of their emotions. If they seem overwhelmed or distressed, it may not be the best person to offer help and it might be best to wait instead.
By asking for assistance, you demonstrate your concern and vulnerability for them. Doing this can build trust and foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
Asking for assistance when feeling entitled may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually be a great way to encourage those around you to treat you with kindness and generosity. Fostering an environment of caring at home or at work will encourage people to become more receptive when giving or receiving.
Show that you’re not a burden by offering your time and talents to others. This could include anything from supporting others’ successes to helping out around the house. Small acts of generosity like these will encourage an attitude of generosity within you that will eventually benefit all your relationships in the long run.
