Are you doing most of the talking, most of the time? It's time to remember that it's not all about you.

When we are going through a crisis, a bit of a rough patch or we simply have a lot going on, it can be easy to get caught up in our own little world.

It can be easy to become a little (or a lot) self-absorbed.

I’m sure we’re all guilty of this at some point, but what happens when we get so focused on our own lives that we neglect the people around us.

Here are some things to look out for so that it’s not all about you.

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Doing all the talking

When you catch up with friends, do you take notice of who is doing all the talking?

Conversations are more intimate, fun and interesting when they are two-sided exchanges, instead of one person talking about themselves for hours.

If you are doing all of the talking, you are not taking the other person into consideration. You are not allowing them to add their input.

While it can be wonderful to have someone to listen to us, try not to monopolize the conversation.

Make sure your friends can express their thoughts and feelings openly as well.

If a friend does start talking about what is happening in their life, give them the floor for a while.

Don’t cut them off after a couple of minutes and then go back to talking about yourself.

Related content to help with your conversations 

Being asked all the questions

If your friend, family member or work colleague is asking questions about how you are, make sure you return the favor.

There is a big chance that if they are asking all of the questions, you are having a one-sided conversation.

Show a genuine interest in what other people are involved in.

Related post20 Ways to Show Genuine Interest in People’s Lives

Your problems are bigger

I know it sounds odd, but some people seem to be competing to have the biggest problem.

Remember the movie, Shirley Valentine? There is a classic scene where Shirley is talking about her neighbor by saying, ‘If you’ve got a headache; she’s got a brain tumor’.

Certain people, through their own insecurities, like to up the ante, so that their problems are always worse than yours.

The truth is there will be times when your problems are bigger.

You could be going through a death in the family or a significant loss. This is when we need our friends the most. It is important to be there for each other during these difficult times.

The key is to make the support reciprocal.

Related post – How to Maintain Your Self-Confidence During Times of Adversity

You think your friends are mad at you

This one is a bit of a double-edged sword because if you are acting out the above behaviors, talking about yourself and showing no interest in your friend’s lives, they could be mad at you.

On the other hand, you might simply be focusing too much on yourself. If someone is upset, your first thought is it somehow relates back to you.

People have a lot going on in their lives, so there is a high chance this isn’t the case. Ask them how they are and you might quickly discover that they have a lot of issues on their plate, all which have nothing to do with you.

Need help with your friendships? These books can help.

You have no idea your friends are mad at you

The other side of the spectrum is that you have no idea your friends are mad at you.

You are so wrapped up in yourself, you are totally oblivious to their feelings.

If any of the above points hit home or made you feel a tad uncomfortable reading, it could be a sign that you are a bit absorbed in your own world.

Stop being the center of attention and start showing interest in other people. Ask people questions and honestly care about what they have to say in return.

Related post – 5 Communication Mistakes That Can Mess with Your Life

It’s not all about you

None of us are the center of the universe. We live in a world where we need to converse, interact and relate to other people.

Your life is important- there is no doubt about that. You need to focus on your own life but you can still do that while taking other people into consideration.

Take the time to be interested in other people and remember – it’s not all about you.

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