I’ve spent countless hours diving into the depths of psychology to understand unspoken cues because not all judgments are spoken out loud.
Sometimes, people subtly show that they think they’re above you.
From condescending compliments to subtle dismissals, these quiet signs can reveal when someone believes you’re not on their level, even if they never say it outright.
Identifying when someone quietly thinks you’re not on their level can be tricky. They may not say it outright, but their actions and attitudes can speak volumes.
In this piece, I’m going to share with you some signs that someone might be subtly implying they’re out of your league, according to psychology.
1) Constant comparison
We all compare ourselves to others from time to time. It’s human nature. But when someone consistently and subtly compares you to others, it could be a sign they think they’re on a different level.
They may never directly say “I’m better than you,” but their comparisons might reveal that they believe they’re superior in some way.
And it doesn’t just stop at their accomplishments or abilities. They may also draw comparisons about your lifestyle, choices, or even your values.
Watch out for these subtle digs. They often come disguised as casual remarks or innocent observations, but the underlying message is clear: “I don’t think we’re on the same level.”
Don’t mistake this for constructive criticism or friendly banter. While those can be healthy and productive, constant comparison is neither.
It’s more about them trying to assert dominance than trying to help you improve.
So, the next time someone constantly compares you with others, take a moment to consider what they might be really trying to say.
2) Frequent interruption
Interruption is a common sign someone might think they’re above you.
If you find your conversations are frequently cut short by their interjections, it could imply they don’t value your input as much as theirs.
This isn’t about the occasional interruption when excitement or eagerness gets the better of them.
It’s about consistent interruptions, the kind where they seem to believe their thoughts and ideas are more important than yours.
They might talk over you, change the subject abruptly, or simply ignore what you’re saying. These are all signs they may not respect your opinion and see themselves as superior.
Keep in mind, we all interrupt now and then. But continuous interruption is a red flag to watch out for.
3) Lack of genuine interest
From my personal experiences, I’ve noticed a distinct lack of genuine interest can indicate when someone thinks they’re on a different level.
It’s subtle, but if you pay attention, you’ll notice they don’t really engage with your stories or experiences. They might give you a polite nod or a half-hearted “mm-hmm,” but they’re not truly invested in the conversation.
It’s as if they believe your experiences or interests are beneath them, not worth their time or attention. You find them frequently checking their phone or glancing around the room while you’re talking.
In contrast, when someone respects and sees you as an equal, they show genuine interest in your life and your ideas.
They listen attentively, ask follow-up questions, and show empathy towards your experiences.
4) They dismiss your struggles and achievements
A key sign that someone might think they’re on a different level is when they dismiss your struggles and achievements.
This is particularly noticeable if you’re someone who values mental toughness and resilience.
For instance, you might be sharing about a tough situation you overcame, only to have them brush it off as something trivial.
Or perhaps they downplay your achievements, making them seem less significant than they truly are.
In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I talk about the importance of acknowledging both our struggles and our victories as crucial parts of personal growth.
However, if someone sees themselves as superior, they might not recognize your journey in the same light.
They might think their own challenges are far greater or that their accomplishments outshine yours. This dismissive attitude can be disheartening, but remember, your journey is unique and valuable.
Don’t let anyone else’s perception diminish that.
5) They praise you excessively
This might sound counter-intuitive. After all, we often associate praise with respect and admiration.
However, excessive praise can sometimes be a sign that someone sees themselves as superior.
If someone is constantly showering you with compliments, it may feel great at first. But if it’s over-the-top and comes across as insincere, it could mean they’re trying to keep you in a lower position.
It’s as if they believe you need their validation to feel good about yourself, reinforcing the idea that they’re above you. They often think they are doing you a favor by giving you encouragement or boosting your confidence.
But, genuine praise is different from flattery. The latter can be a subtle way of asserting dominance and can indicate that they think they’re not on the same level as you.
6) Lack of eye contact
Research says that eye contact plays a vital role in communication. It shows that we’re engaged and that we respect the person we’re talking to.
However, if someone often avoids making eye contact with you, it could suggest they think they’re above you.
When interacting, they might look around the room, check their phone, or just stare blankly at a point beyond your shoulder.
This lack of direct eye contact can suggest a lack of respect or interest in what you have to say.
Of course, some people might struggle with eye contact due to shyness or social anxiety.
But if you notice this behavior consistently and only directed towards you, it could indicate that they don’t see you on their level.
7) They rarely ask for your opinion
Over the years, I’ve noticed one common sign that someone thinks they’re on a different level: they rarely ask for your opinion or input.
They make decisions, big or small, without considering your viewpoint. It’s as if they feel your thoughts or suggestions aren’t valuable or worthwhile.
In meetings or group discussions, they might go ahead with their ideas without seeking your contribution.
In personal situations, they might make plans that affect you without asking how you feel.
This can be quite frustrating, especially when you have relevant insights to offer. It doesn’t just imply a lack of respect; it’s a clear sign they see themselves as superior.
8) They make you feel small
The last, and perhaps the most telling sign that someone thinks they’re on a different level, is when they make you feel small.
Their behavior, words, and attitude might leave you feeling insignificant or inferior.
They might belittle your ideas or trivialize your experiences. They may even patronize you in front of others or use subtle jabs to make you feel less competent.
These actions are not only disrespectful but also indicative of their perceived superiority.
If someone consistently makes you feel small or less than, it’s a clear sign they think they’re not on the same level as you.
Everyone deserves respect and nobody should make you feel small or inferior.
If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t be disheartened. Instead, harness your mental toughness to navigate these challenges.
In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I provide practical insights on how to develop resilience and stand your ground, even when faced with such difficult dynamics.
So, keep learning, keep observing, and most importantly, remember your worth is not defined by someone else’s perception of you.
