10 ways entitled people make everyone around them miserable without realizing it

Entitlement is one of those traits that’s easy to spot in others but almost invisible to the person who has it. People who feel entitled rarely see themselves as difficult or demanding. In fact, they often think they’re being reasonable.

But if you’ve ever been around someone who expects special treatment, ignores boundaries, or constantly drains the energy of those nearby, you know how exhausting it can be.

Psychology shows that entitlement is linked to low empathy, fragile self-esteem, and an inflated sense of deservingness. And while entitled people don’t usually think of themselves as malicious, their behavior slowly erodes trust, goodwill, and connection.

Here are 10 ways entitled people make everyone around them miserable—without even realizing it.

1. They treat favors as obligations

Entitled people rarely see help as a gift. Instead, they see it as something they are owed.

If you do them a favor, they won’t thank you—they’ll expect it. And if you don’t, they’ll act shocked or offended. Over time, this erodes goodwill because relationships become transactional instead of genuine.

2. They believe rules don’t apply to them

Cutting lines, ignoring deadlines, talking over others—entitled people see rules as optional.

The irony is they often become furious if others break the same rules. Their double standard creates frustration, especially in group settings where cooperation matters.

3. They drain conversations with constant one-upmanship

Instead of listening, they use conversations to showcase themselves. If you’ve had a tough day, they’ve had a worse one. If you share an achievement, they’ll either minimize it or bring up something they think is bigger.

It’s not always malicious—it comes from a mindset that their experiences must take center stage. But it leaves others feeling unseen and dismissed.

4. They take generosity for granted

Entitled people don’t notice the effort others put into making life easier for them. Whether it’s a colleague covering a shift, a partner handling chores, or a friend making time, they act as though it’s the natural order of things.

This lack of acknowledgment slowly turns relationships sour because appreciation is replaced with expectation.

5. They demand attention at the worst times

Everyone deserves to be heard—but entitled people want your attention on their terms, even when you’re busy, tired, or dealing with your own challenges.

They might interrupt, pout, or sulk if they don’t get it. Without realizing it, they create an environment where everyone else’s needs become secondary to theirs.

6. They can’t handle criticism (but dish it out freely)

Feedback feels like an attack to entitled people. Even the gentlest suggestion can trigger defensiveness, denial, or even anger.

Yet they often criticize others without hesitation. This imbalance creates a dynamic where people feel silenced while still being judged.

7. They use guilt as a weapon

Entitled people often make others feel guilty for not giving enough—time, energy, or resources.

They might say things like:

• “I can’t believe you won’t do this for me after everything I’ve done.”

• “You must not really care if you can’t help.”

These statements manipulate through guilt, leaving people emotionally drained while the entitled person feels justified.

8. They compete for sympathy

Hardship is part of life, but entitled people want to own the spotlight of suffering. If you’re struggling, they’ll quickly share how their problems are bigger, harder, or more important.

This creates a toxic cycle where empathy is drained from interactions, leaving others unsupported.

9. They never admit when they’re wrong

Entitled people struggle with accountability. To admit fault feels beneath them, so they shift blame, deny mistakes, or twist the narrative.

This refusal to take responsibility forces others to carry the emotional weight of conflict, often apologizing just to keep the peace.

10. They leave others walking on eggshells

Perhaps the most damaging effect is the subtle tension they create. You’re never sure how they’ll react—whether with disappointment, criticism, or self-pity.

So people censor themselves, hide their true feelings, and overextend just to avoid conflict. Over time, this destroys trust and makes relationships exhausting.

Final reflection

Entitlement isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it hides behind politeness, charm, or even self-declared vulnerability. But the effects are always the same: others feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued.

The good news is, once you recognize these patterns, you can respond differently. Boundaries, clarity, and self-respect are the antidotes.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I write about how entitlement stems from attachment—our craving to be more important than we are. By practicing mindfulness and letting go of ego, we create space for humility and gratitude instead.

The truth is: life feels lighter when we stop demanding more from others and start appreciating what’s already here.