People With A Major Entitlement Complex Usually Have These 14 Difficult Traits
Ever met someone who thinks the rules don't apply to them?
bodnar.photo | Shutterstock Have you ever met someone who walks through life convinced the world revolves around them? People with a major entitlement complex believe they're owed special treatment just for existing, and it shows in the way they treat others. Think of the real-life version of Willy Wonka’s Violet Beauregarde — demanding, selfish, and oblivious to how insufferable they come across. While we all deserve respect and dignity, entitlement takes it several steps too far. It's less about confidence and more about living with a "you owe me" mentality.
The truth is, an entitlement complex can wreck relationships, push people away, and leave someone feeling lonely and bitter without ever understanding why. Research suggests entitlement can be influenced by upbringing, authority figures, or even cultural messages that make someone believe they're "special." Whatever the cause, the result is the same: difficult traits that drive people away. Here are the signs of an entitlement complex — and how to recognize if you or someone you know might be struggling with one.
People with a major entitlement complex usually have these 14 difficult traits:
1. They demand special treatment and don't hesitate to yell, threaten, or guilt people until others give in
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This is a key marker of someone who has never learned that they aren't entitled to be treated like a special princess.
They insist on special treatment and aren't afraid to yell, threaten, or guilt others until they get what they want. This kind of behavior is common among people with high levels of entitlement, which research shows is linked to increased feelings of anger and aggression, especially when people feel slighted or challenged. People who act this way often don’t realize how unpleasant they come across, or how quickly their need to feel special pushes others away.
2. They struggle to keep long-term friendships because people eventually feel used or taken advantage of
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One of the most common reasons that people drop friends is because they feel like the friend is a user, or that the friend acts entitled to more than they deserve, and research shows that entitlement often leads to greater conflict and hostility in relationships over time.
If you regularly find yourself alone, you need to realize you’re probably the reason why.
3. Their expectations of others are wildly unrealistic — they ask for far more than they'd ever be willing to give
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You know you’re asking for a lot. In fact, you know you’re asking for way too much — more than you yourself would ever be willing to provide. People like this often convince themselves that their needs matter more, or that others owe them extra effort just for showing up.
But relationships aren't built on one-way transactions. If this sounds familiar, you need to get help. You have entitlement issues.
4. They often get called manipulative, dishonest, or a bully, because entitlement makes them act that way
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This is because people with entitlement issues are bullies. Studies indicate that the entitlement and exploitativeness traits of narcissism are some of the best predictors of aggressive and manipulative behavior.
Sadly, most of them don't realize it. This is why many people who have entitlement issues are diagnosed as narcissists later on in life.
5. When they don't get what they want, they throw tantrums or stage over-the-top dramas to get attention
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Woe is the person who says no to you, for they will be the target of a major smear campaign. When you don't get what you want, you will be the first one to let the whole world know that a grave injustice has been made.
Research indicates that when people with entitlement-driven narcissism experience rejection or frustration, they often respond with vengeful and aggressive behaviors. If this sounds like you, the world has news for you: You probably deserve to hear “no” more often.
6. They punish people who don't obey them, whether through gossip, silent treatment, or outright cruelty
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Let’s say someone still said no despite all the threats you gave. Did you go out of your way to punish said person via gossip, abuse, or silent treatment?
Research shows that entitlement often leads to hostile or retaliatory behavior when people feel rejected or denied. It's a way to regain control and protect the fragile ego that can't handle being told "no." But all it really does is drive people further away and make you even harder to be around.
If this sounds a lot like you, it might be a good opportunity to reflect on your behaviors.
7. They hold double standards, demanding leniency for themselves but being harsh toward others
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People with major entitlement complexes tend to hold double standards by asking for leniency for themselves while being strict with others. In most cases, you probably already know you have double standards. The thing is, this really isn’t okay.
Research reveals that entitled people tend to enforce stricter moral standards on others, while they are more likely to excuse or seek special treatment for themselves. Because of that entitlement lens, you judge others for things you’d never allow yourself to be judged for. Would you want to be judged that way?
8. They regularly offend people with their words and don't care who gets hurt in the process
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Research shows that entitlement and exploitativeness are strong predictors of aggressive behavior — you lash out because you believe you can get away with it. Over time, that kind of unchecked verbal cruelty fuels hostility, conflict, and isolation.
Most entitled people do this and don’t care who they hurt. In many cases, they may even go out of their way to be offensive so that they can make sure people know “they’re the dominant ones here.”
9. They believe they're better than most people, which makes them feel like they deserve better treatment
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No, you’re not. Your (poop) does, in fact, stink. People with entitlement issues often develop a superiority complex — a belief that they’re smarter, more deserving, or somehow above everyone else. That mindset makes it easy to dismiss other people’s needs and impossible to form healthy, equal relationships.
Go to counseling and start talking, because you have issues that are going to bite you in the butt eventually.
10. They’re obsessed with asserting dominance and winning, even in situations that don't matter
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People who need to dominate things often have major entitlement issues as well. Studies suggest that entitled people often value social power and employ dominance strategies to hold status. In experiments, the entitlement and exploitativeness traits were the top predictors of aggressive behavior.
If you love exerting power over people, you probably have to think about why. You might find that it’s a sign that you need serious help.
11. They put their own needs first every single time and rarely consider how their actions affect others
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If you have an entitlement complex, you always have your needs taken care of first. You must be the person to order first, to be served first, or to be greeted first. You won’t give a single thought to others until you’ve been satisfied — and even then, you might not care.
It's not confidence; it's selfishness dressed up as "standards." People like this often convince themselves they're just being assertive, but what they're really doing is draining everyone around them. Eventually, others stop showing up because no one likes feeling like an accessory to someone else's ego.
12. They crave constant praise and feel irritated if they're not being recognized as special
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People with an entitlement complex thrive on praise and being told they are great. If you haven't been given any praise in a day, you become agitated and grumpy. You feel like you should be praised because of how special you believe you are.
Studies show that people high in entitlement are more likely to crave public recognition and indulge in self-praise.
13. They're ungrateful for what they already have, always believing they deserve more, and rarely saying thank you
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You believe you deserve more than you get. You won’t say thank you for gifts or favors because you think you’re owed them, and a thank you isn’t needed.
That constant sense of "I deserve better" makes it impossible to appreciate what you already have. Gratitude doesn't exist in your vocabulary — only comparison and complaint. Over time, this mindset poisons every relationship you have, because people eventually get tired of giving to someone who never gives back.
You’re not being "driven" or "self-respecting." You're acting entitled, and it shows.
14. They see rules as optional — they apply to other people, but not to them
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You think rules were made for lesser people to help them stay in line, but rules don't apply to you because you are perfect. Studies show that people who feel entitled are more likely to ignore instructions (even trivial ones) because they see rules as unfair impositions.
You are above the law and can do or say anything you want. This is how many people with an entitlement complex think.
If any of these traits sound familiar, it doesn't mean you're doomed — it just means you have work to do. Entitlement can be unlearned with self-awareness, accountability, and therapy. The moment you start seeing other people as equals, not obstacles, your relationships (and peace of mind) get a lot better.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is a writer based out of Red Bank, New Jersey, whose work has been featured in Yahoo, BRIDES, Your Daily Dish, Newtheory Magazine, and others. Follow her on Twitter for more.
