Yahoo Lifestyle 8 Subtle Signs You Might Be Considered a 'Snob,' According to Psychologists
It’s a universal truth: no one is perfect. Every single person has character flaws, those traits we’re either aware of or unaware of. But most of us seem to want to better ourselves, in order to lessen or even eliminate these flaws. Sometimes, it takes a loved one, a trusted friend or words of wisdom from experts to spot unhealthy traits within ourselves.
This just might be the way that you discover that you’re a “snob,” and perhaps you didn’t know that you’re being viewed this way or you are aware and would like to change this aspect of yourself. Psychologists spoke with Parade about signs you might be considered a snob and what you can do instead.
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What Is the Definition of a ‘Snob’?
Dr. Leslie Sanders, PsyD, Program Director at AToN Center, says that a snob is someone who feels “above” or better than everyone else because of what they have.
“They have a lot of pride in themselves mostly because of things like their money, high education, family ties or other known status symbols,” she says. “They will look down on people who aren't on the same level as them, and have no problem showing their disdain and contempt toward those ‘below’ them.”
Licensed clinical psychologist Abrah Sprung, PhD, says that snobbery can result from insecurity or past trauma rather than inherent personality flaws.
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Why Is Being a Snob Considered Negative?
Dr. Sprung says that being a snob can create barriers to meaningful connections.
“It isolates you from others, making it difficult to form genuine relationships,” she explains. “People who display snobbish behavior may find themselves alone, misunderstood and disconnected because they unintentionally devalue the very qualities that make people unique and worthy of respect.”
Additionally, Dr. Sanders believes that being a snob is a negative thing simply because it’s shallow to judge people based on superficial measures, such as their money, status, who they know or how they look.
“When you think someone's worth solely depends on these things, you show an unfair and narrow way of thinking,” she says. “Everyone is worth giving respect and kindness, no matter who they are, their background or what they have.”
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8 Signs You Might Be Considered a 'Snob,' According to Psychologists
1. You judge a lot
“Snobs usually look down on people who don't match or meet their standards,” Dr. Sanders says. “If you think someone is not good enough because of shallow things like not having the latest or most expensive things, not having a high-status fancy job or not having a lot of money, it means that you care too much about surface-level stuff and only value people based on what they have, rather than who they are as a person.”
2. You expect special treatment
Dr. Sanders shares that you might expect people to treat you differently or go out of their way just for you, without you even doing anything to earn it.
“Having this attitude suggests that you think you're above others and deserve more, which can come off as entitled and snobbish,” she adds.
3. You have disdain for popular or mainstream interests
“If you tend to mock or distance yourself from things that are widely enjoyed, like mainstream movies, music or television, believing they are ‘beneath’ you, it could signal a snobbish attitude,” Dr. Sprung explains.
4. You only hang out with certain people
Do you have a tendency to only spend time with people who “meet your standards,” or those who have similar or higher levels of education, wealth or social status? And you avoid people who don’t meet your standards because your reputation might be affected? Then you’re possibly a snob.
“They have no problem excluding others and only want to be associated with those who will make them look good,” Dr. Sanders says.
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5. You have limited empathy for others’ experiences
Dr. Sprung says that at first glance, this quality might not stand out from the rest, but in actuality, difficulty in empathizing with others can be associated with a snobbish mindset.
She explains, “A snob tends to struggle to understand or connect with people who have different life experiences, viewing them as less valuable or significant.”
6. You constantly brag
If you seek to make the conversation about you, you, you, then there’s a good chance you’re a snob.
“Snobs will keep talking about themselves, their achievements and what they have,” Dr. Sanders says. “They love to remind others of how rich and successful they are and usually will do it in a stuck-up or rude way. They don't care if people feel uncomfortable about it or not, as long as they get to show off and really establish their status to the people around them.”
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7. You feel the need to prove your superiority
Dr. Sprung notes that snobs often feel compelled to showcase their intelligence, wealth or accomplishments in order to assert dominance in social settings.
8. You believe you’re always right
“A snob will believe that their opinions and ideas will always be the best, and that they can never be wrong,” Dr. Sanders says. “Since they think so highly of themselves, they may quickly dismiss or belittle other people's thoughts without even considering them. If someone questions them or points out a tiny flaw, they may easily get mad or defensive.”
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What To Do if You Suspect You Are a Snob
Dr. Sanders has several suggestions for bettering yourself if these signs point to snobbish behavior.
First of all, she recommends volunteering.
“Volunteer your time so you can help and meet people from different walks of life,” she says. “Volunteering can be an eye opener for many people. When they spend some time with the less fortunate, they discover and learn to be more empathetic and understanding toward others and how little material things actually matter at the end of the day.”
Next, in the same vein, Dr. Sanders advises exposing yourself to diverse perspectives through reading books, watching more movies and traveling to places that will immerse you in different cultures, lifestyles and viewpoints.
Thirdly, she suggests practicing gratitude, saying that every day, you can make a list of things you’re thankful for that aren’t related to status, money or expensive things.
And lastly, getting the support you need is always a good way to change this undesirable trait in yourself. Dr. Sanders says that you can ask close friends or family to gently point out if you’re being judgmental or snobbish. And you can try therapy, which she says can help you understand why you feel the need to judge others, what you can do to change this behavior and guide you toward healthier ways of thinking.
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Sources
Dr. Leslie Sanders, PsyD, Program Director at AToN Center
Abrah Sprung, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist
