Lucas Graham
We all encounter different personalities in life—there are people who are humble and down-to-earth, while others may come off as a bit, well, superior.
Yes, some people may not say it outright, but their actions and attitudes can reveal a hidden sense of superiority.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of subtle signs because, honestly, understanding these signs can help you navigate social dynamics more effectively.
If you notice these seven subtle signs, it could be a clue that someone thinks they’re better than you:
1) They give unsolicited advice
It’s normal to seek advice from others but when someone repeatedly offers you unsolicited advice, it might be a subtle sign they think they’re better than you.
You see, unsolicited advice is often a veiled attempt to demonstrate superiority.
It’s a way of saying, “I know better than you,” without actually saying it.
Imagine you’re talking about a problem at work and before you can finish, they’re already offering their two cents: They might genuinely think they’re helping, but it can also be a way for them to assert their perceived superiority.
Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes unsolicited advice can be helpful—but, if it’s a consistent pattern, it might be a sign they believe their opinions are more valuable than yours.
2) They’re constantly one-upping you
We’ve all met someone who always seems to have a better story, a more impressive accomplishment, or a bigger drama than anyone else in the room.
I remember a particular friend of mine who was notorious for this.
Let’s say I’d share about a recent vacation I went on: No matter how amazing my trip was, she’d always jump in with a story of her own that somehow managed to outshine mine.
If I went camping, she’d been on an African safari; if I won a local race, she’d completed a marathon.
It got to the point where it felt like a competition every time we had a conversation.
That’s when I realized, this constant one-upping was her subtle way of asserting that she was better than me.
If you notice someone always trying to outdo your experiences or accomplishments, it could be their way of subtly implying they think they’re above you.
3) They rarely ask about your life
Ever noticed how some people can talk about themselves for hours but never seem to take an interest in your life?
This could be a subtle sign that they think they’re better than you.
In psychology, there’s a term for this—’egocentrism’—that refers to the tendency to think only of oneself, without considering the feelings or interests of others.
Egocentric individuals often dominate conversations and focus on their own interests, while showing little genuine interest in others.
4) They show negative body language
Body language can speak volumes about what someone really thinks.
If someone consistently displays negative body language around you, it could be a subtle sign they believe they’re better than you.
For instance, if they often cross their arms, avoid eye contact, or turn their body away from you during conversations, it could signal a lack of respect or interest.
Similarly, if they’re constantly looking at their phone or watch while you’re talking, it might indicate that they don’t value your time or what you have to say.
Remember, body language is often subconscious, so they might not even realize they’re doing it.
5) They downplay your achievements
Being proud of our achievements is a natural feeling.
I remember when I landed my first big job: I was over the moon and couldn’t wait to share the news with my friends.
However, I had this one friend that, instead of sharing my excitement, quickly brushed off my achievement, saying that it wasn’t a “real” job because it was in a creative field.
It hurt—I felt like my achievement was being invalidated.
Over time, I realized that this was her way of subtly asserting that she was better than me.
If someone in your life tends to downplay your achievements, it might be worth considering whether they see themselves as superior.
6) They never admit their mistakes
We all make mistakes—it’s part of being human.
Then again, if someone never admits they’re wrong or takes responsibility for their mistakes, it could be a sign they see themselves as better than you.
Such people often believe they’re above the normal rules and expectations that apply to everyone else.
They might blame others for their own errors, or twist the narrative to make themselves look better.
Take it from me: Admitting mistakes requires humility—it’s better to be humble about everything in life, even if it means holding yourself accountable.
7) They treat others poorly
The true measure of a person’s character is how they treat those who can do nothing for them.
If someone consistently belittles, dismisses or disregards others, especially those they perceive as ‘less important’, it’s a glaring sign already.
This behavior stems from a belief that their own needs, wants, and opinions are more important than anyone else’s—just blatant narcissism.
It’s a profound lack of empathy and respect, and it’s the most telling sign that someone thinks they’re better than you.
Final thought: It’s about empathy
At the core of these subtle signs is a lack of empathy—the ability to understand and share others’ feelings.
When someone consistently acts as if they’re superior to you, it’s often due to their inability to recognize your perspective and emotions.
Recognizing these signs is crucial for navigating relationships and fostering empathy within yourself.
After all, everyone wants to feel seen, heard, and valued.
The next time you encounter these subtle signs in someone, remember that it’s less about you and more about their lack of empathy.
Choose to be the bigger person—choose empathy.
