Entitlement

There is an huge emotional difference between an entitlement attitude and simply wanting something. Entitlement thinking is like the kiss of death in any relationship, and to one’s own mental and emotional growth. A sure bet for living a miserable life is believing you are entitled or that you deserve something.

You don’t. Ouch!

I referenced this in 10 Life Mistakes to Avoid.

What is entitlement exactly? In it’s simplest definition it states: the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

How does one get into this kind of thinking anyway?

The answer to that question probably has several possible reasons, however, it doesn’t really matter. The fact is, entitlement and deserving mentalities are cunning and tricky. Sometimes you have those beliefs without even knowing they are there.

Bitterness and resentment are toxins to your soul. They will eat you from the inside out. Both bitterness and resentments come from an entitlement belief system; a belief system that leaves you under the impression of being deserving.

Simply not getting what you want in life is a different story entirely. We all have things we want. We all have things we expect. Entitlement is believing that because you did or did not do something, then you are entitled to ______.

Hurt and disappointment are a natural part of life. We all encounter those things at some point during our lives, some  more than others maybe, but all of us do. Hurt and disappointment won’t destroy you or your relationships like entitlement and thinking you deserve something does.

This is tricky stuff. Someone may have truly done something that caused damage to your relationship. It may be irreparable. Are you entitled to something because of that fact?

Someone may have hurt a person you love. Your spouse may have broken a scared promise or vow. Someone may have let you take the blame for something you didn’t do. All of these things are serious and damaging to any relationship but you aren’t entitled to anything because of them.

Is this making sense to you?

Have you suffered a hurt so deep that you sometimes wonder if you’ll ever be the same again?

That must hurt terribly.

My heart goes out to you.

I get your pain.

Entitlement isn’t the answer.

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