Signs that someone thinks they are better than you

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Hi:

I had another question and this time I want to know what the signs are that someone thinks they are better than you.

I often have a hard time reading this cue.

No two people have the same bases for morally elevating themselves above the rest. The only common theme is when someone projects expertise in a serious interest of yours, and even then it's no guarantee they're unable to see you as their equal. Asking about this can seem accusatory, so you're generally best off feigning competitiveness until you get the hints you're looking for.

_________________
"Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns, and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds."
-Georges Lemaitre
"I fly through hyperspace, in my green computer interface"
-Gem Tos

If somebody says something like 'hey, you bloody loser', it could be a clue...

Depends what way you would take it someone that is very self righteous for example.

There are phrases I have learned to look for. "Of course, I wouldn't expect YOU to ______________." "You are obviously intelligent/well-read/well-intentioned, but you are not an expert." "You will find that, when God is really in your life, you won't _________________."

Sighs, the tendency to speak as one would to a child.

Phrasing things as orders or threats, rather than requests.

Would you like some serious advice?? Don't get too good at finding it. You are going to find all kinds of people who think they are better than you-- medical professionals, social workers, teachers, therapists, average people on the street. If you don't see it, it isn't depressing. If you do see it, you stop wanting to leave your house.

Because there is nothing you can do about it. If you make a mistake, they take it as proof that you really are lesser. If you show them up, they either ignore it or become vicious. If you try to reason with them, it falls on deaf ears.

If you are going to recognize that attitude, honestly, your best bet is to learn to exploit it. Prevail upon their superiority to get the help or advice you need through flattery and pity.

It reduces the hell out of you-- but hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

They speak to you slowly, treat you like a child, or assume you don't know things that are common knowledge.
They generally make you feel ill at ease, but do not do anything to acknowledge they are aware of this, even though to you it seems obvious.
They may also put you down in front of others, request you to do things for you that you find demeaning, or that make you feel subservient to them.
They may also reject suggestions or advice you give as being inferior, incorrect (when you know it is correct) or otherwise disregard comments you make that you think are appropriate and important to consider in the context of the conversation.
In situations such as mine, you may also find that they are members of your family.

Does bringing up things that you did over a year ago count?

1. Complain about you being jealous of a close friend getting something that you did not get to do.
2. Pointing out some flaws from over a year ago

One sign I see is someone expressing their opinion in such a forceful way that they believe it's better than yours.

They ignore your warnings and advice, and then get mad at you when things go bad in exactly the way that you predicted, as if it is somehow your fault that they screwed up.

They ask for a favor in such a way that is seems as if they were doing you a favor.

They borrow your property without asking, and then act insulted when you ask for it back.

They insist that you would not have been promoted over them if it had not been for their direct intervention - and then they demand special favors in return.

They use your office, your supplies, and your computer terminal for their personal business - all without asking you first.

They expect you to drop everything and help them with transportation, meals, bill paying, and baby-sitting, without regard to any plans you may have already made.

They park in your driveway or on the street blocking your driveway.

They cut across your lawn.

They dump their trash in your yard.

They throw loud, crowded parties that spill over on to your property, and then go into a rage when you call the cops on them.

The gifts they give to you are obvious cast-offs or second-hand items.

They ask if you've taken your medication whenever you disagree with something they've said (especially when it is wrong).

They insist that experiential understanding is more "real" than knowledge derived from experimentation.

They insist that their opinions are more valid than your knowledge.

They accuse you of being part of the conspiracy that you have just finished disproving.

Twilight!! !!
Anyway, think of that episode of MLP FIM when Trixie shows off her magic and tells the ponies that she can do whatever they can do better.

Going through the message boards, I have an aunt and two cousins who seems act similar down the lines. If you happen to disagree with them on a matter, they will retaliate. For instance, they did not bother to tell me that my aunt's mother had passed away until nearly a year later. I wrote and said that I could not accept their choices. One cousin got upset and quietly unfriended me on facebook.

I also have a sister who acts very close to Fnord's description of people who think they are better than you. If you call her out on the carpet, nothing is your fault.

@ Lover of Dragon's- Yeah for sure. What about Gilda and Diamond Tiarra too?

No I don't think Discord really thinks he is better than anyone else. He is just arrogant, careless and lonely if you watch in the last season.

Chrysalis though just plain enjoyed being superior to others because she was just a mean and nasty character who probably was a bit of a sociopath. Example: The way she pretended to cry when Twilight called her out.

Yeah, I'll admit I kinda got mixed up a bit. But Silver Spoon, no doubt about it.

Phrasing things in a way that minimizes what you say. As an example, say you were discussing something with some one and they disagree with you (which, people who think they are better than you will often try to think they have more knowledge, too, even if they don't). Someone could say something like:

"Oh, well I have my experiences, and you have your opinions, which you are entitled to."

Notice how this person uses experience for themselves (which implies they have personal knowledge of a given topic), and minimizes your thoughts to just an opinion (that doesn't require personal knowledge at all), all while adding "which you are entitled to" (which implies they are right, you are wrong, but you can say what you want anyways).


People who think they are better than you will often utilize that kind of wording. They will inflate their side, while minimizing yours. And this doesn't have to be a disagreement. They can inflate their credentials, popularity, achievements, opinions, knowledge, all while minimizing yours. There never seems to be any respect. You will almost always have to look twice at first, especially if it's subtle, because something just seems slightly off. And these people can be very passive aggressive, too.