Some people are very driven by their ego. You may appear strong and confident at first, but often this is just a facade. These statements are typical of such ego people.
It’s easy to confuse mental toughness with an (over)large ego. Especially if the person manages to present themselves as particularly strong and powerful. But true inner strength does not lie in fooling other people into believing that they are the best and getting their way at all costs. Because that’s more of a sign of a big ego. These phrases are typical of such people.
5 statements that will help you identify ego-driven people
1. “Do you actually know who you are dealing with here?”
Some people think they are better than those around them. They believe that certain qualifications they have in life (such as living in a rich country or being born into an influential family) or a job position set them apart. But no man is worth more or less than the other. This feeling comes from an inflated ego. Sentences like “Do you even know who I am?” are intended to underline how much the person is above others.
2. “I would never watch that mainstream stuff.”
Status symbols don’t just have to be expensive watches, opulent houses or a big car. In fact, anything can be a symbol of distancing ourselves from others and manifesting our status in a particular group. Some people constantly emphasize that they would never watch this or that series, for example, because it is “far too mainstream”. They only watch Arte documentaries or foreign-language literary adaptations. Or they don’t have a TV at all. In this case, having less than others can also be an ego-driven status symbol.
3. “That’s what I said right away.”
“I hate to say it, but to be honest I told you that straight away.” To get this straight: the person is not at all averse to saying this, they were just waiting to let the other person know that they know better. If we’re being honest, we’ve probably all thought something similar when a friend or co-worker disregards our advice. But uttering this verbal slap in the face in such an arrogant manner is primarily aimed at boosting one’s ego.
4. “It’s not my fault.”
Typical of people with big egos is their inability – or unwillingness – to admit mistakes. They would never admit that they messed up, someone might think they are weak! Admitting mistakes is a sign of strength. However, ego-driven people see things differently and prefer to try desperately to distract themselves from the situation when something has gone wrong.
5. “I already knew that.”
Some people constantly have to prove what they know and can do. If someone explains something to them or tells them about something that this person may have just learned themselves, they often only get an answer à la “You didn’t know that? I knew that.” Instead of being happy for the other person or admitting that they didn’t know something either, their need to keep up appearances that they’re better than everyone else wins out.
Sources used: hackspirit.com, psychologytoday.com