Over the years, I’ve found myself quietly studying how people communicate, the way they manage everyday conversations, the little cues they drop, and the unspoken assumptions that linger beneath their words.
Through this ongoing observation, one group always stood out, those who seem to carry an inflated sense of self-importance.
At first, it was hard to put my finger on it. But as time passed, I began noticing a pattern in how they spoke. It wasn’t necessarily what they said, it was how frequently they said certain things and the tone behind them.
This article is about those patterns. More specifically, it’s about seven phrases that, according to psychological research, are often used by people with an entitled mindset. These aren’t always obvious red flags on their own, but over time, they can paint a clearer picture of someone’s worldview.
1. “I should have…” or “I deserve…”
This is probably the most telling phrase. When someone constantly talks about what they “should have gotten” or what they “deserve,” it’s often a sign that they see themselves as somehow above the rest.We all hope to be acknowledged and treated fairly—but there’s a difference between healthy self-respect and a belief that the world owes you something.
Psychologists note that entitlement tends to show up as a persistent feeling of being shortchanged, even when things are fair.
So if someone frequently says things like, “I deserve that raise,” or “I should’ve been invited,” it may reveal more about their perceived self-status than actual injustice.
2. “That’s not my responsibility”
Early in my career, I remember working with someone who repeatedly refused to step outside their defined role. Whenever a new challenge came up, even small tasks, they would respond with, “That’s not my job.” At the time, it came off as laziness. But looking back, it was entitlement cloaked in self-preservation.
This attitude stems from the idea that anything beyond their scope is beneath them or simply not worth the effort. Psychologist Carol Dweck refers to this as a “fixed mindset,” where growth is seen as optional, and responsibilities are seen as burdens unless they come with immediate rewards or recognition.
People with this mindset often shy away from collaboration and resist anything that challenges their comfort zone.
3. “You wouldn’t understand”
This phrase sounds harmless at first, maybe even a little vulnerable but when used regularly, it can become a wall between the speaker and everyone else. It implies that their experiences are too unique or complex for others to grasp. In psychology, this is a form of self-exceptionalism, where someone believes their problems are more significant than those around them.
I once had a classmate in college who constantly said this during group discussions. It wasn’t that we didn’t care; he just didn’t believe anyone else could truly “get” what he was going through.
Over time, it made it nearly impossible to connect with him. This kind of language tends to isolate rather than invite support or empathy.
4. “I’m different from other people”
We all like to think of ourselves as individuals. But there’s a difference between valuing your uniqueness and using it as justification for acting superior. According to research by the American Psychological Association, people who often frame themselves as “unlike the rest” tend to score higher in both narcissism and entitlement. They don’t just see themselves as different—they believe they are better.
I’ve encountered this behavior in personal and professional settings. What starts as a quirky self-description eventually turns into dismissiveness toward others’ ideas or experiences. Used repeatedly, this phrase often reflects a deeper need to feel exceptional, at the expense of others.
5. “I don’t care what anyone thinks”
On the surface, this sounds empowering. We often admire people who are confident enough to follow their path, regardless of public opinion. But when someone constantly repeats this phrase, it can hint at something else—a disregard for feedback, boundaries, or consequences.
In reality, this kind of mindset often masks insecurity or a fear of vulnerability. It also gives people permission to bulldoze through relationships without taking accountability. True confidence allows space for listening and reflection. Entitlement, on the other hand, shuts the door on all criticism, no matter how constructive.
6. “Trust me, I know best”
This phrase is tricky. It can come across as confidence—or even competence. But if it’s said too often, it becomes a subtle way of asserting dominance over others’ opinions. I had a university classmate who said this so frequently it became a running joke among our group. Every conversation turned into a debate and every debate ended with her insisting she was right.
Psychologist Albert Ellis referred to this type of belief as “musturbation”i.e the internal rule that one must be right, perfect, or admired at all costs. It’s not just about believing in your knowledge—it’s about needing others to accept that you’re the smartest person in the room.
7. “Thanks in advance” (used manipulatively)
“Thanks in advance” sounds polite, but when used strategically, it can be a subtle tool of manipulation. Think of someone asking a big favour, then thanking you before you’ve even agreed. It creates a sense of obligation, making it harder to say no.
I’ve seen this a lot in professional emails and meetings. The preemptive gratitude isn’t about appreciation—it’s about nudging someone toward compliance. While there’s nothing wrong with being polite, be wary of situations where “thank you” is used as a pressure tactic rather than genuine thanks.
Recognizing these phrases doesn’t mean jumping to conclusions or labeling people unfairly. We all use some of them from time to time.
The key is frequency and context. If you notice someone using these expressions repeatedly—and in ways that dismiss, belittle, or pressure others—it may be a sign of an underlying entitlement issue. Ultimately, understanding these cues isn’t just about others. It’s also a great way to reflect on how we show up in conversations ourselves.
As Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
