A sense of entitlement

More often than not people believe that a sense of entitlement is only for those who have been used to the luxuries of life. Little do we know that a sense of entitlement is really about an individual who perceives himself or herself as deserving of unearned privileges. Daily, most of us toil in order to feed our families, send our children to school and yes, enjoy the “extras” whenever we get the chance. Self-entitled people, on the other hand, believe life owes them something. But what are the ways self entitlement reveals itself?

For one, and just like the alphabet, the “I” comes before the “U” where a lack of others’ needs is accompanied by expectation and narcissism, which is at the very core of this trait, together with an exaggerated sense of self-importance ushered by delusional fantasies of beauty, power and grandiosity.

Sadly, when the self-entitlement begins to crumble, depression sinks in and even those who are near and dear learn to keep their distance. People who interact with entitled individuals are not the only ones who suffer the effects of entitlement, as there is a great difficulty in maintaining positive relationships. So what should we do when we encounter an entitled individual?

It seems it is best not to give in even if the individual deems it unfair. This may be difficult but it doesn’t hurt to try. Entitlement is characterized by a lack of team spirit. While such individuals make good first impressions, in the long run, they become poor team players and collaborators because they are geared to serving their own self-interest.

Awareness is key in balancing our expectations and practicing this helps us learn to be other centered instead of “me” centered. Life can be tough, yet it owes us nothing. It’s what we make of it that matters, with the hope that the process is geared towards the good especially of all.