For every decent, kind and self-aware human being, it seems there is another who is quite the opposite. You know the ones we're referring to.
Always ready to jump the queue, strongly believe the rules don't apply to them, expect preferential treatment and demand the best freebies. They carry the shameless belief that the world owes them something.
"Do you know who I am?!" Yes, you are E-N-T-I-T-L-E-D...
This type of behavior has become so common that some would even argue that we are in the thick of an epidemic of selfishness. Entitlement doesn't always come with a flashy sign and neon lights. Sometimes it's subtle. Either way, we are surrounded by Karens and Kevins who are so out of touch with reality that the rest of us can't help but stop and stare. But while the internet has made it even easier for these individuals to broadcast their importance, it's also given us a platform to shame them for their despicable behavior. And that's exactly what we are about to do.
Bored Panda has put together a list of blatant acts of entitlement that people have had the displeasure of witnessing. From the hilariously clueless to the downright infuriating, many might give you a good reason to double-check your faith in humanity. We also look at what causes this crazy sense of entitlement in some people. You'll find that info between the images.
#1 Scratching Your Name Into Edinburgh Castle
Yes, I told the kid off and he went back to scratching. We informed the staff who called security.
Image credits: danby999
We are living in an age of entitlement. People parading their importance left, right and center. For all the world to see.
Whether they're jumping queues, demanding a seat at a restaurant without a reservation or going as far as asking, "Do you know who I am?!" (as if they've somehow forgotten their name), these Karens and Kevins believe they're better than everyone else. And they're convinced the the rest of humanity owes them something.
So why are some people able to be decent human beings while others live in a self-absorbed golden bubble, high up on a diamond pedestal?
#2 Is This Person Ransom From Knives Out
Image credits: InteractionKey2249
#3 Not Sure Why He Didn’t Lock The Door, But Still… Poor Gilbus
Image credits: Glittering_Gap_3320
According to the experts, entitlement is a narcissistic personality trait. But this doesn't mean all entitled people are narcissists. In psychology, entitlement is referred to a “a personality trait characterized by pervasive feelings of deservingness, specialness, and exaggerated expectations.” And those with a sense of entitlement believe they deserve special treatment, certain privileges, or additional resources.
"They typically believe that rules don’t apply to them. They think they deserve success, happiness, and respect without having to work for it and are often unwilling to acknowledge or appreciate the contributions of others," notes the Berkeley Well-Being Institute.
And while they can define it, the experts can't always say exactly how this sense of self-importance develops. But there are a few factors that could be at play.
For example, the environment you grew up in, the way your parents treated you, whether you solved your own problems or depended on adults to do it for you and how you were or are treated by those in charge.
#4 On Speakerphone With Multiple People For About 30 Minutes In A Small Quiet Doctor's Office
There’s literally no other noise other than from the receptionist.
Image credits: mikeemes
#5 The Main Character
Image credits: LeaveInteresting3290
#6 Vaping In Hospital Waiting Room
I swear, people can't go five minutes without sucking on their damn vape. Like. You're in a hospital? Already a no smoking zone, why would your raspberry surprise ultra be any different?
I'd say it's mild because it's only the three of us in here. But it's a public space. My grandparents used to smoke, but quit after my grandpa got lung cancer, and he was in here waiting earlier. And I have my own breathing issues. You just never really know what people are walking into the waiting room with. The least you could do is go outside or just wait and smoke later.
1/10 people would not recommend.
Image credits: Lotusflower1212
Sometimes childhood trauma can pivot a perfectly decent human being into a terribly self-absorbed person. This is because they turn to entitlement as a way to cope with their emotional pain. They might even truly believe that they deserve special treatment because of all the suffering they've endured.
And when trauma wasn't involved, an entitled person could have their parents to blame for how they now treat others. "Children who are raised by overprotective or permissive parents may be more likely to develop a sense of entitlement," explains the Berkeley site. "This is because these parenting styles may lead children to believe that they are special and deserving of special treatment, even when they have not earned it."
#7 Woman Sitting Next To Me On The Plane Stole My Complimentary Chocolate While I Was Asleep…
It’s not a big deal, but sometimes I just hate people… BE FAIR.
Image credits: Sheckelmcfeck
#8 These People Are Sitting Next To Me, Across From Their Bags
There are other people standing up with no seats. They’re not saving them, someone already asked.
Image credits: kitten451
#9 She Wanted To Get A Free Meal
Image credits: billyrko1987
Sometimes a sense of entitlement develops because of where someone grew up. Mary that lived in a mansion is more likely to believe the rules don't apply to her than Shannon who struggled in a shack. It's a theory that's backed up by research.
"Studies show that people who experienced higher socioeconomic status from childhood on are more prone to feelings of entitlement," explains the Berkeley site, adding that people who came from a lower socioeconomic background in childhood but became “upwardly mobile” express gratitude for assistance they may have received.
#10 Entitled Mom Tried To “Reserve” The Baby Name I’ve Had Picked Since I Was 12
Image credits: Brilliant-Desk-450
#11 Someone Threw A Brick Off An Overpass. I Was The Lucky Winner
Image credits: InevitableFun3473
#12 Graffiti Along Popular Hike
Just went on a quick hike that I found somewhat close to me. Still had a great time and the water in the river is nice and clear but the graffiti on all the natural areas is a bummer to see.
Image credits: LoopySteve13
If some of the posts on this listicle make you feel seen and called out, you might struggle with a sense of entitlement. Maybe you don't care (and we understand why) but if it bothers you, here's some advice...
Firstly, check yourself; know that it is possible to change. But only if you want to. The golden rule, according to the WebMD site, is to treat others the way you want to be treated. "Practicing gratitude and humility can help you become more responsible and considerate," notes the site.
#13 The Grown Women Who Kick Young Girls Off Public Pickleball Court
My daughter and her friend were playing pickleball when these Karens showed up and kicked them off because they had an “appointment”. This is a public city park court, by the way, and you can’t make reservations. My daughter begged me not to say anything.
Image credits: Puzzleheaded_Can_178
#14 He Called Me Heartless For Not Giving Up My Vacation Days So He Could Go On A Cruise
Image credits: IntelligentCapSoftly
#15 When You Bring Your Own Hose To Wash Your Car At Cemetery
He brought is own hose to attach to water line to wash his car at cemetery during father's day!! Oh and it started to rain.
Image credits: Snow-Kafe
It's also important to understand and recognize that life is not always fair. "If you’re in a situation you think is unfair, pause for a minute and think about the greater good," advises WebMD. "Is it right that because you’re paying tuition you must get a good grade? Consider how the world would look if no one else had to work for their grades."
#16 Missed Connecting Flight Because Entitled People Thought “All Bags Must Be Checked” Didn’t Apply To Them
I was on a flight and we were already delayed because the inbound flight had mechanical issues. The gate attendants announced multiple times that “all carry on’s like duffle bags and rolling luggage must be gate checked” everyone was allowed one carry on.
I watched as multiple people pushed by the flight attendant and say “no, it’s not a checked bag” while getting on our (tiny) airplane (note multiple had the little red tag clearly dangling off their bag.
Well, lo and behold, after the jetway was pulled back, the flight attendants carry 5 bags up to the front during a final safety check.
So, then we have to wait for them to bring the jetway back to the plane so they can take the five large bags and stow them under the plane. Our already 30 minute delayed flight was delayed another 30 minutes. There were multiple people that missed connecting flights, including myself. Some people literally don’t believe any rules apply to them.
Also, just as a side note, everyone should be nicer and more respectful to flight crews and gate agents.
Image credits: TigerBarFly
#17 Woman Kept Covering My Screen With Her Hair During A Flight
Image credits: thekingofyoutube
#18 This Guy Caused A Traffic Jam On The Highway Just To Record A Rap Video
Image credits: Marcellius-the-3rd
The next nugget of advice ties in with the golden rule, and it goes a little something like this: R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
"Use respect and kindness when interacting with others," advises WebMD. "Everyone is a human being with feelings and struggles of their own. Go easy on others. Be sympathetic to their needs."
And finally, just as others aren't perfect, neither are you. Learn from your f-ups. "Treat failure as a learning tool," the site suggests. "Failing isn’t the end of the world. Mistakes that were made can be corrected next time. Never stop learning, and look for value in failure."
#19 This Should Be Illegal
Only 7 miles until buddy on the left finally passed the middle guy.
Image credits: reddit.com
#20 Central Park, NYC
Image credits: Gorgulax21
#21 You're In My Chair
Image credits: lesssthan
#22 Not A Single Parking Space At Costco And Then There's This Jackoff
Image credits: Maleficent_Point_298
#23 How Teens Leave My Local McDonald's
Image credits: YaroslavSyubayev
#24 Poor Employees Had 30 Minutes To Clean An Entire Room That Looked Like This
This was basically how the entire theater was looking, the poor employees had 30 minutes to clean the entire thing before another Minecraft movie started in that same room. The popcorn was stomped into the carpet in some spots, I can’t imagine they get paid enough for this.
Image credits: SpirittDragonX
#25 Destroying A Sand Sculpture
Image credits: KHON2 News
#26 Military Discount At A Swimwear Store
Image credits: egguchom
#27 The Absolute Audacity
Image credits: Pretty_One_1398
#28 This Truck Has Been Parked In Front Of My Driveway For 8 Hours
We got new neighbors who moved in about a month ago, apparently, they run some sort of moving business. This truck has been floating around my side of the street for a few weeks, and today it was parked blocking my entire driveway. No one was home at the neighbor's house to move it either. Luckily, I was working from home today and my wife has Mondays off, so we didn't need to go anywhere.
It's currently 1030 p.m., and I need to leave the house at 430 a.m. for a site visit. I have no idea what to do if it's still there when I'm leaving.
Image credits: AlbinoStoot
#29 Bill Murray Threw Me A Rose At His Gig But Then A Guy Nearby Snatched The Flower Off It. Now I Have A Sentimental Twig
Image credits: joeChump
#30 Thanks Heather, Keep Being You
LegendaryOutlaw added:
"I always wonder how people manage to logic themselves into a position like this.
They offered free berries, I want berries, i want all the berries, I’ll just take the whole bush…now they’re saying I can’t have the whole bush? That means they’re stealing from me? If they’re stealing, then I should call the cops because they won’t let me have MY bush!"
Image credits: RosyEclipsee
#31 Shoutout To This Guy Who Took Off On His Jet Ski And Left His Truck Right Here
Image credits: schizeckinosy
#32 At Least A Dozen People Had To Walk Through Her Legs And She Didn’t Move
Image credits: Luckydog12
#33 Entitled Woman Parked On My Driveway And Went To Work
Image credits: ControlConscious6942
#34 Lady Covers Seat With “Seat Bag” - Tray Table Cannot Be Opened
Image credits: island_architect
#35 Lent Someone Money 3 Years Ago. Got Paid Back Today
Lent someone money 3 years ago. Got paid back today in 30 lbs of unrolled change.
Image credits: CanadianBudd
#36 Neighbour Thinks I Should Be Ashamed And Embarassed Of Myself For Parking On The Street In Front Of Their Home
Ever since my mum left a note on my neighbour's car (around 4 weeks ago) asking if they could move it back as it was blocking our driveway, I've since started to get notes on my windscreen about parking on the street in front of their home.
This is their 4th note, after I told them that I would continue to park based on availability, as it is a public space.
There's limited parking in my street, so I sometimes need to park in front of their home. It all depends on availability, and I've been doing it for well over 6 months... So I don't know...
The aggressive double-sided tape is what infuriates me the most. They've added more tape each time, and the messages have gotten more passive-aggressive (well, now it's more of a personal attack).
I'm already having a rough month from burnout at work, and this was just the icing on the cake ahhhhhhhh.
Image credits: aergiaaa
#37 This Awful Person
Image credits: Silent_but_diddly
#38 My Mom Ate All The Icing Off Of The Cake Because She "Didn't Think Anyone Else Would Want Any Since It Was So Dry"
Guess she couldn't wait until morning to ask me.
Image credits: disaster-by_max
#39 I Work As A Cart Pusher And People That Do This Are Annoying. Put The Damn Cart In The Slot Its Suppost To Go In, How Lazy Can You Be
Image credits: XanderJC1
#40 Target Stacy
Image credits: KTeax31875
#41 Car Dealership Blocking The Sidewalk With Their Cars
Dog and I had to turn around, there was too much traffic on the road to walk around the cars in the gutter.
Image credits: csbenson1997
#42 My Gym Buddy Thinks Its Okay To Put His Stuff On Dumbbell Rack
Image credits: snaxsyss
#43 Going On A Flight Alone, Got The Middle Seat Because It’s The Only One They Had… Never Again
Did I try pushing them away? Absolutely. At least 5 times. Did they end up leaning on me again after a few minutes? Yes!
Image credits: mischitato
#44 Can't Believe I Have To Walk All The Way Around
Image credits: Chemical-Victory1205
#45 Or He Could Use His Phone Like A Phone And Hold It To His Ear
Image credits: dollar15
#46 Let My Uncle Borrow My Guitar, Had It Returned In This Condition
So my uncle, who lives in another state, came to visit my town a couple of weeks ago, and was staying with my grandma. He loves to play guitar and didn’t bring his, so he asked if he could play mine while he was in town. I agreed and dropped it off there, and left it until today, after he went back home about a week and a half ago. My grandma returned it to me, and it looked like this. I immediately asked what happened to it, but she was just as shocked as I was and didn’t know, so I called my uncle. He also didn’t know, told me it didn’t look like that when he left it. I believe them, and I’m not too bothered about it, but I just wanna know what happened to it. I don’t even know what this stuff is.
Image credits: pickleball39
#47 I Left A Towel At My Brother’s House. I Guess He Can Keep It Now
Image credits: Prince_Breakfast
#48 How The Roommate Leaves The Bathroom Sink. That, For Some Reason, Barely Drains
Image credits: Effective_Compote_53
#49 Cb Bride Just Needs A Few Small Things For Her Wedding Next Month. Oh And Btw, Her Budget Ran Out
Found in the wedding shaming sub. Some of these are fine, like the extra plates and cutlery, but some of these items are so expensive that she's asking complete strangers to give her or let her "borrow". A Cricut is a crafting machine that costs a couple of hundred dollars, and chairs or a couch, sound equipment, a tent or a large umbrella, smoke and light machines, etc., aren't cheap either. Still, it's the "extra" unopened wine for me.
Image credits: MyKinksKarma
#50 My Neighbor Keeps Leaving His Water Jugs Outside Of My Apartment
Two people live in the apartment across the hall and they refuse to take their water jugs to the dumpster outside. No idea why they even go through this many water jugs in the first place.
Image credits: virtualzebra1
