Do you think a self-centered person can change?

I'll ask my husband. Give me a sec.

Many will not.

But I have seen incredible changes people make in themselves once they are forced to confront their own behavior.

Any 12-step meeting is full of people who have turned their lives around. And that is not just a matter of abstaining from an addictive substance or behavior. The 12 steps include making a searching moral inventory of oneself, making amends to others, and finding a new way of living.

Likewise, I have known people who have experienced a religious conversion that brings out a much more generous person than the one I knew previously.

But what will not work is someone saying, "I can change that person." Or, "I am sure they will change for me."

Anyone can change. But they’re unlikely to.

Certain mental illnesses, when untreated, can make people self centered. Some are recoverable and some aren't (like npd, aspd, etc).

Yes, it's happened and it's documented, but it's rare. If something so huge (and often horrible) happens to them that literally makes them re-evaluate their entire life, I think it can happen; extremely unlikely otherwise, frankly. Besides that maybe at least a decade of extremely regular and well-guided therapy might help, if what they have is basically a reaction to upbringing or circumstances in early life?

Sure it's possible but very very unlikely.

Maybe, but it's difficult.

No

I haven't so far.

Maybe to an off centered person when I push them down 🤣

Rare…

No

No

Yes, in some ways if they are dedicated enough to making change. Many won't have that drive and dedication.

Not until they are shaken to the point that they realize they're not really that special and have to give up sometimes as well

unless they encounter some sort of traumatic or life changing event, no

Unfortunately no. Been in that situation.

Nope

Rarely

Their love of self can only grow, consuming all around them

It’s possible, but only if they consider it important enough to change. I’ve seen some really selfish people display amazing selflessness, when they had a child they loved, for example.

It can happen. So can winning the lottery.

With a baseball bat .... maybe

No, 20+ years later and he is just as self centred and selfish as ever

Yes, just introduce some hardships and it does wonders to humble a person and direct their attention outwards, is my hypothesis