Are you self-centered?

1. 72

   breathe2travelposted 11 years ago

   Are you self-centered?

   replyreport
2. 39

   ChristinSposted 11 years ago

   We are all self-centered beings at times.  Anyone who claims to be completely selfless is lying and probably not a very healthy person.  Being focused on self is appropriate at times - particularly when focusing on growth, becoming stronger, overcoming obstacles like addictions for instance.  So my answer is yes, not all the time, maybe sometimes more than I should be.  I think the same can be said for most people

   replyreport
3. 84

   Catherine Kaneposted 11 years ago

   To a certain extent, we're all self centered. We all live at the center of our own personal Universes, and therefore our orientation must start out in self
   
   That doesn't mean that we can't also be caring and compassionate though. I think concern for others makes us better people.
   
   It's important to have balance between the two extremes. It's not healthy or functional to either be a totally self centered egotist or a total self martyr either

   replyreport
4. 82

   Seeker7posted 11 years ago

   Yes I can be. Not all the time. But if things or folks come along that interupt my day or plans for no good reason, then I do try a few things to get shot of them and get 'my' plans, 'my' day etc., back on schedule. It's a side of me I don't like at all, but hey, no one's perfect and I don't try to be.

   replyreport
5. 80

   Sage in a Cageposted 11 years ago

   I am not self-centred and, for me, that's nothing to be particularly proud of. I swing to the other extreme where I typically put others (even strangers) before me. Living with depression definitely affects my feelings of self-worth and has made me too eager to please and it's something I am working on within myself to maintain a healthy balance. To be a little self-centred is perfectly normal as we are all in charge of directing our own lives.

   replyreport
6. 84

   SidKempposted 11 years ago

   I've worked for many years to create a balance here. I try to make sure that everything I do is harmless and beneficial to others. That part, for me, was easy. But it led to burnout and illness, where I had to focus only on myself to stay alive. Now, I've developed a healthy attention to myself - taking care of myself so that I have more to give others.
   
   I would add that some people think they are not self-centered, but are. For example, someone devoted to patriotic causes seems not to be self-centered. But if they identify with their country, and do it because it makes them feel safe, then aren't they simply self-centered, with a larger definition of the "self" they are centered on?

   replyreport
   1. 69

      chaturrajneeshposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I liked the thought- "taking care of myself so that I have more to give others". It reminds me of a prayer in Hindi-"God give us that much so that we are not hungry and the beggar at our door should also not go back hungry".

      replyreport
   2. 72

      breathe2travelposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed- taking care of self is unselfish bc the practice fortifies your ability to relate to/care for others. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. I think the problem when we aren't loving others is that we aren't loving ourselves.

      replyreport
7. 82

   pstraubie48posted 11 years ago

   If you want me to answer honestly I will...I try not to be but I do have 'it's all about me' moments. Maybe we all do. My family is very important to me and many times their needs come before mine.

   replyreport
8. 68

   CarolineVABCposted 11 years ago

   What a very "honest" question! Yes, I can be, but it depends on the situation. For instance, if I think it is better for us (my family and I) to stay home, so that my son can focus on his homework rather than attending a family gathering, then we will do just that. Thankfully, my siblings and their families are very understanding about it. I believe, we are all "self-centered" at one point or another in our lifetime. We need to be mindful of our priorities, although on the other hand, we also need to be flexible from time to time. Hope this helps!:-)

   replyreport
9. 61

   mtdposted 11 years ago

   Unfortunately, I am self-centered. In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that I am the center of the universe. In order to be the center of the universe, there are various concession I've had to make. For instance, the sun shines out my behind. As brilliant as that might sound, it's actually quite painful. I will try to do better.

   replyreport
10. 80

    Cobrafanposted 11 years ago

    I am sometimes self-centered. I like to put others before myself but sometimes I just need to set the world aside and do what I want to do. You can't be selfless all the time.

    replyreport
11. 40

    Kayteposted 11 years ago

    No! I am not self-centered, I am God centered, my life and all that I have in my life is about God and therefore I live a God centered life. My entire being is in love with the Lord and his most high Son and the Holy Spirit. I believe that no one on earth or anywhere else can love me the way God does, which is why I am not self centered and I am indeed God Centered.

    replyreport