8 signs a man is self-centered and has very little empathy, according to psychology

Navigating human relationships can be tricky, especially when dealing with people who show little empathy.

Self-centeredness is one thing; we all have moments of selfishness. But when combined with a lack of empathy, it can be a recipe for a toxic relationship.

Psychology gives us some clues to identify these traits. So, let’s talk about the 8 signs that a man may be self-centered and have very little empathy.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these indicators, backed by psychology, to help you navigate your relationships better.

Let’s get started.

1) He rarely shows interest in others’ feelings

We all have moments where we’re engrossed in our own world. But if a man consistently shows little interest in other people’s feelings, it might be cause for concern.

Psychology reminds us that empathy is a crucial part of human interaction. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

But a man who’s self-centered often struggles in this area. He might seem indifferent or dismissive of others’ emotions. If you find yourself constantly fighting for emotional validation, it could be a sign of his lack of empathy.

Remember, though, people can change and grow. So, it’s crucial to communicate openly about these issues and seek professional help if necessary.

2) He finds it hard to share in your joy

One of the most telling signs I’ve personally encountered was when I realized that a certain man in my life couldn’t genuinely share in my joy.

I remember landing a big promotion at work, something I had worked incredibly hard for. Instead of joining in my excitement, he seemed uninterested, even dismissive. It felt like he couldn’t be happy for me because it wasn’t about him.

According to psychology, this lack of shared joy can be a sign of self-centeredness and limited empathy. People who empathize well often mirror the emotions of those they care about. They feel happy when you’re happy and sad when you’re sad.

If you find that your achievements or happy moments are met with indifference or overshadowed by his own interests, it might be a sign of self-centeredness and lack of empathy.

3) He often plays the victim

In the world of psychology, there’s a term called “victim mentality”. This is when someone tends to see themselves as a victim of the negative actions of others, even in the absence of clear evidence. It’s a common trait among self-centered individuals.

Where empathy allows us to put ourselves in other people’s shoes, a man with a victim mentality will instead often twist situations to make himself the center of attention, even if it means portraying himself as the victim.

If you notice that he frequently blames others for his misfortunes or fails to take responsibility for his actions, he might be exhibiting signs of self-centeredness and limited empathy. It’s important to remember that blaming others isn’t just destructive to personal growth, but it can also damage relationships.

4) He often interrupts or talks over people

Communication is a two-way street. But for the self-centered man, it can often look like a one-way highway.

If he frequently interrupts or talks over you or others during conversations, it might be a sign of his lack of empathy. This behavior can indicate that he’s more interested in his own thoughts and opinions than in what others have to say.

A good listener is not just silent when others are talking but also pays attention and shows interest in understanding others. This is a trait that self-centered individuals often struggle with. So if you find your words constantly being overshadowed by his, it’s time to take note.

5) He lacks compassion in difficult times

Life isn’t always sunshine and roses. We all go through tough times, and it’s during these moments that the presence or absence of empathy can become glaringly evident.

If a man is self-centered and lacks empathy, he may show little compassion when you’re going through a rough patch. Instead of offering comfort or understanding, he might dismiss your feelings or even become annoyed by your emotional state.

This lack of compassion in times of struggle can be deeply hurtful. Everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported, especially during challenging moments. If you find yourself feeling alone in your struggles instead of feeling supported, it could be a sign of his self-centered nature and lack of empathy.

6) He struggles to apologize sincerely

I recall a situation where a man in my life made a mistake. Everyone does, it’s part of being human. However, when confronted about it, he found it hard to apologize sincerely.

Instead of acknowledging his fault and expressing regret, he made excuses or shifted the blame. It was as if admitting he was wrong was an impossible task for him.

Psychology tells us that a genuine apology requires empathy because you have to understand and acknowledge the impact of your actions on others. If a man struggles to apologize sincerely when he’s wrong, it might indicate self-centeredness and a lack of empathy.

7) He shows little concern for others’ boundaries

Respecting another person’s boundaries is a fundamental aspect of healthy relationships. This involves recognizing and honoring the personal limits that others set for themselves.

However, a man who is self-centered and lacks empathy might often disregard these boundaries. He may push past limits without considering how it might make others feel, focusing only on his own desires and needs.

If you notice that he frequently crosses boundaries, whether they’re emotional, physical, or otherwise, it could be a sign of his self-centered nature and lack of empathy. Remember, everyone has the right to establish their own boundaries and expect those around them to respect them.

8) He lacks understanding of different perspectives

At the heart of empathy lies the ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives. A self-centered man, however, often struggles with this.

If he finds it hard to see things from another person’s point of view or dismisses others’ perspectives as irrelevant or wrong, it’s a strong indicator of his lack of empathy. Remember, a rich understanding of life comes from appreciating the myriad different experiences and perspectives that people have. Without this understanding, empathy is impossible.

The importance of empathy

Human behavior is a complex interplay of emotions, experiences, and biological factors. One crucial aspect of this interplay is empathy, a trait deeply ingrained in our psychological makeup.

Empathy not only helps us understand others’ feelings but also fosters healthy relationships. It’s the thread that connects us in our shared human experience.

When dealing with a self-centered man who lacks empathy, remember that it’s not your responsibility to change him. Change often comes from within and requires personal introspection and willingness.

However, understanding these signs can help you navigate your relationships and protect your emotional health.

As American poet Maya Angelou wisely said, “When people show you who they are, believe them”. If someone continuously exhibits self-centeredness and lacks empathy, believe them.

Remember, you deserve respect, understanding, and empathy in your relationships. Don’t settle for less.