By Tina Fey | September 16, 2025, 2:30 pm
Ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it?”
Well, it turns out there might be more truth to that than you think.
You see, we all have that one friend or colleague who, despite their best intentions, always seem to come off as a tad self-absorbed.
It’s not necessarily their fault because they might not even realize how their words come across.
Here’s the kicker, though: Even the most innocent phrases, when said without thought, can paint a picture of self-centeredness.
Let’s face it, nobody likes to be around someone who’s constantly blowing their own trumpet.
If you’re wondering “Am I that person? Do I unknowingly sound conceited?” stay tuned as we’re about to dive into seven things self-centered people often say without realizing just how conceited they sound:
1) “I can do it better.”
We all value competence and it’s great to be confident in your abilities.
Here’s the thing: There’s a thin line between confidence and conceit.
When you’re constantly suggesting that you can do things better than others, it can come off as a little conceited. It might seem like you’re implying that others are incompetent or their efforts aren’t good enough.
Hold on, I’m not saying you should downplay your skills but, remember, there’s a time and place for everything.
Next time, before you jump in with your “I can do it better”, take a moment. Praise the effort, acknowledge the hard work done and then offer your help or suggestion.
This way, you’re showing respect for others’ work while also contributing your expertise—a win-win!
2) “Enough about you, let’s talk about me!”
I remember being at a party once and I was having a conversation with an acquaintance; I was talking about a recent trip I’d taken and how it had been such a unique experience.
Suddenly, she interrupted and said, “Enough about you, let’s talk about me.”
Talk about a conversation stopper! This phrase is a classic sign of self-centeredness because it basically says that your stories or experiences are not as interesting or important as theirs.
It’s always good to share about ourselves, but remember, conversation is a two-way street: Show genuine interest in what others have to say, ask questions, and engage in their stories.
3) “I knew that already…”
Ah, the classic “I knew that already.” It’s a phrase that can instantly put a damper on any conversation.
It’s not always about being the first to know or proving how knowledgeable we are.
Sometimes, it’s about allowing others to share what they know and acknowledging their insights.
Imagine this: A colleague excitedly shares a new finding in a meeting, only for you to dismiss their excitement with an unenthusiastic “I knew that already.”
It can be quite disheartening, right?
The next time you’re tempted to pull out the “I knew that already” card, take a pause and consider how it might make the other person feel.
At the end of the day, everyone brings something unique to the table.
4) “I don’t need anyone’s help.”
Independence is certainly a virtue but we all need a little help sometimes, and that’s perfectly okay.
The phrase “I don’t need anyone’s help” can come off as dismissive and arrogant.
It might give the impression that you view others as inferior or less capable.
You see, admitting you need help isn’t a sign of weakness.
In fact, it can often be seen as a strength—a recognition that we’re all human, and that’s okay.
The next time you’re struggling with that research paper, or can’t quite figure out how to edit your novel, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5) “I don’t have time for this.”
Time is a precious commodity, we get it; there are only so many hours in a day and we all want to make the most out of them.
But saying “I don’t have time for this” to someone can come across as dismissive, as if their concerns or ideas are not worth your time.
Psychologists have found that people who often use this phrase might be unconsciously trying to assert dominance or superiority.
It’s a subtle way of saying, “My time is more important than yours.”
Stop for a moment and consider if there’s a kinder, more empathetic way to express your constraints.
I mean, we’re all juggling the same 24 hours and it’s about making time for others.
6) “I’m always right!”
We all love to be right, don’t we? It feels good, validating even. But here’s the thing, nobody is right all the time.
When someone constantly insists “I’m always right,” it can create a barrier in communication, and can come off as close-minded and unwilling to consider other perspectives.
But guess what? It’s okay to be wrong sometimes because it’s through our mistakes and missteps that we learn and grow.
Be open to other viewpoints and listen to their reasoning. Empathy and understanding are at the heart of any meaningful conversation.
There’s always room for varied perspectives and insights.
7) “I did it all by myself.”
There’s no denying the sense of achievement that comes from accomplishing something on your own.
But, let’s be clear: No one truly does anything entirely by themselves.
When someone constantly says, “I did it all by myself”, it can come off as dismissive of the help and support they’ve received along the way.
Whether it’s a supportive friend, a helpful colleague, or a mentor who offered valuable advice, every success is a collective effort.
The next time you achieve something big, take a moment to acknowledge those who helped you along the way. It shows humility and gratitude, qualities that are cherished both in personal and professional relationships.
Final thoughts
If you’ve found some of these phrases slipping from your lips more often than you’d like to admit, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Being self-aware is the first step towards change, and the fact that you’ve made it to the end of this article shows that you’re willing to make that change.
No one is perfect; we all have moments where we might come across as self-centered or conceited, but it’s through our willingness to learn, grow, and better ourselves that we truly shine.
The next time you catch yourself uttering one of these phrases, take a moment and reflect on how you can express yourself in a way that’s more considerate or empathetic.
It might not be easy at first—and old habits do die hard—but, with time and consistent effort, you’ll find yourself becoming a better listener, a better communicator, and ultimately, a better friend.
Story from Experteditor.com.au
Elizabeth Stamatina “Tina Fey” is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She was a cast member and head writer for the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 1997 to 2006. Wikipedia
Born: 18 May 1970 (age 54 years), Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, United States
Spouse: Jeff Richmond (m. 2001)
Children: Alice Zenobia Richmond
Education: University of Virginia Undergraduate – College of Arts & Sciences (1992) · See more
Height: 1.64 m
Books: Bossypants
