How to Deal With Someone Who Feels Entitled

Understanding Entitlement and Its Impact

Feeling entitled often stems from unmet core needs. When someone acts entitled, they likely feel a lack of security, significance, or connection. Meeting those needs with compassion can dissolve entitled attitudes.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries communicate what treatment you find acceptable. Explain clearly what behaviors you won’t tolerate. This prevents enabling and protects your peace.

Don’t Take Things Personally

Entitled people often make unreasonable demands. Remind yourself their behavior reflects inner suffering, not your worth.

Meet Them Where They Are

Seek to understand entitled people’s perspectives and struggles. Meeting them where they are opens doors to positive change through empathy.

Lead With Gentleness

While boundaries are crucial, lead with patience, honesty and care when addressing entitled behaviors. This reduces defensiveness.

FAQ

What causes feelings of entitlement?

Feelings of entitlement often arise from unmet core emotional needs for security, significance, or connection.

How do you set boundaries with an entitled person?

Set clear, specific boundaries about behaviors you won’t tolerate. Enforce them consistently while also offering compassion.

Should you take an entitled person’s behavior personally?

No, it’s best not to take entitled behavior personally. The behavior likely stems from the person’s inner suffering rather than a reflection on your worth.

How can you meet an entitled person where they are?

Seek to understand their perspective and life experiences driving the entitled attitudes. Lead with empathy while also maintaining clear boundaries.

What’s the best way to address entitled behavior?

Lead with patience, honesty and care when addressing entitled behaviors to reduce defensiveness. Enforce clear boundaries while also offering compassion.