James Carter
When a relationship ends, it can reveal a lot about a person’s character.
Especially if they’re deeply self-centered. Suddenly, their true colors start to shine through in ways you hadn’t noticed before.
It’s a tough realization, isn’t it? But understanding this behavior is crucial for personal growth and mindfulness.
In this article, I’m going to clue you in on 8 things that deeply self-centered individuals tend to do at the end of a relationship.
Pay close attention. Spotting these signs could save you a lot of heartache in the future.
Now, I’m not saying this will be easy, but hey, the journey towards self-improvement rarely is.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1) They’ll play the blame game
Endings are never easy, are they?
When a relationship ends, it’s human nature to reflect on what went wrong. But deeply self-centered people?
They don’t do that. Instead, they shift the blame entirely onto you.
It’s as if they’re completely absolved of any responsibility. As if their actions had absolutely no role in the demise of the relationship.
Suddenly, every argument, every disagreement, every setback becomes your fault.
It was your actions, your words, your flaws that led to the end.
This isn’t just an escape tactic. It’s a reflection of their inability to introspect and accept their shortcomings.
Frustrating? Yes. But this behavior can serve as a massive red flag for you in the future.
Dodge that bullet and remember: It takes two to tango, and it definitely takes two to end a relationship.
2) They’ll make it all about them
Can I tell you about my ex, Jake? The guy was the epitome of self-centeredness.
When our relationship ended, instead of discussing the issues that led to our breakup, he made it all about his feelings, his loss, his pain.
I remember him saying, “This is so hard for me. I can’t believe I have to go through this.”
Notice something? It was all “me, me, me”. There was no acknowledgment of my feelings or the pain I was going through. It was as if my emotions didn’t exist.
And that’s what deeply self-centered people do at the end of a relationship.
They monopolize the emotional space, leaving no room for the other person’s feelings.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but recognizing this behavior is crucial to avoiding such toxicity in future relationships.
3) They’ll try to keep you on the hook
When a relationship ends, it’s common to try and maintain a semblance of friendship.
But with self-centered individuals, this “friendship” often has a catch.
They’ll subtly try to keep you attached, using emotional manipulation to keep you within their reach.
Did you know that this is a form of psychological conditioning?
Gradually, they condition you to respond to their needs while ignoring your own.
It’s like they’re training you to be there for them, even when the relationship is over.
Watch out for those “friendly” texts or the occasional “just checking in”. It might be more calculated than it seems.
4) They’ll act like the victim
Self-centered people have a knack for turning the tables.
One moment you’re breaking up with them due to their toxic behavior, the next, they’re the victim.
They’ll paint themselves as the innocent party, wronged and hurt, conveniently glossing over their own actions that led to the breakup.
This isn’t just about evading responsibility. It’s also about manipulating your feelings and making you question your decisions.
Seeing them act like the victim can be confusing, and may even make you feel guilty. But remember, it’s just a tactic.
Stick to your guns, and don’t let them twist the narrative.
5) They’ll demand closure on their terms
Ever dealt with someone who insists on having the last word? I have.
When a relationship ends, self-centered individuals like to dictate the terms of closure.
They might insist on meeting one last time, or demand a detailed explanation for the breakup.
In my case, my self-centered ex wanted a ‘final goodbye’ dinner.
It was less about closure, and more about controlling the situation one last time.
The hardest part is recognizing this for what it is – a power play.
It’s not about closure, but about maintaining control even when things are ending.
You’re not obliged to give them closure on their terms. You have every right to decide how and when you want to close this chapter of your life.
6) They’ll seem unfazed
When a relationship ends, you’d expect some show of emotion, right? Not with the self-centered folks.
They might appear surprisingly calm, almost as if the breakup doesn’t affect them. But don’t be fooled.
This isn’t a sign of emotional strength or maturity.
It’s actually a defense mechanism. By acting unfazed, they’re trying to maintain their self-image and avoid confronting their feelings.
If your ex seems unusually composed post-breakup, don’t second-guess your decision.
It’s not you, it’s them trying to protect their ego.
7) They’ll rush into a new relationship
Ever seen an ex move on suspiciously fast? When deeply self-centered people end a relationship, they often jump into a new one almost immediately.
This isn’t about finding love again; it’s more about filling the void left by the end of the relationship.
They need someone to feed their ego and validate their self-worth.
It can be hurtful to see your ex move on so quickly, but remember, this is more about them than you.
It’s their way of coping, and it doesn’t diminish the validity of your past relationship.
8) They’ll try to make you feel like you made a mistake
This is the ultimate move. When all else fails, a self-centered person will try to make you feel like breaking up with them was a mistake.
They might talk about how much better they’re doing now or how happy they are with their new partner.
All in an attempt to make you regret your decision.
But here’s the thing: don’t fall for it. You made the right choice.
You chose your mental and emotional health over a toxic relationship, and that’s something to be proud of.
Understanding the self-centered
If you’ve been nodding along to this article, chances are you’ve encountered these traits in someone you know.
Remember, recognizing self-centered behavior isn’t about labeling or judging people.
It’s about understanding their actions and how they can impact your emotional well-being.
Self-centered individuals often struggle with empathy and self-awareness, which can make them challenging to deal with, especially in a relationship context.
But by recognizing these behaviors, you can make more informed decisions in your relationships and protect your well-being.
Keep in mind that everyone has the potential for growth and change.
Just as some people learn to be more empathetic and considerate, self-centered individuals can also learn to be more mindful of others.
Reflect on these points, not just as warning signs, but as a guide to understanding the complexities of human behavior.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to navigate our way through this chaotic yet beautiful thing called life.
