Jade Small
Jade Small
December 9, 2024 ·  4 min read

10 red flags of an arrogant individual (and 10 easy ways to deal with them)

Arrogant people can be a challenge to deal with. Their behaviors often make conversations feel exhausting, relationships strained, and daily interactions less enjoyable. If you’ve ever felt drained by someone’s overbearing attitude or dismissive behavior, you’re not alone. But how can you spot arrogance and, more importantly, handle it effectively? Here’s a guide to recognizing the signs and dealing with them confidently.

They Dominate Every Conversation

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Arrogant people tend to take over discussions, cutting others off or steering the topic toward themselves. They crave attention and will often disregard others’ contributions to remain in the spotlight. This makes group interactions frustrating and alienating for everyone involved.

They Struggle to Admit Mistakes

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Owning up to their faults isn’t something arrogant individuals do well. Instead of apologizing, they may deflect blame, act as though nothing happened, or even argue until you feel like you’re in the wrong. This unwillingness to take accountability reveals their fear of vulnerability.

Their Opinions Reign Supreme

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Arrogant people often see their preferences—whether about movies, politics, or restaurants—as superior to everyone else’s. They belittle differing views and demand that their choices prevail, making it difficult to find common ground with them.

They Undermine Others to Feel Superior

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Criticizing others is a hallmark of arrogance. Instead of offering constructive feedback, they nitpick flaws to make themselves look better. Past mistakes are often weaponized, ensuring that others are kept in their place while they maintain the upper hand.

They Embellish Their Lives with Lies

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To appear more impressive, arrogant individuals often exaggerate or fabricate details about their lives. From claiming extravagant vacations to inventing celebrity encounters, they use deception to cultivate an aura of superiority.

They Reject Feedback

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Arrogant people have difficulty handling constructive criticism. They may react defensively or dismiss comments altogether, assuming that any feedback undermines their intelligence or abilities. This rigidity makes growth nearly impossible for them.

They Exhibit Extreme Competitiveness

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For some arrogant people, everything is a contest. Whether it’s a casual board game or a professional project, they approach situations with aggressive competitiveness. This often leads to unnecessary conflict and fractured relationships.

They Can’t Handle Things Not Going Their Way

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Arrogant individuals often lash out when faced with setbacks. Their inability to adapt or compromise reveals their controlling nature and lack of flexibility, making it challenging to navigate everyday interactions with them.

They Dismiss Others’ Perspectives

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Listening isn’t their strong suit. Arrogant people frequently interrupt others or disregard their input, prioritizing their own voice over meaningful conversation. This dismissive behavior can feel invalidating and alienating.

They Use Others as Stepping Stones

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In their pursuit of success, arrogant people often exploit others, disregarding their contributions or feelings. Whether it’s cutting in line or belittling coworkers, their actions highlight a lack of respect for those around them.

How to Handle Arrogant People

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While dealing with arrogance can be draining, these strategies can help you maintain your confidence and composure.

Call Out Their Behavior

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When an arrogant person oversteps, calmly address their actions. Highlighting their rudeness in a non-confrontational way can encourage reflection and, over time, better behavior.

Stay Patient and Composed

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Patience is key. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and arrogant individuals may revert to old habits even after showing progress. Your calm approach can help set a better tone for future interactions.

Use Credible Sources to Counter Their Claims

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When arrogance manifests as misinformation, present facts to counter their arguments. Using evidence helps establish your position without resorting to unnecessary conflict.

Avoid Engaging with Their Drama

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Sometimes, the best approach is disengagement. Stepping back from their provocations can save your energy and prevent unnecessary arguments.

Stand Your Ground

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If they try to overshadow you, assert yourself. Politely but firmly demand the respect you deserve by finishing your thoughts and refusing to let them interrupt.

Offer Kindness Instead of Criticism

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Instead of escalating conflicts, kill them with kindness. Empathy can disarm arrogant individuals and open the door to more meaningful interactions.

Find Ways to Redirect the Focus

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Arrogant people thrive on attention. Redirecting conversations toward mutual interests or group discussions can reduce their dominance without outright confrontation.

Know When to Walk Away

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If their behavior becomes too toxic, prioritize your well-being by limiting your interactions. Sometimes, the healthiest choice is stepping away entirely.

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