Loving Someone Who Has A Superiority Complex

Have you noticed how men and women blessed with "good looks" think that the only reason anyone could ever - ever love them or hate them is because of their good looks?

If you say or do anything they don't like -- even something unrelated to their looks - it's because you're jealous; envious and resent them for possessing something you want but don't have. If you open your heart to them and try to love them even when everybody else won't, they say it's because of their good looks. If you feel you've had enough of "it" and end the relationship, they say it's because you feel threatened by their good looks.

Every damn thing is about their good looks!

Of course "geniuses" say the same about their "brains", rich people say that about their money, successful people say the same things about their success, and everybody else says whatever about whatever it is they feel makes them a cut above the rest. Even a house cat looking in a mirror thinks the lion must be jealous, envious and resentful because a lion doesn't have a mirror!

But what makes some people think that they are "better" than others; makes them act like they own the world; and makes them feel like every thing they say or do is right?

Some would call it a superiority complex.

Merriam-webster's definition of superiority complex is:

"an exaggerated opinion of oneself"

Wikipedia describes it as:

" a subconscious neurotic mechanism of compensation developed by the individual as a result of feelings of inferiority. The feelings of inferiority in this specific complex are often brought on by real or perceived social rejection.

Uncyclopedia calls it a difficult disorder to deal with:

"Sometimes, these feelings can go as far as to cause those affected to act as if they are on a golden pedestal, and everyone else is peasant scum. In many cases this is true, but if anything this makes it all the more irritating for those around them. Many sufferers simply cannot control their own boasting, and may suffer chronic migraines due to their incredibly swollen heads. And this isn't a metaphor, their brains are often so big their heads are literally swollen up to fit it all in. Poor uplifted souls."

My translation -- these people have SERIOUS ISSUES!

So they have issues, but how do you deal -- on a day to day basis -- with that irritating and really annoying pretentious, self-righteous, egotistic or snobby relative, friend, co-worker, partner or new man or woman you just met and want to get to know?

There are three ways you can deal with people who act like they are better than everybody else.

1. One way is roll your eyes, show them the palm of your hand and say, "Pull-ease!" Then ignore, avoid or totally cut them off from your life. This one is probably the easiest of the three ways of dealing with these types of people.

But that doesn't help if you are in daily contact with this person -- or even like and love the person. That's lots and lots of eye rolling, palm showing and ease-pulling!

2. Another way is unmercifully hit them on their weaknesses, painful past and anything to expose them for what they really are and reduce them to nothing. That'll bring them back down to earth. And when the tears start rolling down his or her face, gleefully rub your hands. Mission accomplished!

But there is a problem here too. This won't do you any good. Some of these people are so deluded that they'll just think you're jealous and envious -- and yes, have an inferiority complex. Even worse, most of these "superior" individuals have become such experts at putting others down, that they'll hit you back so hard that you might find yourself not just down on earth but trying to dig a hole in ground -- with your teeth. Trust me, I've been there.

The other downside is that if you're a naturally good-hearted person (superiority complex?) you'll end up feeling like a monster for making such a good looking or intelligent or rich or sweet or whatever [superior] person feel small!

3. The best way is come to terms with the fact that you are dealing with an oversized ego that is out-of-control, so you're not likely to get the person to change his or her behavior. The only thing that you can change is your reaction.

1- Look the person in the eye

When that oversized ego starts going out of control, respond with a slow nod, look them hard in the eye, slightly narrow your eyes and then slowly shake your head side to side. A direct steady gaze that says "I see you for who you really are" given with meaning, conviction and understanding speaks subtly but directly to those insecurities they're trying to compensate for.

2- Use the person's [first] name emphatically -- and as often as you possibly can

Example: "Christine, You're not serious!" "Did you really have to, Christine?" "Christine, do you really believe what you are saying?"

When you address people by their names, you not only take control and command their attention, you make the person real -- living and breathing. It's like, saying "I am talking to you. Yes, YOU!"

3- Challenge the person's "pedestal" position -- and not their person

People with big egos are usually so full of themselves that they don't think anyone could possibly challenge them. When you disagree or challenge them they get pissed off with you.

Don't get sucked into confronting ego with ego (personal attacks), remember theirs is oversized and out of control, you have no chance of winning here. Instead of striking back at the person, confront the concept or perception they represent to you.

Example: "There is more to life than [looks, money, success etc], Meg" "What do you base that on, Matt?" "Kim, you and I clearly see things from a very different view and that is perfectly fine."

The whole point is not to go for the throat or try to embarrass them or demonize them but to highlight the flaws in their thinking or attitudes, or gap in their knowledge or competence.

4- Be direct and assertive

Oversized egos as you now know are not about a healthy dose of confidence, self-worth or self esteem, but rather about insecurity, compensation and fear. To counter these unhealthy tendencies from a place of strength and healthy ego, take a no-nonsense direct communication approach.

Example: "Enough with the attitude, Jackie" "You're acting like a jerk, Scott" "Get a life, Kelly!"

A gentle but firm rebuke as difficult as it is and as unacceptable as it is in "polite" society is actually a loving gesture -- PLUS it puts that oversized ego in its place!

I can't end this article without saying this: We all have egos, and as a consequence we all have the potential to act with a superiority complex once in a while. I hope that you'll love me enough to do 1, 2, 3 and 4 when my ego gets out of control.

But don't do it just because you are jealous of my "good looks!"