The Entitlement Paradox: Understanding Self-Worth and Reality
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Chapter 1: The Setup
Before we dive in, let’s discuss a little something about the title. Did you catch the “Part 2”? It’s almost as if I’m trying to mimic a certain well-known retailer. Feel free to comment as you wish — the more dramatic, the better!
If you stick around until the end, you’ll see why Jane is often perceived as quite unpleasant.
So, why is that?
You might think it’s due to her charming demeanor or her dependability. Her community service and generous spirit paint a picture of a commendable individual. In fact, it would be challenging to pinpoint a reason for labeling Jane as awful.
Let me clarify.
I once asked her out, and she turned me down.
Oh, the audacity!
The sheer nerve!!!
Indeed, I’ve heard this argument before, but allow me to elaborate and demonstrate why Jane truly deserves the negative label.
At its core, I believe I am worthy. That’s my only evidence.
Not convinced?
Well, that’s your prerogative! I see no need to further convince you, much like an elephant wouldn’t care about a lion claiming the title of king of the jungle!
It all boils down to my assertion of worthiness. Hence, I feel entitled to a date with Jane.
When Jane declined, she was denying me what I believe I deserve.
Therefore, Jane is indeed awful.
Isn’t that a ludicrous conclusion?
Absolutely.
So, are you curious if I genuinely feel entitled to Jane's company?
The answer is a resounding no.
This entire scenario is laced with self-deception. It took me a moment to adopt the mindset of someone with such a sense of entitlement.
If Jane were a real person, she would be under no obligation to want to date me, marry me, or engage with me in any capacity. She can refuse my advances for any reason without needing to justify her decision.
However...
We find ourselves facing a dilemma — she should be compelled to say yes to me.
Why, you ask?
Because I claim I’m worthy of it.
When Self-Worth Meets Reality
I intentionally chose this example to evoke an emotional response. The notion of feeling entitled to a date — or anything else, for that matter — is utterly absurd.
We both recognize this, don’t we?
But in a world where everyone insists they are “worth it,” how can such absurdity exist?
If we are all aware of our worth and love ourselves, how can anyone ever reject us for any reason?
Jane has the right to decline my proposal.
In fact, Jane does turn me down.
But that must imply something about Jane, right?
Because I am worthy.
I’m serious about this notion. How can someone who believes they are fantastic face rejection without concluding that the fault lies with the other person? If I am flawless, then surely it’s you who has the problem!
But what does this situation tell us?
This Issue Extends Beyond Dating
We can all relate to the idea of entitlement in romantic pursuits, which is why I crafted the example of Jane and myself. While this scenario is fictional, it reflects the reality experienced by many individuals repeatedly.
We are witnessing the extreme end of the entitlement era, where “I’m worth it” seems to dominate discourse. You’ve likely noticed the increasing prevalence of self-obsession, inflated self-esteem, and exaggerated self-worth in everyday life.
Perhaps you’ve also observed the surge in discussions surrounding self-care, the dismissing of others’ opinions, and various steps we are encouraged to take to liberate ourselves from the unrealistic standards society imposes, allowing us to discover our true selves.
And it’s only getting worse. Take, for instance, this review of The Boys Season 2 on Amazon Prime:
It appears that the reviewer genuinely believes a single star rating will significantly impact Amazon. They seem convinced that their viewing experience is drastically altered by the show's weekly release format.
Yet, we must remember — this reviewer feels entitled. They expect a streaming service to adhere to their preferred schedule, regardless of Amazon's need for profit.
Check out the one-star reviews on Amazon Prime; they reflect a similar mindset.
Indeed, everyone feels they are entitled.
I Was Right; You Really Are Awful
The concept of self-worth itself isn’t inherently negative. Feeling worthy, rather than worthless, is vital, and many individuals have struggled with feeling unworthy.
However, while healthy self-esteem is beneficial, we’ve crossed into a realm of excessive self-aggrandizement.
In the next installment, we will delve into the male perspective in the dating world, examining their sense of entitlement and pondering how they arrived at this mindset. And I’m not referring to patriarchal influences.
About Me
I write for your applause. I welcome your comments — they keep me grounded in my writing.
I’m always eager to discover new ideas, so feel free to share your work.
Followers may be scarce (hint, hint).
As always, I appreciate your time.
Chapter 2: The Videos
In the video "It's Time To Stand Up Series Part 2 | Jentezen Franklin," the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing our worth and standing firm in our beliefs, challenging the notion of entitlement in various aspects of life.
The second video, "Not In It To Win It, Part 2: Shine // Andy Stanley," addresses the dangers of self-centeredness and emphasizes the need for genuine connection and humility in our interactions with others.