Do you think a self-centered person can change?

wackidywack · 22-25

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

GunFinger · F

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

DrWatson · 70-79, M

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."

Silentpleasure · 31-35, F

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

Lilred2289 · 31-35, F

Anyone can change. But they’re unlikely to.

SwampFlower · 31-35, F

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

PhilDeep · 51-55, M

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?

SnowedIn · 46-50, M

Sure it's possible but very very unlikely.

NerdyPotato · M

Maybe, but it's difficult.

SW-User

No

Pretzel · 61-69, M

I haven't so far.

WaryWitchWandering · 36-40, F

Rare…

SW-User

No

deadteddy · 26-30, F

No

Iwantyourhotwife · 22-25

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

Starcrossed · 41-45, F

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

Convivial · 26-30, F

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

Morrigan · F

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

bijouxbroussard · F

It’s possible, but only if [b]they[/b] 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.