Why are we not talking about this?
What does it mean to feel entitled to someone’s attention?
It means to demand someone’s attention or special treatment without reciprocating or considering the same care.
How do you know those who have a sense of entitlement to attention?
They always expect to be checked on without returning the same energy and they get angry when you fail to.
They call you randomly at their time and expect their calls to be taken on the spot, not minding what you’re doing.
They feel they should be praised and admired always.
They love to be seen and heard always, and they like to take the lead in every conversation.
They love to receive always but hardly consider giving.
They believe others should read their minds to know when they’re happy or not when they’re in need or not, and when they have challenges. You must always be there for them.
They always want to be included, to be cared about, to be appreciated, to be given all the attention without reciprocating.
They feel they’re the only ones struggling and must be attended to at their own pace and time.
They feel bad and withdrawn if these expectations are not met.
Some feel that because you show up in the media always, you have no problem and have abandoned them.
They translate the contentment of others to mean affluence and good fortune.
They conclude that all is well with you because you’re always happy.
It’s always about them and their demands. No consideration, no reciprocation.
They fail to understand that relationships are 2-sided, that it takes two efforts, two commitments, two attractions and two leanings to make it work.
They hardly consider that if a relationship is valued, both parties need to commit to it and when there’s a communication gap, any of the parties can call.
Whose attention are you entitled to and why exactly?
Why make sil*ly comments when someone calls to catch up? ‘You have forgotten me nah’, ‘so you still have my number’, ‘na wa for you o’, ‘it is well oo’. Please, stop it!
Except you have strong reasons not to, pick up and catch up. No grudges, no hard feelings.
Nobody is a shepherd over another. Lower those expectations. Invest in a relationship you value and feel obligated rather than entitled.
Stop keeping unnecessary malice over who is calling who and who calls first. Nobody owes anybody an attention. Take responsibility for your life and appreciate any care and love you see from people.
Quit entitlement of any form. People have silent struggles and life battles. That they don’t show it doesn’t mean they don’t have it.
If you feel you’ve done so much for someone and the person is not reciprocating with enough attention, don’t grudge over it. Allow God to be the judge. He knows how to reward you.
Let’s change this mindset in 2025 and avoid losing meaningful relationships because of this attitude. Have a mindset shift and change for good.
Let’s understand life better. It’s not as deep as we take it.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu.
