The word entitled carries a particular sting. Unlike buzzwords such as toxic or narcissist, which are tossed around with abandon on social media, entitled feels heavier—more judgmental, more cutting. It suggests someone who doesn’t just make mistakes in how they relate to others but operates with a belief that the rules don’t apply to them.
In psychology, entitlement is described as the belief that one deserves special treatment, privileges, or advantages—regardless of effort or fairness. It isn’t always born from arrogance alone. Often, it starts in childhood, when a child is raised in a way that unintentionally reinforces the idea that the world revolves around them.
Psychologists emphasize that children who grow up without clear boundaries, consistent consequences, or lessons about empathy may internalize the message that they are above others. Over time, those patterns can harden into traits that appear in adulthood—shaping everything from work ethic to personal relationships.
Yet, it’s important to note: none of these traits are permanent. Entitlement may be learned, but it can also be unlearned. With effort, awareness, and sometimes professional guidance, adults who grew up with this mindset can shift toward healthier, more balanced ways of living.
Here are 15 common traits often observed in adults who were raised with entitlement—and insights into why they emerge.
1. Inflated sense of self-importance
One of the clearest signs is an exaggerated sense of superiority. These adults may genuinely believe they are smarter, more talented, or more deserving than others—even when evidence doesn’t support it.
For example, in a workplace setting, they may expect promotions without putting in the same effort as their colleagues. This isn’t always conscious arrogance; sometimes, it’s simply the belief that success should naturally flow to them.
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2. Conversations that always circle back to them
People who grew up entitled often turn discussions into personal spotlights. Even lighthearted chats about someone else’s life can somehow shift toward their own experiences or achievements.
This trait often develops because they weren’t taught that conversations are a two-way exchange. Instead, they may have been conditioned to expect attention as a default, rather than something shared.
3. Struggles with independence
Ironically, those who project superiority often struggle with basic independence. Having grown up with parents or caregivers who met every need, they may find adult responsibilities overwhelming.
Tasks like managing bills, cooking meals, or solving everyday problems can feel daunting—not because of a lack of ability, but because of underdeveloped practice.
4. Pushy behavior
Hearing the word no can feel unbearable for someone who rarely encountered it as a child. This often leads to pushiness in adulthood.
They may pressure others to change plans, adjust boundaries, or bend rules in their favor. While persistence is sometimes framed as ambition, in this context, it comes from an inability to tolerate disappointment.
5. Ignoring the needs of others
Another common theme is an over-focus on their own desires. Adults raised with entitlement may overlook the feelings, limits, or needs of those around them.
For instance, in relationships, they might expect partners to accommodate their preferences without considering compromise. This isn’t always malicious—it may simply be a blind spot carried over from childhood.
6. Weak sense of empathy
Entitlement and empathy rarely grow side by side. When children are consistently shielded from the struggles of others, they may fail to develop an awareness of what it means to step into someone else’s shoes.
As adults, this can translate into frustration with people who “aren’t trying hard enough” or indifference toward social issues that don’t directly impact them.
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7. Craving instant gratification
Impatience often lingers into adulthood for those raised with constant indulgence. Waiting feels foreign.
Whether it’s expecting immediate responses to messages, same-day delivery on purchases, or quick career success, the inability to delay gratification can lead to impulsive decisions. Overspending, job-hopping, or abandoning projects mid-way are common outcomes.
8. Belief that rules don’t apply to them
When childhood came without consistent consequences, rules can feel optional later in life.
This may appear as cutting corners at work, ignoring community guidelines, or disregarding traffic laws. At its core, it stems from the learned expectation that authority figures will bend—or that consequences simply won’t follow.
9. Difficulty accepting feedback
No one enjoys criticism, but adults with entitled upbringings often find it intolerable. Since they were rarely corrected or challenged as children, hearing constructive feedback can feel like a personal attack.
This can make accountability difficult. Instead of reflecting on mistakes, they may deflect blame, minimize the issue, or argue against the validity of the critique.
10. Manipulative tendencies
When the world has always bent in their favor, manipulation may become a natural tool. This doesn’t always look dramatic—sometimes it’s subtle, like guilt-tripping, exaggerating, or withholding affection to get their way.
In more serious situations, manipulative behaviors can create toxic relationship dynamics, especially when paired with other traits like poor empathy or superiority.
11. Trouble with reciprocity in relationships
Relationships thrive on balance. But for adults raised with entitlement, giving back emotionally, practically, or socially doesn’t come naturally.
They may expect loyalty and support from others but struggle to return it. Over time, this imbalance can strain friendships, romantic partnerships, and even work connections.\
12. Constant need for attention
Overpraise in childhood can set the stage for constant attention-seeking later in life. When someone grows up used to applause, validation can feel less like encouragement and more like oxygen.
As adults, this may look like excessive posting on social media, fishing for compliments, or surrounding themselves with people who consistently reaffirm their worth.
13. Expecting unconditional support
Some entitled adults assume that loved ones should support them unconditionally—no matter the circumstance.
When faced with criticism or opposition, they may react with anger or withdrawal, framing the other person as disloyal. This mindset often originates from childhood environments where their actions were rarely questioned.
14. Confidence (earned or not)
Confidence, even if unearned, is one of the few positive traits that can emerge from entitlement. Adults raised this way often believe in their abilities strongly enough to pursue leadership roles, pitch bold ideas, or seek visibility.
However, confidence without grounding can backfire—leading to arrogance, ignoring others’ perspectives, or underestimating risks.
Why These Traits Develop
Psychologists point out that entitlement isn’t always the fault of the individual—it often reflects the environment in which they were raised. Overindulgent parenting, lack of consistent discipline, or a culture of constant praise can all contribute.
When a child learns that they are the “center of the universe,” it becomes difficult to adjust to the reality that the world does not, in fact, revolve around them.
The Path Forward: Healing From Entitlement
While the list above may seem discouraging, the story doesn’t end there. Entitlement can be unlearned. Here are three steps psychologists recommend:
1. Learn to respect “no”
Understanding that rejection or limits aren’t personal attacks is crucial. Accepting boundaries helps develop humility, patience, and respect for others.
2. Practice giving back
Volunteering, donating, or helping others without expectation shifts focus away from the self. It also nurtures empathy and appreciation for different life circumstances.
3. Seek therapy
Therapy provides a safe space to explore the roots of entitlement, build new coping skills, and develop healthier relationships. With guidance, adults can replace entitlement-driven habits with traits like resilience, compassion, and accountability.
Read more: 8 Subtle Signs of Sociopathic Tendencies in Kids, Experts Warn
Final Thoughts
Entitlement may begin in childhood, but it doesn’t have to define adulthood. The traits that emerge from this upbringing—whether it’s impatience, pushiness, or overconfidence—can be softened through self-awareness and effort.
At its heart, moving beyond entitlement means learning that life is not a solo performance but an ensemble act. The more someone learns to balance their needs with those of others, the more likely they are to build meaningful, lasting connections—and shed the weight of entitlement for good.
Featured image: Freepik.
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