Selfish people usually reveal themselves quickly once you stop making excuses for them. A few traits stand out:

• They take but rarely give. Your time, energy, or kindness becomes a resource for them, not a shared exchange.
• They center every story. No matter what you’re going through, they bring it back to themselves.
• They disappear when you need them. Support is one-sided — they expect you to show up, but vanish when the roles reverse.
• They confuse boundaries with rejection. The moment you say no, they act offended or try to guilt you.
• They see relationships as transactions. What matters is what they gain, not what you both build together.

The painful part is realizing that selfishness isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it hides behind charm, flattery, or even “helpfulness” — but only when it benefits them.

✨ A good reframe: Selfish people teach you the value of choosing better company. They remind you not to pour endlessly into someone who brings you an empty cup in return.