What is the Difference Between Selfish and Self Centered?

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The difference between selfish and self-centered lies in the degree of focus on one's own needs and desires, and the impact it has on others. Here's a comparison of the two terms:

  • Self-centered: This term refers to someone who is excessively focused on their own needs, wants, and interests, often at the expense of others' feelings, rights, or boundaries. A self-centered person may be more fulfilled and have greater resources and motivation to reach outwards. They may be dominant in conversations, try to be superior, and prioritize themselves in various situations.
  • Selfish: This term implies a lack of consideration for other people and involves being self-serving without regard to or at the expense of the welfare of others. Selfishness can be harmful to others, as it involves being unkind and uncaring, prioritizing oneself, and neglecting others. Selfish individuals may fear that helping someone might cause them to lose resources and affect their goals.

In summary, while both self-centered and selfish individuals focus on their own needs and desires, selfishness involves a greater disregard for the well-being of others and can have more negative consequences.

Comparative Table: Selfish vs Self Centered

Here is a table comparing the differences between selfish and self-centered:

Characteristic Selfish Self-Centered
Concern for others Lacks concern for others, only focused on oneself Not preoccupied with others' needs and feelings, focused on own affairs
Impact on others Actively takes action that may negatively affect others Passively affects others due to lack of awareness or preoccupation with self
Empathy Lacks empathy, understanding of others' feelings May have empathy but doesn't prioritize others' feelings
Social connections Difficulty maintaining connections due to lack of empathy and focus on self May have difficulty maintaining connections due to preoccupation with self
Motivation Prioritizes own happiness, welfare, and benefits at the expense of others Prioritizes own happiness, welfare, and benefits without actively neglecting others
Connotation Negative, associated with unkind and uncaring behavior Neutral to negative, associated with self-preoccupation and potential lack of empathy

In summary, selfish people lack concern for others and actively prioritize their own needs and desires at the expense of others, while self-centered people are preoccupied with their own affairs and may not actively prioritize others' needs and feelings.