Self esteem is an important part of personal growth. What happens when it spills over into entitlement?
Every day I am bombarded by images both in media and real life of people who feel that they are owed something. Self confidence and hubris are two different animals. Unfortunately, they are viewed the same. Gratitude is barely even a thought. I remember once when I worked at Victoria's Secret in college, a woman wanted to cut an entire line because she was "in a hurry". Fearing a riot and out of fairness, I told her no.
"I'm on my lunch break!" she yelled.
"I understand that," I reasoned. "I can't let you cut all of these people who have been waiting."
She fumed quietly. I could see the quiet look of triumph on the faces of the other women in the line. To this day, I still can't believe the nerve of that woman. No one enjoys waiting in a line, but you can't assume you get to cut because you feel your time is more important than everyone else's. This example pales in comparison to many I have seen.
I remember once when I was about five years old; there was a toy I wanted. When my grandfather declined to buy it, I replied, "Why? You can afford it?"
This was the worst mistake of my short, misguided five year old life.
My grandfather bent down to my height and tilted his glasses to the end of his nose.
"Let me tell you something," he started. "Pay attention because I won't say it again. Your grandmother and I have money. You have nothing except what we give you. No one owes you anything. If you want something in this life, you have to work for it."
At the time, I thought he was being mean. Now I am grateful for the favor that he did me. It is because of this I have a work ethic. I know that nothing will be handed to me. Most importantly, I know to be grateful.
Entitlement is an interesting thing. In all actuality, entitlement involves two people. The next time someone you know acts this way, ask yourself one question: "Who is entitling them to act this way?"
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