I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior, particularly the subtle cues that reveal how someone really feels about you.
You know what I’m talking about – those tiny, almost invisible signs that scream: “I think I’m better than you.”
I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a big psychology enthusiast. And, for years, I’ve been studying this intriguing aspect of human interaction.
When I was younger, I often found myself in situations where I felt belittled or looked down on. It was a very uncomfortable feeling that played tricks on my self-esteem and personal growth.
It wasn’t until I delved deep into psychology that I began to understand and pick up on these subtle signals that people often unconsciously project.
In this article, I’ll share with you 6 subtle signs that someone may think they’re superior to you and how understanding these can help in cultivating better relationships and personal resilience.
Let’s dive in!
1) They constantly interrupt you
One of the most telling signs that someone feels they’re above you is if they have a habit of interrupting you mid-conversation.
When I first started studying psychology, I was surprised to learn just how much we can infer from this seemingly insignificant behavior. It’s actually a clear indication of a lack of respect.
Think about it: when someone constantly interrupts you, it’s as if they’re saying your thoughts and opinions aren’t valuable enough to be heard.
I’ve been on the receiving end of this before, and trust me, it’s not a good feeling. It was a hit to my self-esteem and made me question the validity of my opinions.
So next time you notice that someone is frequently cutting you off, it might be because they think they’re superior to you. Understanding this can help you address the situation with more confidence and resilience.
2) They never ask for your opinion
Another subtle sign that someone may think they’re better than you is when they rarely, if ever, seek your opinion or advice.
I remember a time when I was part of a project team at work. Despite my vast experience in the field, the team leader almost never consulted me.
At first, I thought it was an oversight. But as time went on, I realized it was more than that. My opinions were being deliberately overlooked because the team leader saw me as beneath him.
It was quite a blow to my self-worth and professional confidence. But then I remembered a quote from the renowned psychologist, Carl Rogers: “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
This quote resonated with me and made me realize that my worth wasn’t defined by someone else’s perception of me, but by my ability to learn, adapt, and grow.
3) They dismiss your achievements
A clear indication that someone thinks they’re above you is when they downplay or outright dismiss your achievements.
I once had a close friend who never seemed to be impressed by anything I accomplished. Whether it was a promotion at work, finishing a marathon, or even just cooking a successful meal, they’d always find a way to belittle my successes.
Looking back now, I realize it wasn’t about me or my achievements. It was about their own insecurities and ego. They felt the need to keep me ‘beneath’ them to boost their own self-esteem.
It’s important to remember that your worth is not defined by how others perceive your accomplishments. You know the effort and dedication you’ve put into achieving your goals, and that’s what truly matters.
If someone regularly dismisses your accomplishments, it’s likely a sign they see themselves as superior. But don’t let that undermine your confidence. Instead, use it as motivation to continue growing and achieving on your own terms.
4) They often criticize you
A subtle yet significant sign that someone thinks they’re above you is the frequency and nature of their criticism towards you.
I used to have a friend who was critical of almost everything I did. From my choice of clothing to my career decisions, they always had something negative to say.
Initially, I took the criticism to heart, assuming they were just trying to help me improve. But then I noticed a pattern: their criticism was never constructive. It was merely a way for them to assert their perceived superiority.
Criticism, when delivered in a helpful and respectful manner, can be a powerful tool for growth. But when it’s used as a weapon to belittle or demean, it’s an indication of the critic’s own insecurities and need to feel superior.
So if you find someone in your life is constantly criticizing you without providing constructive feedback, it could very well be a sign that they see themselves as being above you.
Don’t let their negativity cloud your self-worth or hinder your progress. Instead, take it as a cue to reassess the relationship and surround yourself with people who lift you up, not bring you down.
5) They rarely show empathy
A powerful sign that someone thinks they’re superior to you is their lack of empathy towards your feelings or experiences.
I once dated someone who seldom showed any genuine interest or understanding towards my feelings. If I was upset or going through a rough patch, they would often brush it off or make it seem insignificant.
It was frustrating and hurtful, but then I came across a quote from the esteemed psychologist, Daniel Goleman: “Empathy and social skills are social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional intelligence. That’s why they look alike.”
This quote reminded me that empathy is a critical aspect of emotional intelligence, and those lacking it may be more focused on asserting their own superiority rather than fostering meaningful connections.
Don’t let their lack of empathy deter you from expressing yourself or seeking the support you deserve.
6) They’re overly friendly
This might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes, someone who thinks they’re superior to you may actually act overly friendly.
I’ve encountered people who were extremely nice on the surface, but something just didn’t feel right. Their compliments felt insincere and their interest in my life seemed forced.
It was confusing until I understood that this over-the-top friendliness was actually a subtle form of condescension. They were acting like they were doing me a favor by being so ‘friendly’, reinforcing their perceived superiority.
So if you find someone’s friendliness feels more like a performance than a genuine connection, it could be sign they think they’re above you.
A practical way to navigate this is to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Keep your interactions polite but maintain a healthy distance until you can figure out their true intentions.
Remember, sincerity is key in any meaningful relationship.
Conclusion
Recognizing these subtle signs that someone thinks they’re above you is the first step towards addressing the issue. It’s important to remember that it’s not about you—it’s about their own insecurities or need to feel superior.
Don’t let these attitudes shake your self-esteem or hinder your personal growth. Instead, use this knowledge as a tool to build resilience and cultivate meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
And most importantly, remember this: your value is not defined by someone else’s perception of you, but by your own self-worth and the positive impact you make in the world.
Stay true to yourself, keep growing, and never let anyone make you feel ‘beneath’ them.
