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Are You Selfish? 6 Ways To Tell

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Are You Selfish? 6 Ways To Tell [EXPERT]
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the most selfish of them all?
When it comes to relationships, is it all about you?

Healthy, happy relationships are based on caring, cooperation, and commitment. Your partner and relationship must be a top priority for you. Selfishness, or being overly concerned with just your needs, wants, and feelings prevents you from holding up your end of a mutually satisfying relationship. 6 Ways To Tell If You’re Roommates Or Soul Mates

Many people don't recognize when they're being selfish because they operate inside a bubble of me-first thoughts and beliefs. Putting yourself first becomes a habit. For example, with friends and colleagues, you look for opportunities to put yourself center stage. You spend very little time listening because your focus is on pulling attention back to you. Eventuall,y this way of being pushes others away from you. In your intimate relationship, it creates hurt and resentment. Why Men With Symmetrical Faces Are More Selfish

More from YourTango: 7 Signs You're An Overbearing Girlfriend

Here are six ways to tell that you're selfish:

  1. You like being in control and find it difficult to compromise.
  2. Giving and sharing do not come easily to you.
  3. Putting your partner's needs first — before your own — is very difficult.
  4. You hear constructive criticism as personal attacks.
  5. You become moody when others have the spotlight.
  6. Forgiving others is difficult.

It's important to see that being selfish is not the same as being hostile or mean-spirited. Selfishness is not directed against others; it's a misguided way of making yourself feel more adequate or worthy. Sister Wives: Is Having 17 Kids Selfish?

More from YourTango: 15 Signs Your Marriage Will End In Divorce

There is also no gene for selfishness; it's a learned behavior. That means like any other bad habit it can be changed. Your relationships, intimate or otherwise, are the perfect place to practice changing. Use the everyday interactions that go on in your relationship as opportunities to be less selfish. Make a conscious effort to shift your focus from me first to we first.

More relationship advice from YourTango:

Article contributed by
Advanced Member

Drs. Evelyn And Paul Moschetta

Author

Drs. Evelyn and Paul Moschetta, D.S.W.

Marriage Counseling Experts and Individual Psychotherapists in New York City

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Location: New York, NY
Credentials: DCSW, LCSW, MSW
Specialties: Couples/Marital Issues, Divorce/Divorce Prevention, Infidelity / Affair Recovery
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