“Hurt people hurt people” is a popular saying for a reason.
However, when we are dissatisfied, seeing others thrive may be difficult.
What it means to have a superiority complex.
Common signs to look out for:
The need to be in control.
If somebody refuses, they may respond with aggression because they feel challenged.
An overarching belief that you’re better than others.
“Grandiosity about some skills or talents is normal, especially if we really are good at them.
Epic displays of anger or contempt when others don’t recognize your talent or skill.
But for someone with a superiority complex, it’s a lot more intense.
Inability to take criticism.
That growing sense of grandiosity makes taking correction or accurate self-appraisal difficult.
Persistent low self-esteem.
There are often deep feelings of inferiority and pain that never seem to go away.
Feelings of entitlement.
Many times, they attach this to some skill or trait they believe is more valuable than others.
What causes a superiority complex?
Their superiority complex, therefore, becomes a way of giving themselves the validation that’s been withheld.
Superiority complex vs. inferiority complex.
A superiority complex and aninferiority complexare both reflections of the way we feel about ourselves.
While the former is overly confident, the latter tends to doubt their abilities,” Maurya says.
On the other hand, an inferiority complex may be always modest or downplay their achievements.
They may actually have high aspirations for themselves but potentially fear that they may not achieve them.
So, they downplay what they have achieved to lower people’s expectations of them," he explains.
How it relates to narcissism.
Narcissism also brings about a lack of empathy and an extreme need to be liked and accepted.
“They can seem similar because they can throw tantrums and show aggression.”
How to deal with it.
Dealing with someone who has a superiority complex will require quite a bit of patience and empathy.
While exercising patience and showing empathy, try not to feed into their grandiose visions of themselves.
The bottom line.
Having a superiority complex doesn’t automatically mean you’re a horrible person who should be shunned.
If you have concerns or more questions, it could be worth discussing it further with a professional.
