Selflessness is one of the most valuable traits that a person can have. If they desire to be accepted by society, that is. We don’t want to have to deal with a bunch of borderline narcissistic people all of our lives after all. Egocentric individuals can be difficult to be around.

Sometimes, It can seem as though all they care about is themselves.  Yes, it’s good to have a high opinion of yourself, but it can always be taken too far. 

When it is, it can be rather difficult to be around a person behaving in such a way.

If you happen to be one of those people, don’t worry. You’re more than likely not a bad person. Your behavior just needs a bit of modification.

Here are 5 ways to be less egocentric.

Be less egocentric by being considerate of others.

Remember that you are not the only person in the world. There are many other people with thoughts and feelings. Those people are important too. Show kindness to them.

Think about your own emotions and then put yourself in their shoes. If you want to feel validated and listened to, wouldn’t they as well? If you’re complaining about a bad day, don’t you think they may want to talk about their day as well?

  The point isn’t to eliminate your expectations of appraisal completely. After all, if you’re considering other people’s emotions you’re doing exactly that. It is just reversed. Instead of behaving in an egocentric manner, you are behaving selflessly instead.

You’re basically just fulfilling your role as a friend. If you get validation from them noticing you, then give them the same.

Be less egocentric by doing something nice for someone.

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Think about someone that you consider a friend. Do something nice for them.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant or anything. Something as simple as a compliment can go a long way. This will show that you will reciprocate the kindness that others give to you.

Think about how you feel when someone does something nice for you. Doesn’t it make you feel cared about and appreciated? Why not do that for others as well? Why not return the favor?

Don’t be so egocentric that you aren’t kind to those around you, and only think of yourself.

Ask about how things are going

 It can be a good idea to ask about how your friend has been doing. Simply asking about the quality of a person’s day-to-day life can show that you care about their well-being.

 It shows that you value their happiness just as much as you hope that they do yours.

Realize you are not the center of the universe

There are billions of people in the world. You are not any more important than one of them. We all are the same.

What makes you so much more special than everyone else?  Sometimes we need to get off of our high horses and put things in perspective.

Humble yourself, you’re not any better than your peers. Show them the love and compassion that you would expect for yourself.

Complement the positive attributes of others.

Although we all have our faults, there are positive traits in each of us.  Sometimes others can see things in ourselves that we cannot.

If you’re talking to someone that you care about, why not highlight the positive traits that you see in them?

It can be nice to acknowledge the good in other people. Remember, ALWAYS put yourself in another person’s shoes.

If you would like to be complimented on what you are good at wouldn’t they as well?

Unless they get uncomfortable from compliments. In which case they will likely still appreciate the sentiment.

Conclusion

It’s good to think about more than yourself. Just because we all live in our own separate worlds does not mean that we can’t try to make another person’s a little better.

Treat others the way you would like to be treated. It’s simple to do. And if implemented correctly, it can result in many positive and long-lasting friendships.