Have you ever caught yourself digging in your heels during an argument, even when you secretly knew you were wrong?
Or maybe you’ve felt a strange satisfaction in proving someone else wrong, even if it strained the relationship a little.
If so, you’re not alone. We all have moments when our pride sneaks into the driver’s seat, steering our actions in ways we don’t fully realize.
But here’s the kicker: pride isn’t always the loud, boastful thing we imagine.
Sometimes, it shows up in subtle behaviors we hardly notice—ones that can quietly impact our relationships, decisions, and even our personal growth.
In this article, we’re peeling back the layers to explore seven sneaky signs you might have just a little too much pride. And hey, don’t worry—we’ve all been there!
1) You’re always right
We’ve all been there, in the heat of a discussion, convinced that our viewpoint is the right one.
But what happens when this becomes a pattern? When you find yourself unable to accept anyone else’s perspective or even consider that you might be wrong.
This stubborn insistence on always being correct is often a sign of excessive pride. It’s a subtle way of placing ourselves above others, of asserting our intellectual dominance.
And unfortunately, it’s not as uncommon as we might like to think.
The problem with always needing to be right is that it closes us off to the possibility of learning and growing. It can also lead to conflicts in relationships and make it difficult for people to connect with us on a deeper level.
So, if you find yourself unable to accept that you might be wrong or you feel defensive when someone challenges your opinion, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate whether pride is getting in the way of your growth and relationships.
2) You struggle to apologize
Apologizing is not something that comes easily for many people, myself included.
I remember this one time when I had a disagreement with a close friend. It was over something trivial, but my pride got the better of me. Instead of acknowledging my mistake and apologizing, I dug my heels in and defended my position.
In retrospect, it wasn’t even about who was right or wrong. It was about not being able to swallow my pride and admit that I had made a mistake. My excessive pride got in the way of mending a relationship that was valuable to me.
This inability to apologize, or the struggle to do so, is often a sign of excessive pride. It’s like an internal roadblock that prevents us from admitting our faults and making amends.
It’s an indication that we value our ego more than our relationships, and that’s not a trade-off worth making.
3) You can’t accept help
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Pride that dines on vanity sups on contempt.”
This quote resonates with me because it perfectly encapsulates the idea of excessive pride. The kind of pride that makes us turn away help when we most need it, simply because we don’t want to admit we can’t do it all by ourselves.
I’ve seen it in myself and others, this incredibly stubborn determination to do everything alone. To refuse help even when it’s clear that the situation is spiraling out of control.
It’s like a silent declaration that we’re invincible, that we don’t need anyone else.
But this is far from the truth. We all need help from time to time.
Being able to accept help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our strength and wisdom. It shows that we’re secure enough in our abilities to acknowledge when someone else’s skills or expertise might be more beneficial.
4) You’re reluctant to show vulnerability
Similarly, a reluctance to show the vulnerable side of yourself indicates that you have a bit too much pride.
It’s an interesting paradox. On one hand, we’re all human, and being human means experiencing a full range of emotions, including those that make us feel vulnerable.
On the other hand, pride often pushes us to present an image of perfection to the world.
But here’s the thing – vulnerability is not a weakness. In fact, it takes courage to let others see us in our moments of struggle and doubt. It’s these moments that make us relatable and human.
If you find yourself holding back your emotions or putting on a brave face even when you’re hurting inside, it might be time to consider whether your pride is preventing you from expressing your true self.
You’re truly better off letting down those walls and allowing yourself to be seen in all your beautifully imperfect glory.
5) You’re overly critical of others
Did you know that when we’re overly critical of others, it often has more to do with us than with them?
Psychologists have found that our criticisms often reflect our own insecurities and fears.
In the context of pride, this can manifest as being overly critical of others in an attempt to elevate ourselves.
Think about it. When we’re constantly picking at others’ flaws or shortcomings, it’s usually a way to make ourselves feel superior.
As author and therapist John Amodeo explains, “Pride is often driven by poor self-worth and shame. We feel so badly about ourselves that we compensate by feeling superior. We look for others’ flaws as a way to conceal our own. We relish criticizing others as a defense against recognizing our own shortcomings.”
It’s as if by bringing others down, we’re somehow lifting ourselves up. But this kind of behaviour doesn’t actually make us better or more accomplished; it only serves to inflate our pride.
If you find yourself habitually critiquing others or focusing on their faults, it might be a good idea to take a step back and consider whether your pride is getting in the way of your empathy and understanding for others.
This brings me to the next point…
6) You don’t take criticism well
Not only does pride make you more prone to dishing criticism out, it also makes you unable to take it.
Of course, nobody likes being criticized. But how we respond to criticism says a lot about us.
When we’re overly proud, we tend to see criticism as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth. We become defensive, sometimes even aggressive, and often miss the chance to learn from the feedback.
But the reality is that criticism, when given constructively, can be a valuable tool for self-improvement. It allows us to see our flaws and work on them, making us better at what we do.
Remember, it takes a strong person to face their shortcomings and work on them – and that could be you.
7) You’re constantly comparing yourself to others
There’s a thin line between healthy competition and destructive comparison. And sometimes, when our pride gets the better of us, we end up on the wrong side of this line.
It’s quite normal to look at others and their achievements as a benchmark for our own progress.
But when this comparison becomes a constant part of our lives, it can be a sign of excessive pride. We start to measure our self-worth based on how we stack up against others.
The trouble with this is that it creates a sense of discontentment and takes away from our ability to appreciate our own journey.
It also fosters a mindset where our self-esteem is dependent on being ‘better’ than others.
If you find yourself constantly comparing your life, achievements, or possessions with others, it might be time to pause and reflect.
It’s worth considering whether your pride is driving this need to outperform everyone else and whether it’s truly serving your best interests.
In conclusion
If you see yourself in these signs, don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have moments of excessive pride, and recognizing it is the first step towards transformation.
The journey to overcoming excessive pride isn’t about suppressing it entirely. Rather, it’s about harnessing that energy and directing it towards self-improvement.
It’s about being open, accepting criticism, celebrating others’ success, and acknowledging our own vulnerabilities.
Paying attention to your reactions in different situations can help you identify when your pride might be getting in the way. Is there resistance when you need to apologize? Do you find it hard to celebrate others’ accomplishments? Are you unable to accept help? Reflect on these moments.
As C.S. Lewis once said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Let this guide your journey as you navigate your relationship with pride.
